Chatty Cathy is a doll made by Mattel from 1959-1965. Chatty Cathy spoke one of eleven phases at random when a ring aka “chatty ring” was pulled from the upper back of the doll. This string was connected to a simple record in the dolls abdomen which was driven by a metal coil wound by the toys string.Some of the phases included “I love you” or “Lets Play School”, others were added in versions from 1963 onwards which increased the number of phases to 18.

The voice unit in Chatty Cathy was designed by Jack Ryan who was the head of r & d at Mattel and had also been responsible for designing the Barbie doll.

Originally Chatty Cathy had blonde hair and blue eyes, a brunette and auburn haired versions were introduced in 1962 and 1963 along with an African American version.

In the six years Chatty Cathy was on sale is was the second most popular doll toy after Barbie, (also made by Mattel) following the success of Cathy, Chatty Baby was introduced in 1962 and others Tiny Chatty Baby and Charmin Chatty in 1963.

In the 1970’s the dolls were redesigned and re-marketed they were very different in appearance. The versions continued and in 1984 Chatty Patty and special edition were marketed. In 1998 and 2001 special editions to resemble the 1960 look of Chatty Cathy which could only be found in speciality toy and doll stores and had the premium price tage of $99.