McDonalds Television Ad - c. 1970's

Vintage McDonalds ad great big production number - wish more ads were like this these days.

[@gerryaire]

i miss the old days... when mcdonald's employees used to sing

[@dfszczepan]

Ah, sweet memories! This jingle was in effect when I worked at McDonald's back in the 70's.

[@D_Roadtrip_Productions]

I totally agree with you! If McDonalds was in the 1970's as it is today, we would be saying " What is McDonalds?" :-)

[@PeterMayer]

I was just singing this jingle to my son yesterday! EEEEEEKKK!

[@bjane63]

I remember this commerical from my "kid" days. and ditto to what you said infiniteMushroom...try to find one this clean now adays!

[@BRIERFOX]

It sure is him!! They needed JJ to complete it!!!

[@LordDavid04]

Sure McDonald's (even back then) was unhealthy fast food, but for most countries it started up in (particularly the likes of the Soviet Union (Russia) in Moscow 1990), it was one of the few restaurants if the ONLY restaurant where you had friendly service, a clean dining hall and restrooms and consistency. Shame most McDonald's now days aren't like this anymore...

[@UltimaChocochu]

See, if you ever found employee's like this nowadays(or probably ever) that happy to work at McDonald's, they would all be on some heavy drugs I'd assume XD

[@selloutasaurus]

@GallowayProductions seriously actually LMAO with lots of giggles!! at your observation! :)

[@tic1220]

Yes, but who should we blame for the lack of communication skills?

[@daviddryer500]

This is a great 70's commercial. It was directed by Howard Morris and he did a fine job. We might poke fun now, but for the 70's, this was gold.

[@wildnites558]

'There is nothing so clean -- as my burger machine!' Precious!

[@Williamknow]

Actor went on to play "The Colonel" the porn producer and pedophile in "Boogie Nights"!

[@Bradat26]

I loved this commercial (and most musical ads) when I was a teenager of 15. Reading the comments, I didn't know that that was John Amos, but I don't I knew who he was in 1971. There used to be another ad, but this one had a trumpet playing in the background, and no singing and dancing. There was only a customer and the counter person. In that one, I believe that you could get a regular burger, french fries, and a drink--and get change back from a dollar bill.

[@luvthoseclips]

Seems only yesterday McDonald's looked like this, & also, saw this commercial quite frequently. Please DON'T EVER remove this ad, nice piece of history!

[@jon7777ck]

Back when people took pride in their work

[@Rhewin]

Back when people in commercials took pride in what they were told was work*

[@xXMapleVodkaXx]

Back when wages weren't dogshit and a basic job could feed and house a family

[@Maskedmutant]

Don't forget, roughly in between "Nobody can do it Like McDonald's Can" and "Good Time for the Great Taste of McDonald's" they very briefly brought back "You deserve a break today"...

[@HallowedHalls]

This was back when a uniform used to mean something.

[@dixonh64]

Is it my imagination or did I see John Amos ("Good Times") and Anson Williams ("Happy Days" in the chorus?

[@dogon3]

"How clean was the counter after they jump over it with their shoes?"...family joke. I've been looking for this one for a few years. "At McDonald's It's Clean!"

[@Seventiesfan]

A great commercial this is. It's sad that McDonald's would never do an ad like this today. Like the rest of the world, they're too busy being trendy, instead of creative. Thanks for posting, JMReid1220.

[@BrooklynAvenue]

Back then, it was a break to go to McDonalds, now, you take a break by making your own dinner once every few weeks.

[@pooie0116]

I love the manager's dance at the door at 0:21

[@dfszczepan]

This is SO awesome!!!!! McDonald's was my very first after school job, in the 1970's, and this was THE jingle when I worked there. Brings back many happy memories of a simpler time. Thanks so much for posting!

[@MsMadmax1]

All of the employees are in their 40's because you used to be able to live decently on what they paid

[@JMReid1220]

You just gotta love the Internet - where else can we flashback to a moment in time and then start sharing the good, bad and ugly of a particular clip. I have enjoyed reading the comments and information from everyone. For example, I've seen this thing 100 times and never notieds Anson Williams before - incredible...

