Most of the McDs here in Washington have eliminated the playlands, I think because of children getting hurt on the outdoor-toys, to many lawsuits because parents can't watch their own children-- (what I've seen) most just let their children run a muck and don't supervise them. I see it at Burger Kings that have playlands also!
Most fast food restaurants are wanting to target the safitcated diners and I love the new designed decor and the level of excellence that some places are leaning towards
You just don't see these other McDonald's characters around anymore (at least I haven't at any Mickey D's here in Massachusetts). In fact, you barely see Ronald himself these days. The playgrounds are prety much gone, too. I think it's because we, as a nation, are starting to grow up (we're leaving many of our old childhood things behind; that is what people do when they're growing into adulthood). I also noticed more salads and other healthy choices at McD's, along with Starbucks-type coffees.
You say "we're leaving many of our childhood things behind; that is what people do when they're growing into adulthood". There are still children born everyday! Maybe that is why today's children are murdering each other, why children are easily addicted to drugs, and children are having children! Maybe we shouldn't rush our children to skip their childhood just so they can become cigarette-smoking, wife-beating, alcoholic adults. Let them enjoy their childhood while it lasts!
@BrooklynChivalry Actually, I agree with you right there. I despise the new tyranny that forces children to grow up too fast. In fact, I take back that part about our nation "growing up" and I'll try to re-phrase it. We, as a nation, scowl at childhood because we turned into a business-culture. We think we're becoming grown-up and sophisticated when we're really becoming uptight, anal-retentive and striving. Sorry about my badly constructed points; I gotta work on them some more!
@SpectrumChris Actually, Grimese & Burgerler Appeared in the middle of 2009,While Ronald & Sundae (his dog) Were in a Feburary 2011 Commercial with kids hopping on pogo sticks that aired through March I think.
But I kinda agree with you about the playgrounds,because if you get something broken Mcdonalds will no longer support the item :\
I know for a fact that a Greek-American guy played Ronald in most of the 70's national televised ads! Not King Moody (who played Shtarker on Get Smart)!
@pnice000: Ya, as a 40-year old, looking back, I totally get the Puffinstuff similarities now. I remember seeing the old show and then the commercials and thinking they were linked somehow.
Kinda like the first time I heard "My Sweet Lord" as a kid (and huge Beatles fan), and even as a 9 year old I was like "that sounds a lot like 'Do-lang-do-lang, do-lang"
@ScottMacFie There are a few songs My Sweet Lord sounds like, not least of all "Oh Happy Day", which Harrison stated was his inspiration to write the song.
@somepricktookmyname What did you say this for?? I don't understand. I do like your username because that is why I have just letters because I couldn't find a name that was not taken.
Maybe you can answer this: Were Sid and Marty Krofft involved in this? I always thought the googly eyeballs were more like Sid and Marty Krofft rather than the Jim Henson cut plastic spoon eyeballs.
That was so cool. Whoever posted this ...Thank you so much. I love McDonald's. Everything in moderation. McDonald's isn't the problem..it's bad parenting. Take responsibility for your kids. This video was a great behind the scenes look at the effort that goes into a production like this. They should bring back all the characters we grew up with. We miss them.
This was so cool. I love McDonald's. Everything in moderation. McDonald's isn't the problem...It's bad parenting. Take responsibility for your kids and don't let them tell you what they want and don't want. this video was a great behind the scenes look at all that goes into a commercial. They should being back all the characters again. We, who grew up with them, miss seeing them around.
Bob Brandon played him from 1970-75. Weatherman Willard Scott was the first person to play him 1963-66. King Moody played him 1975-84. King Moody also played Shtarker in the comedy television series Get Smart.
Howard Morris had such a long career and did many different things; but in his later years he was puzzled that he was remembered mostly for his Ernest T. Bass character.
It's worth noting that Sid and Marty Krofft thought-up and designed the first characters and layout in this commercial- but were fired shortly prior to shooting. Sid and Marty Krofft were in a huge legal battle for a very long time (twenty years?) over copyright infringement and other thievery that the McDonalds corporation TOOK from them. This commercial and concept is FAR from the loving nature of H.R. Puf n stuf and other Sid and Marty Krofft productions.
its amazing how long this goes back with the whole "mcdonald land" concept.
They got the creators from "Puf 'n Stuff" to design the characters for the commercials. Their ads went well in to the 90's, but then they slowly dropped some off.
Okay, so am I the only one who thinks that the director guy has "Gene Wilder early 1970's hair" or what?
Also.....50 cent gift certificates! LOL! Wow! Now that made me laugh!
And ya gotta love the interviewer guy flicking his ashes into that can.--So very professiona, don't ya think? Of course, having said that, this was 1973 and people weren't as anal about cigarettes and cigarette smoking like they are nowadays.
I never realized how much effort went into a McDonalds commercial.. Thanks for showing me this. I appreciate seeing the Directors point of view. It looks like its a tough job. The made the commercials look like a real life candyland. McDonalds just doesnt produce the same kind of ads they used to. Very creative.
