Two all beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions, on a sesame seed bun. I think I'm about to have a "Big Mac Attack." Do you remember the Mac Attack backpacks McDonald's had as a give away in the 70's?

my mother started working at mcdonalds in the early 70's-i use to get my bigmac w/no sauce and no pickles and carol the girl behind the counter said those are the 2 best parts! i got it that way for years but now i just get it w/no pickles and extra sauce. i like CARROLS club burger a little bit better. remember carrols it was competition against mcdonalds in the early 70's they were bought out by burger king.i still enjoy the bigmac very much-sorry ma!

I like Big Macs but only when I order them with only Ketchup, mayo, lettuce and cheese. I've had the special sauce before but I like ordering it my way better. Either way it's a nice tasty, filling sandwich that has been around a long time and will be around for generations to come.

Memba when the Big Mac was really something special! You could see the beef and it wasn't hidden by the bun! My kids now call the Big Mac a "McLettuce with beef"

McDonalds never stopped making the Big Mac!

loololololololololol you guys are all fatass virgins!!!

I used to own a pair of knee high socks with the big mac sandwich with the word to the song

My favorite burger!!!

WOW... I remember when they came out. At first only Dad could have the Big Mac. Obviously still made but it was introduced in our time. Before, Quarter Pounders, McRib, etc, etc. So... some things do keep going. Not for the better most usually. Heck, can't eat em too often nowadays, you can't scorf down the calories like you used to when young. But, yes.. they're great.

Growing up in a small town in the early 70's, a person had to make the most of an opportunity when one arose, such as the case in my first trip to McDonalds. My little league team traveled to the big city to play a team one day, and after the game we were treated to McDonalds, each of us were given a dollar by our coach. At that time the one of the promo's was a Big Mac, fries and a softdrink, and you got change back from $1.00. Got up to the counter, placed my order and got a dime back in change, just like they did on tv. Pretty cool stuff for an eight year old.

How the Big Mac has fallen in terms of quality over the years! It was essentially just a rip-off of the Big Boy, but it was still a damn good burger IMHO.

My Mother used to make us big macs at home she'd chop the onion up really fine and she used thousand island dressing for the special sauce.They were delicious!

I worked at McD's in the early 1980s, and one morning the truck that delivered our supplies forgot the special sauce for the Big Mac's. We didn't have enough to get through the day, so I was sent across the street to the store to buy about 15 bottles of thousand island dressing. I worked there for several years and made more Big Macs than anyone could eat in a lifetime. I still have the old polyester McD's uniform hanging in my closet. Ahh, the memories.

McDonald's BIG MACs have always been delicious, all the way back to its origin in 1968, when one could be had for fifty cents (a plain burger was 19 cents). The Special Sauce was believed to be a variation of Thousand Island. Those were the good, cheap, simple days. NOW...a BIG MAC is over three dollars, the McD crew uniforms are all weird color combos...not to mention the bloated menu of today. Many fond memories can be found on YouTube, and in magazines such as LIFE.

the big mac was alot better in the 70s and 8os than it is today the beef pattys were about as big as a 1/4 pounder patty is now and it just tasted better but the hardees big twin totally dominated the big mac i have eaten alot of fast food in my life as i am wieghing in at about 540 lbs mcdonalds burger king harees etc.etc. are my life...and they also ruined my life i used to be a boy named phillip now i live as a woman

I loved Big Macs when I was little, but I used to give my mom the pickles. Above, Susie said she had knee socks w/ the Big Mac ingredients on them. When I was a kid, my friend Cynthia had the t-shirt. Today I have a tye-dye shirt that says "Get Back With Big Mac".

From the Saturday morning cartoon vault: Early McDonald Land TV commercial featuring Big Mac, the cop character with a hamburger head. Hamburglar kept dodging Big Mac, scampering all around while swiping burgers. Who finally catches him? Ronald. This aired on "Dr. Dolittle" cartoon show over NBC (9/26/70). Also, the musical ad which introduced the "You Deserve a Break Today" jingle, with an all-male management crew (today, it's the opposite) cleaning up the restaurant (actor John Amos was in this). This aired on "Where's Huddles?" (football-themed cartoon series) over CBS (8/11/71).