[@Learnamericanenglishonline]

The way the economy is going, we'll be lucky to get one these jobs.

[@imrustyokay]

yeah and even luckier if the jobs paid a decent wage.

[@Jcassassin2001]

@@imrustyokay you responded to him 11 years after his comment

[@cdanteg67]

I guess all of you forgot that this commercial featured one of the most memorable catch phrases, "You deserve a break today."

[@PatPowersKQWC]

What a classic piece of advertising! A show stopper. Makes you want to grab a Big Mac now doesn't it! Always remember...there's nothing so clean than the burger machine! :)

[@kittenfuud]

McDonalds always had great ad campaigns. Jingles that stuck in your head without having to resort to a catchy pop tune by Justin Bieber or something like these days. I actually bought the record of "I'd Like To Buy The World A Coke" (45, 2 sides of same song!) because the song actual made it to top 40 and 12yo me thought it was great! LOL yes, I still have it. Point being, their 70s ads especially were always fun. Thanks for the upload!

[@zacharyhammersmith7181]

Too bad people aren't excited about their jobs nowadays

[@BR-gh8js]

Because people are starting to realise they are merely a cog in a big machine designed to satisfy objectives related to profit and nothing more.

[@MIKECNW]

I'm sure there were people who felt like that back then.

[@Mike-pj1kv]

I remember walking into mcdonalds early one morning in the 70s and the crew was just finishing the chorus and dancing.

[@guitartec]

I think this ad ran during Disney's Wonderful World Of Color on Sunday nights back in 68 or 69. (this was before the Disney's Wonderful World Of Disney existed). WHAT MEMORIES!!!! Does anyone remember the Gulf Gas Station commercials they ran during Disney? Everyone in the commercial was driving around on the pavement on their butts (car-less). What a riot!

[@css1323]

"Wow 30 yr+ prisoners working at McD's. Must be the 70's." wtf? LMAO. For some reason that comment made me laugh a lot.

[@poeboy2]

During my two months at McDonalds we started every morning exactly like this one. Heaven help you if you missed a step, forgot a lyric or were off key. That store manager was such a slave driver!

[@Loco-motix]

This is probably the best commercial theme song Mickey D's ever had!!!!!!

[@iREELintheFILM]

These guys blow High School Musical AND Glee out of the water. WOW.

[@jasobres]

Barry Manilow wrote this jingle!

[@DEARD1965]

Can't remember how many but Barry wrote quite a few of them.

[@AndyGrigg]

That is amazing! I can't even imagine a time before clamshell grills.

[@herecalico]

Oh, how times have changed! I remember as a kid , going to mcdonalds was a real treat! now , it's a punishment! lol

[@susanryan2451]

That's John Amos marching out singing "with a broom and a brush"; so fun!

[@TheMultialdo2009]

I read elsewhere if one looks close they'll see Anson Williams of "Happy Days".

[@ACLTony]

I grew up back then and remember that the majority of the workers I saw at McDonalds were adults. Even in New York City, the town that's infamous for rude service, the McDonald's restaraunts back then were always a pleasure to eat at. There was a strong sense of job pride with a lot of those employees.

[@ThrilloVanHouten]

Dude, a commercial like this could totally be pulled off today. Just make it a bit tongue-in-cheek, and you'd have the commercial of the year! Actually, I think BK would have better success with a musical format like this, since it fits their advertising image better.

[@boulejazz]

There's no vocal dubbing on this commercial; it's all their own voices. The manager with the awesome tenor voice is actor John Wheeler. John has been a Hollywood actor for over 45 years. He started on Broadway and took over for Stubby Kay in the original Guys and Dolls cast.

[@essessessesq]

yes, i was very poor and worked my way through college and law school at McDonald's---took 13 years altogether. it was a good job for that and i always had lots to eat!!