They had a Letterman Top 10 list about McDonald's Manager Top 10 fears. One of them was: Mayor McCheese's Nude, lifeless body is found in a cheap, southern motel room. LOL!!!!
McDonald's need to make commercial's like these again today,a lot of people have stopped going to McDonald's because of all the bad press it has gotten lately (it has caused the obesity epidemic),I've never seen the documentary about the guy who went to McDonald's every day for a month "Super Size Me",I'm too afarid to see it.
don't read this because it really works you will get kissed on the nearest possible Friday by the love of your life tomorrow will be the best day of your life however if u don't post this comment to 3 videos u will die within 2 days now uv started reading this don't stop this is scary send this to over 5 videos in 143 minutes ur crushes name will appear on the screen in big letters this is so scary but it really works
why does everyone blame mcdonalds when kids or adults become obese and get diabetes? you aren't forced to go and eat at mcdonalds. and also, there are many many other fast food restaurants that could make one fat!!! just saying. stop picking on just one, and also, if a person gets fat it is their fault unless they have thyroid problems or something!!
new legislation made it illegal in the US: no television commercials or marketing directed at children can feature cartoon or "child-appealing" characters.
so no more Trix rabbit, Lucky the Lephrachaun, no more Ronald... etc. I'm not sure how Chuckie Cheese is able to stay in business... maybe because its an arcade in addition to being a pizza parlor
new legislation made it illegal in the US: no television commercials or marketing directed at children can feature cartoon or "child-appealing" characters.
so no more Trix rabbit, Lucky the Lephrachaun, no more Ronald... etc. I'm not sure how Chuckie Cheese is able to stay in business... maybe because its an arcade in addition to being a pizza parlor
I have a trivia question: This sounds to me like the actor I remember playing Ronald, Rob "King" Moody. Only problem is this video title says 1973 and Wiki says he was only Ronald from 1975 to 1984. So what's wrong? The Wiki note, the title of the video, or is this in fact a different actor playing Ronald?
Also, does anyone know if the voice of Mayor McCheese heard in the final version is actually one of Harold Morris's voice charactors? I know he did a lot of voice work over his career.
@Nash1a That is King Moody, and this documentary was definitely shot in 1973-74, so I guess Wikipedia is wrong... If you're curious, you can watch the full hour-long documentary at our website (and check the credits at the end for any extra info). There's a link in the description.
@MediaBurnArchive Thanks! I'll check it out. Watching some of these old McDonalds commercials takes me back to my childhood as much as watching the old holiday Peanuts cartoons.
I live in Chula Vista, Ca and I remember the MacDonalds on the corner of Third and Napples had a MacDonald Land theme to it. It had a couple of slides, a merry go round, a Grimmace cage that you go in and rock back and forth. There was also a train but didn't move. They tore the play ground down to make a bigger parking lot. I have a few photos from my birthday. I can't find any photos of this MacDonalds any where on the web.
Yep, this was the period when the Kroft's won a lawsuit, but that just made McD change things up a bit, they where still making "McdonaldLand" Commercials well into the 80's. nother bit of Trivia "Grimace" was voiced by Hal Smith who played Otis the town.. what would you call it now a days.. "liquid substance abuse victim"? He once talked about it on a show, even if all he did was giggle in a commercial, not say a single word, they payed him to record it fresh every time, can you say cha-ching?
goes to show you dont have to be vulgar, undressed, perverted and dirty minded to make a commercial, its just that there are those who are sick, demented wackos who push there sick behaviour on us and call it "normal." And disrespect anyone who would dare to disagree. Entertainment should be wholesome and very family friendly and oriented. We have sick-0's like beyonce and spears, and lady gaga, david letterman, plenty of music-groups who sing about rape, murder, death and hate.
dude shut up withthe judging your making ur self to beout to be a jugder act with Grace since you have been saved by grace. choose to pray for those who sin you aint helping by using your kind of words so wat your doing is making things worse and by seeing this kind of content from a person saying seek Jesus...Your proving your no different from lady gaga and beyounce etc and not being a good witness are you?
The late Howard Morris was Ernest T Bass on Andy Griffith Show. Also did many voice overs for cartoon characters in the late 60's and early to mid 70's. He was Mayor McCheese and using the same voice as the mummy on Groovie Ghoulies, was Jughead on Archies, Drack on Groovie Ghoulies, using that same voice on Tennessee Tuxiedo.
Ronald is the late King Moody who played him until 1975 then I believe came back to play him until 1984.
Wow. I grew up in Georgia and I don't remember thinking how New York all of these people were when I saw these commercials as a kid. Crazy. Ronald might as well be Paul Stanley.
mcdonalds doesnt even make ads targeting kids anymore. mostly they seem to market to minorities and others who are most likely to eat their food. parents dont want to feed their kids bad grease.
