Ronald McDonald spot #1

The year was 1963. This 60-second spot may be the first one ever filmed with Ronald McDonald. Willard Scott created the role of Ronald McDonald, designed the costume, and starred in these first commercials. Ed Walker was the voice-over announcer. According to Ed, the filming occurred at Channel 5, WTTG-TV.

Click here (MP3 file, 177K) to play the audio track as you follow along with the storyboard below.

Or, you can move on to McDonald's spot #2 or McDonald's spot #3.

Ed: Introducing, the world's newest, silliest, and hamburger-eatingest clown, Ronald McDonald! Now... where is that clown? Oh Ronald? Ronald? Hey, Ronald! (Camera pulls back, showing that Ronald is watching this black-and-white image on a TV set.)
Willard: Here I am, kids! Hey, isn't watching TV fun? Especially when you've got delicious McDonald's hamburgers! Ed: Ronald, you can't be on TV and watch it at the same time! Now, come on and meet the boys and girls.
Willard: Oh, we've already met. I know we're going to be friends, too, 'cause I like to do everything boys and girls like to do. Especially when it comes to eating those delicious McDonald's hamburgers.
Willard: My magic tray here keeps me well supplied, with McDonald's hamburgers, french fries, and milk shakes. (Each time he removes a hamburger, another one magically appears to replace it.)
Willard: Watch for me on TV, we'll have lots of fun! (Shakes his own hand several times, and a horn honks each time he does.)
Music and singing, while Ronald dances: "He's Ronald McDonald, the hamburger-happy clown, a McDonald's drive-in restaurant is his favorite place in town."