[@futhermucker0306]

The song for this commercial was written by the one-and-only BARRY MANILOW. Manilow's stage shows & TV appearances often included a medley of commercial jingles he had written prior to stardom. The medley included this particular McD's jingle, as well as ones for Stri-Dex ("Give your face something to smile about") and State-Farm ("Like a good neighbor" - which they still use to this day.)

[@tanukidee]

LOVE the manager dancing in front of the doors ("Store's not open! You CAN'T come in yet...!!!) He (?) sounds like Ethel Merman.

[@videosallnight]

You deserve a break today. This is, of coarse, unless you're former CEO Steve Easterbrook, who is being sued for his exit package: a cool $40 million. You could buy 25 million cheeseburgers with that.

[@bengonzalez5406]

Understandable, back then they were payed enough to buy a house and car. I'd be singing and dancing at work too 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@adamcharney]

If they experienced what I experience on the toilet after eating McDonald's then they wouldn't be singing like that.

[@n4ems]

All I am saying is, if I walked into a McD's and the ppl were acting like this, I would run out screaming.....

[@castletracker]

This is awesome...remember it well as a kid.....also applied for a job at Mac's in 79' and they showed me this commercial down in the 'basement' office. Guess it was part of the training procedure...Keep the place Clean..don't get much better than this!

[@llongdong]

All middle aged men a' workin' at Micky D's. Ho HO! Fantasy Land! Today it's a 17 year old Goth girl a' bleedin' into the fries from her latest homemade tattoo.

[@PandaSings]

I love the way he swings that dirty broom around and how they are jumpin on the grills and counters singing about clean xD

[@Dxstep]

I have never seen ppl this happy to be working at MacDonalds before. Lol

[@astyr77]

There nothing so clean like my burger machine! I have to use that line!

[@MackeyDeez]

They didn't look that happy the last time I was at McDonald's

[@mattboy1152]

I work at McDonald's and I never knew about the "You deserve a break today" campaign. The only catchphrase I've known them to have is "I'm Lovin' It". Course I didn't really start paying attention until the late 90's-Early 2000's. It wasn't until I got a vintage promotional Rubik's Cube with that old slogan, that I started to really research the company. Very interesting stuff!

[@CrystalClearNews]

I recall "I'm loving it" starting around 2003 or so. Some stupid people used to reply --"I'm not loving it." because they liked You deserve a break today better. But by then, it wasn't a break anymore but a regular thing -- some people getting more than one meal per week or per day

[@WeAreMovieMakers]

Why are all the employees in their 40's?

[@Tempora158]

This was back when working at McDonald's was a real job that paid the bills and not what it became since the 1990s.

[@miamicb6275]

SomePlaceForVideos because back then on a Mcdonalds wage you can buy a home, save up for retirement and raise a family

[@CosbyTheCaterpillar]

Cause it was back before Mcdonald's became a cesspool of retarded college students who were only in it to pay off their debts and don't actually give a shit about their jobs.

[@frankragsdale144]

Because they had class (LIKE NO OTHERS), style, and can sing,(LIKE NO OTHER)! The 60's and 70's were the absolute best for eating at and advertising! Case and point, Wendy's with Clara Peller, " WHERRRRRE'S THE BEEF!" LMAO,...Now, THAT was a classic, as well!

[@whatsaparba]

My dad went to school with the guy who plays the manager in this commercial. I remember as a kid not believing that my dad knew a TV star... Love the music!

[@GracieAncelotti]

McDonalds the musical is now on broadway... Get your tickets today!

[@KMocker]

did not know that, but did you recognize Anson Williams "Potsy" from Happy days at :31

[@essessessesq]

that's great to hear, thanks! We used to say, "Yes sir, may I help you?"

[@lollipopsnsugarsmiles4176]

This reminds me of Drew Carey singing this when Mimi had him shipped to China lol

[@TheSturgeonGeneral]

apparently that was the last time anyone cleaned a McDonald's

[@jehouse]

I totally remember watching this on t.v. as a kid. Very cute.