I remember this time for McDonalds, and it was a rip from H.R. PuffnStuff. My kids are 2 and 4, and my wife has trained my older one to think that McDonalds is gross. The combination of a lack of excercise and the processed food, are the reason kids are fat. I recently read that KFC chicken in 1970 was about 1/3rd as fattening as today. (Free range chickens). It is amazing how when you don't eat fast food, and then you do, how that crap sits like a lump in your gut! Esp McD's!
Yes, these characters were very well known to us at the time (kids in 1973). We even knew these songs. I'm embarassed to say that even after not seing this for 37 years I still remembered the words to this -- "they're in a happy mood, to get that happy food".
Wow I never knew that Ernest T Bass directed these commercials and that the Hamburgler also played Tweekie on Buck Rodgers of the 21st Century can't Remember his name he played a lot of rolls in those days. Brady Bunch's U.F.O. episode is one. Played a little Martian in Bobby's dream
this mcdonald land is where the playgrounds design came into play...and now those playgrounds are GONE! (so many children hurt on many different rides) LOL
Those kids is high; 1:01. When he says "McDonald Land", he really means to say LSD. The director is waaaaaaaay to into it. This commercial was entirely fueld by crack, and crack alone. Check at 2:50. Thats the half-assed, strung out, lame excuse for acting that they decided to print. Notice all their lines are dubbed.
Did Howard Morris do voice overs for like scooby do and play on variety shows? He looks familure. It's funny to see his serious side telling everyone to shut up on the set. haha.
1;12 Is the guy scratching the boys back??? UMMM a NO NO to employers. Doesn't show same interest in the gal. ???Just seems weird. $36 Million on advertising, that is a hell of a lot for just selling a REG hamburger. What makes this food so special they see it worth spending that much on ads. ?To get us hooked. GMO food research it, YOU will choose your food more wisley let me tell you. Peace + Love when you spread this message about a product you grew up LOVNG. : -)Mom's were adicted too.:)
Those that have studied mindcontrol get my point. Pedaphilea and drugs are what our governemnt people entertain themselves with. Why do you think smut is put in your e-mail like they put in your P.O..Box too. When you begin searching for your truth you start seeing because some blinders fall off of your eyes. Peace and Love. Thanks for having your own opinion that is a start to your awakening. :)
Holy shit- The director (Howie Morris) is ERNEST T.BASS on the Andy Griffith show he's the guy from the hills always coming into town and breaking windows..what a trip where he ended up..-Fred Gwynn voice of mayor McCheese.
McDonalds got sued for these commercials in 1977 for $1000,000.00
as an infringement on the HR Puffinstuff copyright.
-This was Back when you went to McDonalds maybe 3 times a year, and would rather eat at home because that was the fucking RIGHT THING TO DO back then.
Too many hatemongers making comments on here. Save your poison for politics and leave McDonald's alone. No one is forced to go into McDonald's. If you don't like McDonald's don't got there or watch and comment on the Youtube videos. Some of us actually have fond memories growing up with McDonald's commercials and having our parents take us in for a meal which we considered a treat. Back then 50 cent gift certificates actually did buy something and we looked forward to getting them.
Yes, actually I do remember looking forward to McDonald's 50 cent gift certificates as a child and I count your put down as an honor. What a small insensitive person you really are. How dare you judge someone else for memories they hold dear. What an ignorant person you are.
Everyone at DDB and Wells Rich Greene thought this was pure Dreck! LOL
soapbxprod 2 months ago
Most of the McDs here in Washington have eliminated the playlands, I think because of children getting hurt on the outdoor-toys, to many lawsuits because parents can't watch their own children-- (what I've seen) most just let their children run a muck and don't supervise them. I see it at Burger Kings that have playlands also!
Most fast food restaurants are wanting to target the safitcated diners and I love the new designed decor and the level of excellence that some places are leaning towards
annmarierosa 4 months ago
im hungry
RealRapMusic187 7 months ago
i'm surprised i never had McNightmares from these commercials, lol
jody808 8 months ago
and they got sued for ripping off the Kroft brothers ideas.
drcorey 8 months ago
You just don't see these other McDonald's characters around anymore (at least I haven't at any Mickey D's here in Massachusetts). In fact, you barely see Ronald himself these days. The playgrounds are prety much gone, too. I think it's because we, as a nation, are starting to grow up (we're leaving many of our old childhood things behind; that is what people do when they're growing into adulthood). I also noticed more salads and other healthy choices at McD's, along with Starbucks-type coffees.
SpectrumChris 8 months ago 3
@SpectrumChris
You say "we're leaving many of our childhood things behind; that is what people do when they're growing into adulthood". There are still children born everyday! Maybe that is why today's children are murdering each other, why children are easily addicted to drugs, and children are having children! Maybe we shouldn't rush our children to skip their childhood just so they can become cigarette-smoking, wife-beating, alcoholic adults. Let them enjoy their childhood while it lasts!
BrooklynChivalry 7 months ago
@BrooklynChivalry Actually, I agree with you right there. I despise the new tyranny that forces children to grow up too fast. In fact, I take back that part about our nation "growing up" and I'll try to re-phrase it. We, as a nation, scowl at childhood because we turned into a business-culture. We think we're becoming grown-up and sophisticated when we're really becoming uptight, anal-retentive and striving. Sorry about my badly constructed points; I gotta work on them some more!
SpectrumChris 7 months ago 4
@SpectrumChris Actually, Grimese & Burgerler Appeared in the middle of 2009,While Ronald & Sundae (his dog) Were in a Feburary 2011 Commercial with kids hopping on pogo sticks that aired through March I think.
But I kinda agree with you about the playgrounds,because if you get something broken Mcdonalds will no longer support the item :\
DaZwinkyFamily 7 months ago
I know for a fact that a Greek-American guy played Ronald in most of the 70's national televised ads! Not King Moody (who played Shtarker on Get Smart)!
Bestmanme08 10 months ago
Creepy as fuck...
omgwtfbbq6666 10 months ago
@omgwtfbbq6666
lmfao
thraximum 10 months ago
Sid and Marty Kroft.
cranie4 10 months ago
I wonder where they went for lunch during filming...
AnimationReCreation 11 months ago
kids in this time now grandfather and grandmother
MalinGenGTEAM1970 1 year ago
Obviously Sid and Marty Kroft had a big influence on McDonald's commercials
pnice000 1 year ago
@pnice000: Ya, as a 40-year old, looking back, I totally get the Puffinstuff similarities now. I remember seeing the old show and then the commercials and thinking they were linked somehow.
Kinda like the first time I heard "My Sweet Lord" as a kid (and huge Beatles fan), and even as a 9 year old I was like "that sounds a lot like 'Do-lang-do-lang, do-lang"
ScottMacFie 1 year ago
@ScottMacFie There are a few songs My Sweet Lord sounds like, not least of all "Oh Happy Day", which Harrison stated was his inspiration to write the song.
FabFM 11 months ago
@somepricktookmyname What did you say this for?? I don't understand. I do like your username because that is why I have just letters because I couldn't find a name that was not taken.
hdtybhik 1 year ago
My cock has grown bigger because of them, now no girls love me, cause my cock's too big and long
fuckyou334 1 year ago
@fuckyou334 you see pretty cool...
haidenmoore1234 1 year ago
Maybe you can answer this: Were Sid and Marty Krofft involved in this? I always thought the googly eyeballs were more like Sid and Marty Krofft rather than the Jim Henson cut plastic spoon eyeballs.
nozcr 1 year ago
That was so cool. Whoever posted this ...Thank you so much. I love McDonald's. Everything in moderation. McDonald's isn't the problem..it's bad parenting. Take responsibility for your kids. This video was a great behind the scenes look at the effort that goes into a production like this. They should bring back all the characters we grew up with. We miss them.
hdtybhik 1 year ago 2
This was so cool. I love McDonald's. Everything in moderation. McDonald's isn't the problem...It's bad parenting. Take responsibility for your kids and don't let them tell you what they want and don't want. this video was a great behind the scenes look at all that goes into a commercial. They should being back all the characters again. We, who grew up with them, miss seeing them around.
hdtybhik 1 year ago 2
Without getting too deep into the commnents, but what film did Howard Morris appear in with Mel Brooks around this time?
Hint: Professor Littleoldman
thelionwaits 1 year ago
@thelionwaits High Anxiety. Thank you Wikipedia.
daven58100 1 year ago
That is Felix Sella that's playing the hamburgler. He played cousin Itt on the Addams Family TV show.
Calkan58 1 year ago
Brad Lennon now plays him since 2007.
BBQFanNo1 1 year ago
Bob Brandon played him from 1970-75. Weatherman Willard Scott was the first person to play him 1963-66. King Moody played him 1975-84. King Moody also played Shtarker in the comedy television series Get Smart.
BBQFanNo1 1 year ago
Wow. Junk Food Land! Our planet will turn into that if we keep gorging on fast food.
WebVMan 1 year ago
The old Hamburglar was terrifying, and The old Ronald Mcdonald seemed like a really awesome guy.
Destructopancake 1 year ago 2
kelseys wooods, kelseys forrest...kelseys macdonalds...
bettydaw1970 1 year ago
Howard Morris had such a long career and did many different things; but in his later years he was puzzled that he was remembered mostly for his Ernest T. Bass character.
oldbob1951 1 year ago
i miss ronald , hamburglar and that purple dude
alexaadap 1 year ago 2
Moshi Moshi Donaldo Des~
TomKayTV 1 year ago
Cheesburger McDonalds Ronald milkshake.
pardyhardly 1 year ago
SMOKE! (family guy, subliminal message guy)
CAinfowarrior 1 year ago
creepy feeding kids poision
digherbones 1 year ago
@digherbones and camouflaging it in disney style sugar and sweetness
hcvang 1 year ago
HR Pufnstuf!
Aeolis7 1 year ago
Scummy smoker exposing everyone to toxic tobacco smoke.