[@DalucaCryptrule]

That commercial was amazingly awesome. I loved it. Commercials back then were great. Now everything scares you into buying their products.

[@Jcassassin2001]

I figured I’d give you a reply after 14 years

[@warlockboyburns]

they're never this enthusiastic at my local mcdonalds

[@empjorium]

This ad is a lie! Its not like this at all!

[@pauldaniels6407]

+Empjori an advert that isn't true to reality? Now, there's a novelty..

[@DeanLeonard1]

God, I feel old--I actually remember this.

[@8164280]

BOY...am I old! A CHEESY CLASSIC! HAHAHAHA

[@DancingSpiderman]

I REMEMBER THIS COMMERCIAL!! Hahaha, "it looks so gringo".

[@marz-95]

WAP was stolen from these guys

[@luvthoseclips]

"Excellent commercial", I remember it well!

[@JMReid1220]

Even the french fries? I do love the fries...

[@JMReid1220]

Totally - I wish I had a dollar for the number of times I've had "that" employee. How hard can it be to be pleasant for two forty five seconds while you take an order/give out food?

[@solarvegan]

Just for the record, this commercial aired in 1971, not 1969. I worked at McDonald's very briefly in 1972 and recall this jingle was still very fresh in my mind. Also, note the copyright date at the very end of this video. Thanks for sharing this!

[@davidrichter9164]

It says in the title that it's a 70s commercial so...

[@CPT85]

Mike Matei brought me here.

[@MelosAntropon]

One of the best McDonald's commercials ever - they actually put some money into this one! The actor singing about his "burger machine" was Bob Ridgley, a fine character actor who died before his time (cancer). His bio is on Wikipedia.

[@bobrollchicago]

He was in 4 Mel Brooks movies...

[@jehobden]

The head manager was played by John Wheeler (wearing a cap over his recognizable bald head). He appeared on THE BRADY BUNCH a few times, including the series finale. He also played a school principal on HAPPY DAYS who had his toupee stolen by Richie & Potsie in the hallway. I think he's still alive today.

[@TheMultialdo2009]

Mr. Ridgely was in at least two Jonathan Demme movies.

[@MarcoWriedt]

Love that song! Berry Manilow wrote it btw

[@TheMediaHoarder]

Wonder if the guys in this commercial actually got paid enough to live on?

[@TheStrivingmuslim]

Not sure if the place is that clean any more.

[@h-man591]

+S A : i doubt it.

[@frc1968]

For all of you McDonald's haters.... you don't have to eat there and no one makes you watch these commercials on KZbin. Derogatory comments aren't necessary. There are some of us who enjoy eating there once in a while and have fond memories of McDonald's from our childhood.

[@tallboyyyy]

This commercial is funny...I've never been to a McDonalds anywhere that was totally staffed by middle aged adult men. Usually it's more like 1 adult manager and everybody else is a high school kid that are just watching the clock until it's time to get out of there.

[@crazeenydriver]

I remember this too!! cool someone was able to post it

[@mojorisen74]

Yeah, that's why fast food is crap! Kid's don't care and the management don't either. When I worked at Mcd's in the late 80's managers were strict and we cared about what was served, what a difference 20 years will makes :(

[@LannyBenny]

If only today's McDonald's had the same enthusiasm for cleanliness. Far too many times you go inside McDonalds and the people are BS'ing around and ***NOT*** cleaning floors & tables, or emptying trash recepticals.

[@Tomkat53]

at the 0:15 mark... isn't that John Amos, the guy who played "Cleo McDowell" in the movie "Coming to America?" If so, does anyone else see the irony of him being in a McDonald's commercial?

[@layzer80]

Im going to take my laptop into my local MCDonalds and show them this video, then im going to insist they hire a bunch of happy, clean freak, dancing middle aged dudes to make my food.

[@tic1220]

Actually, 2 of the 6 employees (not counting the "manager") which is more than the national average for blacks and probably quite high for the time it was produced. Next problem?