BAN ALL SMOKING AND BAN THE TOBACCO DRUG, NOW!
tripjet999 1 year ago
It's worth noting that Sid and Marty Krofft thought-up and designed the first characters and layout in this commercial- but were fired shortly prior to shooting. Sid and Marty Krofft were in a huge legal battle for a very long time (twenty years?) over copyright infringement and other thievery that the McDonalds corporation TOOK from them. This commercial and concept is FAR from the loving nature of H.R. Puf n stuf and other Sid and Marty Krofft productions.
eighteenspeedpete 1 year ago
its amazing how long this goes back with the whole "mcdonald land" concept.
They got the creators from "Puf 'n Stuff" to design the characters for the commercials. Their ads went well in to the 90's, but then they slowly dropped some off.
nzoomed 1 year ago
I'm frightened.
Engage777 1 year ago
0:57-1:00 creepy bastard.
bondiga10 1 year ago
HR Puffnstuff all the way.
Thats what this reminds me of.
Donnie2020 1 year ago
are these people dead already? this video is too old. lol
hrnl07 1 year ago
@hrnl07 dude? its only 37 years ago
Donnie2020 1 year ago
I wonder if that slop they served back then was as toxic as that slurry they serve now???
hauleywood 1 year ago
Okay, so am I the only one who thinks that the director guy has "Gene Wilder early 1970's hair" or what?
Also.....50 cent gift certificates! LOL! Wow! Now that made me laugh!
And ya gotta love the interviewer guy flicking his ashes into that can.--So very professiona, don't ya think? Of course, having said that, this was 1973 and people weren't as anal about cigarettes and cigarette smoking like they are nowadays.
unconventionalmeans 1 year ago
This would seem like a really low point in any director's career... lol
GoldGriffin80 1 year ago
THE SATANIC CLOWN!
MrCartoonize 1 year ago
Howard Morris was (obviously along with lots of other stuff) also JET SCREAMER of the Jetsons known for the Eep Opp Ork Ahh Ahh & Solar Swivel songs
TbirdsOf1965 1 year ago
I never realized how much effort went into a McDonalds commercial.. Thanks for showing me this. I appreciate seeing the Directors point of view. It looks like its a tough job. The made the commercials look like a real life candyland. McDonalds just doesnt produce the same kind of ads they used to. Very creative.
summer20105707 1 year ago
wow
bobos01 1 year ago
They had a Letterman Top 10 list about McDonald's Manager Top 10 fears. One of them was: Mayor McCheese's Nude, lifeless body is found in a cheap, southern motel room. LOL!!!!
gbear4 1 year ago
McDonald's need to make commercial's like these again today,a lot of people have stopped going to McDonald's because of all the bad press it has gotten lately (it has caused the obesity epidemic),I've never seen the documentary about the guy who went to McDonald's every day for a month "Super Size Me",I'm too afarid to see it.
WhiteArmy1918 1 year ago 2
5:08 I guess Ronald is not as honest as he appears to be!
RCA76 1 year ago
....and later they were sued by Sid and Marty Kroft for copyright infringements!
normharris 1 year ago
I love the Hamburgler
JDCoolMan21 1 year ago
Totally tubular to the max!
xoxo
The Clarences
THECLARENCES 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
don't read this because it really works you will get kissed on the nearest possible Friday by the love of your life tomorrow will be the best day of your life however if u don't post this comment to 3 videos u will die within 2 days now uv started reading this don't stop this is scary send this to over 5 videos in 143 minutes ur crushes name will appear on the screen in big letters this is so scary but it really works
BabyDoll1727 1 year ago
They must have been on acid when they thought of this.
RJS3566 1 year ago
It's way genXers are so damaged.
mossandthesea 1 year ago
Oh wow. This crap is messed up!
SLagerZahne 1 year ago
Can I get a Big Mac with a blunt please?
Clay3613 1 year ago
Wow, Ronalds make-up sure has progressed.
Clay3613 1 year ago
I used to have a toy playset based on McDonaldland.
kobakommander 1 year ago
Herione was used in the making
14marshl 1 year ago
I'll admit it - McDonalds is ran by assholes, but I love these old commercials. So retro.
PirateNinja6 1 year ago
i bet you that kid is a fat fuck now.
rickyboy122509 1 year ago
why does everyone blame mcdonalds when kids or adults become obese and get diabetes? you aren't forced to go and eat at mcdonalds. and also, there are many many other fast food restaurants that could make one fat!!! just saying. stop picking on just one, and also, if a person gets fat it is their fault unless they have thyroid problems or something!!
Doombah91 1 year ago
Common Ron,.. act like you really give a crap about kids.
crusty21 1 year ago
WOW..this is great in so many ways. I would love to own all of these,
yetisquid 1 year ago
omg that commercial seems scary!
RayRoark2009 1 year ago
so funny how peoples minds worked back then. I could say something about recreational drug use. But I won't. I wouldn't do that. ;)
Triad3Force 1 year ago
Nice comb-over!
mechanicalmusic 1 year ago
Isn't that producer Ernest T Bass from The Andy Griffith Show?
77799steve 1 year ago 3
@77799steve Yes, it is!
MediaBurnArchive 1 year ago
@77799steve yes he is
Starwars90422 1 year ago
I always wanted to visit McDonaldland when I was a kid. I was hoping they'd have a plastic surgeon who could give me sesame seed buns.
Marchant2 1 year ago
Amazing how often McDonalds changes their look.
michaellr308 1 year ago
Those kids now weigh 300 lbs and have diabetes. Thanks, McDonald's!
gamesDAMNED 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
@Feshman117
new legislation made it illegal in the US: no television commercials or marketing directed at children can feature cartoon or "child-appealing" characters.
so no more Trix rabbit, Lucky the Lephrachaun, no more Ronald... etc. I'm not sure how Chuckie Cheese is able to stay in business... maybe because its an arcade in addition to being a pizza parlor
dreyko11185 1 year ago
why dont they show these characters anymore
Feshman117 1 year ago
@Feshman117
new legislation made it illegal in the US: no television commercials or marketing directed at children can feature cartoon or "child-appealing" characters.
so no more Trix rabbit, Lucky the Lephrachaun, no more Ronald... etc. I'm not sure how Chuckie Cheese is able to stay in business... maybe because its an arcade in addition to being a pizza parlor
dreyko11185 1 year ago
@dreyko11185 wow, that was a mouthful
Feshman117 1 year ago
@dreyko11185 They serve beer.
Clay3613 1 year ago
that set would be any kid's dream ! it would've been mine too ! lol !
and now i'm off to have BIG mac myself !..yum !
blica1 1 year ago
I have a trivia question: This sounds to me like the actor I remember playing Ronald, Rob "King" Moody. Only problem is this video title says 1973 and Wiki says he was only Ronald from 1975 to 1984. So what's wrong? The Wiki note, the title of the video, or is this in fact a different actor playing Ronald?
Also, does anyone know if the voice of Mayor McCheese heard in the final version is actually one of Harold Morris's voice charactors? I know he did a lot of voice work over his career.
Nash1a 1 year ago
@Nash1a That is King Moody, and this documentary was definitely shot in 1973-74, so I guess Wikipedia is wrong... If you're curious, you can watch the full hour-long documentary at our website (and check the credits at the end for any extra info). There's a link in the description.
And yes about Howie Morris!
MediaBurnArchive 1 year ago
@MediaBurnArchive Thanks! I'll check it out. Watching some of these old McDonalds commercials takes me back to my childhood as much as watching the old holiday Peanuts cartoons.
Nash1a 1 year ago
I live in Chula Vista, Ca and I remember the MacDonalds on the corner of Third and Napples had a MacDonald Land theme to it. It had a couple of slides, a merry go round, a Grimmace cage that you go in and rock back and forth. There was also a train but didn't move. They tore the play ground down to make a bigger parking lot. I have a few photos from my birthday. I can't find any photos of this MacDonalds any where on the web.
SBarsinister 1 year ago
Dose anybody have a copy of a 1980 McDonald's spot with Slim Pickins? He mentions a special deal with movie soundtracks from MCA Records...
thatDonOguy 1 year ago
This is the best Ronald McDonald, Who wasa the actor who played him?
RedDogLunch 1 year ago
MAYOR McPENISFOOL
EspioArtwork 1 year ago
this is back when they made good LSD.
hellbilly34a 1 year ago
haha freaky but funny but freaky
kreegoo5 1 year ago
Selling the hygenic appeal... yep... not the food.
brianpadraic 1 year ago
groovy man grooooovy
namffocevets 1 year ago
The Hamburglar at at 3:47 looks like a cross between a troll and a donkey. Yikes!
donniedarkodevotte 1 year ago
at 1:07 ... that guy was rubbing him :S
and was talking in a creepy tone :S
kittykat4935 1 year ago
Lol. 50 cent gift certificates? I remember those for like 10 dollars~
hcmotherster 1 year ago
those kids must be so fucked up today!
TheHushlover 1 year ago
Yep, this was the period when the Kroft's won a lawsuit, but that just made McD change things up a bit, they where still making "McdonaldLand" Commercials well into the 80's. nother bit of Trivia "Grimace" was voiced by Hal Smith who played Otis the town.. what would you call it now a days.. "liquid substance abuse victim"? He once talked about it on a show, even if all he did was giggle in a commercial, not say a single word, they payed him to record it fresh every time, can you say cha-ching?
rampantunicorn 1 year ago
YEP..... ERNEST T. BASS. AMAZING.
cheerdaddy666 1 year ago
the food back then was probably WAYY better back then
EzarikX 1 year ago
Wow...This was a time before america became communist
democratsrshit 1 year ago
Get naked or shut up!
toddghall 1 year ago
goes to show you dont have to be vulgar, undressed, perverted and dirty minded to make a commercial, its just that there are those who are sick, demented wackos who push there sick behaviour on us and call it "normal." And disrespect anyone who would dare to disagree. Entertainment should be wholesome and very family friendly and oriented. We have sick-0's like beyonce and spears, and lady gaga, david letterman, plenty of music-groups who sing about rape, murder, death and hate.