[@askforadeal]

The new Burger King ad is a LOT like this one (Where they are all marching on the street and singing, headed to Burger King)-Check out our new Mickey Dee's and our BK videos

[@The90sGamingGuy]

That commercial wouldn't fly today. It would be laughed off TV now. I use to love eating at Mc Donalds. I could go months without eating there.Decent food.

[@Spindriftful]

Ya know why the patties today are dry. They're cooked on a clamshell grill, meaning that two surfaces cook the patties simultaneously. back in the day, you'd just place the patty on the grill, let it stand, then 10-seconds comes, and the patties would need to be seared. Next step is flipping the patty, let it cook until the timer sounds. you don't do what some establishments do, and squeeze the patty 'til it's devoid of juices. Ask your local McDonald's to revert back to their original method of cooking their burgers.

[@fjccommish]

Entry level does not just mean teens. It means it's a job almost anyone can do. They can walk in off the street to flip burgers. For people who think about working hard and supporting themselves, the period of life when they have little to no job skills are their teen years. By the time they're in their 20's they wouldn't need a job like that. But, when times get tough, any hard working person will gladly take a job like this.

[@RainfulPhenix]

The Majority of what you mentioned concentrates on negative political and social issues only, something that ANY period in time will contain as long as society exists. Actually living and experiencing the 60's, 70's and 80's will speak more than 1000 History lessons. Back then people learned to appreciate each other, appreciate what they have, it was also a time of technological breakthroughs, amazing movies, amazing music. You could even be sure that you're actually eating beef in Mcdonalds

[@bldeem]

It is obvious, Megan, that you did not live through the 60-80s. Every time frame has it's terrible stuff but if the "good" stuff out weights the bad then it is GOOD. What about today with wars and taxes and racist/sexist stuff? What has this generation given to the world? Nothing!! What did we get from the 60-80 generation? Well, just to name something you might be familiar with...cell phones and household computers. Enough said???????

[@xvoy2002]

McDonalds takes too much heat from people and their 'healthy food' thing,, blah blah blah.. everything in moderation people. McDonalds does a lot of good. They employ a lot of high school kids who otherwise wouldn't have an afterschool job. I know a guy who started out working in a McDonalds in high school. He showed an interest in the company, worked his way up, and now owns three local franchises and is doing very well. nothing wrong with that.

[@don142128]

I remember when McDs served fresh food, straight from the grill. Not the "meat" patties that they hold in meat holding cabinets for 15 minutes-2 HOURS! Chicken McNuggets were so juicy and good when they were made out of dark meat chicken, Quarter pounders were juicy before they started packaging them in paper and cardboard boxes...oh, the good old days! Now you wait for 10 minutes to get your dried-out room temp McSlop.

[@themitch1966]

At :07 is Johnny Haymer who played Sgt Zelmo Zale in the series M*A*S*H*. At :10 is Robert Ridgley who played in a ton of stuff,notably Big Strong Man from the series Wings & The Colonel James in Boogie Nights. At :15 is John Amos notably from Roots,Good times & (ironically) Coming to America as the owner of McDowells who claims his resteraunt did NOT steal its look & ideas from McDonalds. At :22 looks like John Wheeler a charecter actor who performed in many films & t.v. series.

[@FaganRoberts]

@InfiniteMushroom The roots of protecting the public from air born food bacteria, clean processing standards, etc., predate New Deal economic national socialism. All these protections were in place long before McDonalds, and even White Castle (1921) began it's operations. I agree with you however on the potential evils of BIG food processors. But believe me, government is not your friend. And in spite of this, you still have choices regarding your own well-being.

[@HGbunny]

I worked at a McD's in the mid-80s during my Sr year of high school. Talk about clean...I had this manager, looked like beach-ball w/a belt tied around the middle, big blonde hair, middle aged. She tells us on a Friday night (big high-school football crowd coming in) the next time she sees a fry on the floor, she's "gonna bite somebody" (one of her favorite phrases.) Guess who got bit? Broke skin, turned purple. People didn't sue back then like now, but I should have...I'd been set for life.