Seek Jesus
ighforever 1 year ago
dude shut up withthe judging your making ur self to beout to be a jugder act with Grace since you have been saved by grace. choose to pray for those who sin you aint helping by using your kind of words so wat your doing is making things worse and by seeing this kind of content from a person saying seek Jesus...Your proving your no different from lady gaga and beyounce etc and not being a good witness are you?
scilentwatcher 1 year ago
This was so interesting as I remembered watching all of these McDonald Land commercials back then! Wow, I feel old but brings back so much memories!
patsaxon 1 year ago
The late Howard Morris was Ernest T Bass on Andy Griffith Show. Also did many voice overs for cartoon characters in the late 60's and early to mid 70's. He was Mayor McCheese and using the same voice as the mummy on Groovie Ghoulies, was Jughead on Archies, Drack on Groovie Ghoulies, using that same voice on Tennessee Tuxiedo.
Ronald is the late King Moody who played him until 1975 then I believe came back to play him until 1984.
radioman66 1 year ago 2
Wow. I grew up in Georgia and I don't remember thinking how New York all of these people were when I saw these commercials as a kid. Crazy. Ronald might as well be Paul Stanley.
costumebot 1 year ago
The guy talking to the kids is .....creepy, the kids who say they love macdonalds sound disabled.....hardly trustworthy spokes people :D
birchthebirch 1 year ago
mcdonalds doesnt even make ads targeting kids anymore. mostly they seem to market to minorities and others who are most likely to eat their food. parents dont want to feed their kids bad grease.
milesofsmiles2 1 year ago
proving once and for all the producers were NOT high when they came up with McDonald land.
Rompcom 1 year ago
THis was shot on video in 1973? that would explain the black and white! nice to see this...thank you
VideyoJunkei 1 year ago
Little known fact: Howard Morris was also known as "Captain Comb-over".
quirpco 1 year ago
The guy explaining the set sounds and appears to be fucked up on drugs. That would explain a great deal.
MicrowaveLoven 1 year ago
Too bad kids aren't that thin nowadays
FlamingoKicker 1 year ago 2
Can anyone say "H.R. Pufnstuf"?
FlamingoKicker 1 year ago
I remember this time for McDonalds, and it was a rip from H.R. PuffnStuff. My kids are 2 and 4, and my wife has trained my older one to think that McDonalds is gross. The combination of a lack of excercise and the processed food, are the reason kids are fat. I recently read that KFC chicken in 1970 was about 1/3rd as fattening as today. (Free range chickens). It is amazing how when you don't eat fast food, and then you do, how that crap sits like a lump in your gut! Esp McD's!
cowboysfan782008 1 year ago
Poor kids 1:01 it sounded rehearsed
teetertotter68 1 year ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Americans, three words for you -- What the FUCK?
K4inan 2 years ago
buagh,so disgusting rubbish food,nagh
rurmundo 2 years ago
Yes, these characters were very well known to us at the time (kids in 1973). We even knew these songs. I'm embarassed to say that even after not seing this for 37 years I still remembered the words to this -- "they're in a happy mood, to get that happy food".
Barndancer61 2 years ago
OMG Ernest T is actually from NY :O
Howard Morris can do awesome accents
chumshot1 2 years ago
This is great stuff!
celebrityimpressions 2 years ago
Wow I never knew that Ernest T Bass directed these commercials and that the Hamburgler also played Tweekie on Buck Rodgers of the 21st Century can't Remember his name he played a lot of rolls in those days. Brady Bunch's U.F.O. episode is one. Played a little Martian in Bobby's dream
theincredibleiannune 2 years ago
That guy looks like Gene Wilder.
ihavnoideawotimdoing 2 years ago
Hey, That's Ernest T. Bass!
space157 2 years ago
70's people are sexy.
boubou0000 2 years ago
Oh my gosh, 50-cent gift certificates! LOL!
mundymanor 2 years ago
what ever happened to office big mac?
BlackCatNinjaX 2 years ago
The same thing that happened to every other character in the 80's meaning that he was dropped out during the mainstreaming of characters.
Rtkat3 2 years ago
Comment removed
theincredibleiannune 2 years ago
I never seen a 70's commercial on this website that featured the Fry Goblins. Also in the 80's, Captain Crook was called "The Captain."
Rtkat3 2 years ago
Comment removed
theincredibleiannune 2 years ago
He was redesigned over the times of his appearance.
Rtkat3 2 years ago
Comment removed
theincredibleiannune 2 years ago
probably the wierdest thing i have ever seen, PURE EVIL!!!!
garygluebag 2 years ago 2
Fucked. Up. Shit.
specimena 2 years ago
and a fucked up world
Globalspeedster 2 years ago
kroft meets combover!
brucecannonable 2 years ago
It's the freaking Land of Oz...with a major case of the munchies!
Arkady63 2 years ago 5
@Arkady63 Must have sneaked some weed butter onto the toasted buns. Good stuff.
UpcomingJedi 1 year ago
this mcdonald land is where the playgrounds design came into play...and now those playgrounds are GONE! (so many children hurt on many different rides) LOL
southernfratdude 2 years ago
Those kids is high; 1:01. When he says "McDonald Land", he really means to say LSD. The director is waaaaaaaay to into it. This commercial was entirely fueld by crack, and crack alone. Check at 2:50. Thats the half-assed, strung out, lame excuse for acting that they decided to print. Notice all their lines are dubbed.
shaolinskater 2 years ago
This is when ronald went thru his ziggy stardust phase
acuralegend1988 2 years ago 13
Is the director a pedophile? He creeps me the fuck out.
acuralegend1988 2 years ago
They should give credit to Sid and Marty Kroft.
rjdigs 2 years ago
MIERDONALDS
Pstm1988 2 years ago
I heard somewhere that Grimace (character not shown in this clip) was supposed to be an anthropomorphic taste bud. Can anyone confirm this?
bloggaloggs 2 years ago
I love how the interviewer is smoking up a storm during the interview. Awesome.
filmcarteldotorg 2 years ago 8
yes, Howard Morris did the "Ernest T Bass" character and many others.. lots of voice overs, too. VERY talented man!
genoteleno 2 years ago
HEY!!! IS THAT ERNEST T. BASS!!???
PatrioticPirate 2 years ago
Did Howard Morris do voice overs for like scooby do and play on variety shows? He looks familure. It's funny to see his serious side telling everyone to shut up on the set. haha.
redtide2012 2 years ago
Comment removed
addy93 2 years ago
nice to see this in color
steve7onfire 2 years ago
Yeah, and lowfreq65 is an idiot and homophobic.
DJdYgYtAl 2 years ago
Ronald Mc Donald is gay
lowfreq65 2 years ago
yes he is, hes the gayest of the gay
NICESHITBIATCH 2 years ago
:58-1:24 Is how Jim Jones brainwashed children to flee to South America with him.
FriggaFanatic18 2 years ago
1;12 Is the guy scratching the boys back??? UMMM a NO NO to employers. Doesn't show same interest in the gal. ???Just seems weird. $36 Million on advertising, that is a hell of a lot for just selling a REG hamburger. What makes this food so special they see it worth spending that much on ads. ?To get us hooked. GMO food research it, YOU will choose your food more wisley let me tell you. Peace + Love when you spread this message about a product you grew up LOVNG. : -)Mom's were adicted too.:)
nancyl2 2 years ago
I kind of lost you after the second sentence.
FriggaFanatic18 2 years ago
Those that have studied mindcontrol get my point. Pedaphilea and drugs are what our governemnt people entertain themselves with. Why do you think smut is put in your e-mail like they put in your P.O..Box too. When you begin searching for your truth you start seeing because some blinders fall off of your eyes. Peace and Love. Thanks for having your own opinion that is a start to your awakening. :)
nancyl2 2 years ago
Mc'Dees cult parade. "little society" Hamburgers grow from the ground! What the crap!!!
nUaSvAy 2 years ago
Well said Mayor McCheese!
flybydeath 2 years ago
Ronald's hair looks like it needs a little conditioning.
Extratexture4 2 years ago
this is classic,thanks for posting
darkhelmut76 2 years ago 2
Mayer Chester M.c Chesse pays women to go
to bathroom on his chest
gekigold 2 years ago
You got that from a skit featured in an episode of "Robot Chicken."
Rtkat3 2 years ago
Holy shit- The director (Howie Morris) is ERNEST T.BASS on the Andy Griffith show he's the guy from the hills always coming into town and breaking windows..what a trip where he ended up..-Fred Gwynn voice of mayor McCheese.
McDonalds got sued for these commercials in 1977 for $1000,000.00
as an infringement on the HR Puffinstuff copyright.
-This was Back when you went to McDonalds maybe 3 times a year, and would rather eat at home because that was the fucking RIGHT THING TO DO back then.
sunphuk 2 years ago 2
very cool ..
MyThrillKillKult 2 years ago
Too many hatemongers making comments on here. Save your poison for politics and leave McDonald's alone. No one is forced to go into McDonald's. If you don't like McDonald's don't got there or watch and comment on the Youtube videos. Some of us actually have fond memories growing up with McDonald's commercials and having our parents take us in for a meal which we considered a treat. Back then 50 cent gift certificates actually did buy something and we looked forward to getting them.
frc1968 2 years ago 20
This comment has received too many negative votes show
You remember looking forward to 50 cent gift certificates? You are officially the oldest person to ever surf the interwebs.
larutan619 2 years ago
Yes, actually I do remember looking forward to McDonald's 50 cent gift certificates as a child and I count your put down as an honor. What a small insensitive person you really are. How dare you judge someone else for memories they hold dear. What an ignorant person you are.
frc1968 2 years ago 6
larutan619- I was spending McDonald's 50 gift certificates before you ever thought about shitin' in diapers.
frc1968 2 years ago
@frc1968 Leave McDonald's alooooooone!!
gamesDAMNED 1 year ago