From the Saturday morning cartoon vault, a TV spot with Grimace eating a Big Mac, but Ronald tells the kids they must grow a little before they can handle Big Macs, and offers them cheeseburgers, plus a quick pitch for 50c gift certificates. This aired on "Uncle Croc's Block" over ABC (11/22/75). Charles Nelson Reilly and Jonathon Harris co-hosted the show which featured cartoon shorts by Filmation. Most notably, "M-U-S-H," set in the Yukon instead of Korea, staffed by humanized dogs. "M-A-S-H" parody characters included Bullseye, Trooper (John Wayne mimic), Col. Flake, Cold Lips and Sonar. John Erwin and Alan Oppenheimer did most of the voice work, including female characters. "Uncle Croc" was banished back to the Everglades by ABC after only 13 weeks.

From the prime time TV vault, a Big Mac commercial with backup by a symphony orchestra, which plays as a sandwich is seen being assembled on a big screen. This aired on a "Saturday Morning Preview Revue" over NBC (9/13/74). Hosted by Jimmy Osmond, a musical preview of NBC's 1974-75 Saturday lineup. Johnny Whittaker and the Sea Monsters perform a number. Rest of the cast is of Krofft puppets. Billy Barty doubled up as Sigmund and as Sparky from "The Bugaloos" (sitting in audience, with H.R. Pufnstuf). Other commercials included Mister Bubble, Libby Foods, Kool Aid and Flair felt-tip marking pens. Remember, Big Mac turns 50 this year. See if McDonald's offers them for the original 50 cents!

Big Mac turns 50! From the Saturday morning cartoon vault, a McDonald's contribution to environmental issues. An anti-littering ad with dancing trash cans, joined by Ronald and some kids. Not mentioned: Where the trash goes afterward (landfill). "Feed the wastebaskets1" This aired on "Saturday Superstar Movie" over ABC (9/9/72). Featured was "Popeye & the Man Who Hated Laughter." A Hal Seeger cartoon. Assisted by Brutus, a mad doctor conspires to rid the world of laughter by incarcerating all (King Features) comic strip characters. He lures them to his castle by way of a free cruise. When the plot is divulged, Popeye (Jack Mercer) swings into action, aided by Steve Canyon and some superheroes. Olive, Wimpy, Blondie, Dagwood and Snuffy Smith are among those in this cartoon. Other sponsors: Nestle $100,000 Bar, Shasta soda, Post Super Sugar Crisp, Cap'n Crunch, Inch Worm riding toy, Marx Big Wheel. Network promo for "Kid Power" cartoon.

From the Saturday morning cartoon vault, an early McDonald Land commercial featuring Hamburglar. Ronald lures him with a big chocolate shake. Hamburglar, caught with the evidence (stolen hamburgers), is arrested by Big Mac, the cop. Actor Larry Blyden did narration. Slogan: In McDonald Land, a McDonald's. This aired on "Bugaloos" over NBC (9/26/70). Wham-O, Charms Lollipops and Kellogg's Rice Krispies were other sponsors. Larry Blyden recorded for about six of the early McDonald Land TV spots. Appearing in a memorable "Twilight Zone" episode, he was better known as game show host and panelist. At age 48, Blyden was killed in an auto accident while vacationing in Morocco, Africa, in 1975.

From the Saturday morning cartoon vault, an unusual TV ad in which ten kids, dressed in Medieval Renaissance costumes, treat their teacher to a Big Mac, fries and shake (est. cost them, $1.05 before tax). You Deserve a Break Today. This aired on "Mission: Magic" over ABC (9/22/73). In this fantasy cartoon by Filmation, Rick Springfield provided a "mission" to Miss Tickle (Lola Fisher) and her ninth grade class, of course, using magic to resolve. Other voice work was by Howard Morris, Lane and Erica Scheimer, who were son and daughter of producer Lou Scheimer. As for Springfield, he spoke with a native Australian accent. This was nine years before becoming a pop music star, not to mention a soap-opera icon on "General Hospital," along with John Stamos.

On the Chicago scene. Gladys Knight & Pips in a radio commercial for McDonald's and its new slogan, We Do It All For You, on WLS Musicradio 89 with DJ John Landecker during an evening in June, 1975. Also, commercial for Dog N Suds drive-ins, announcing the "Cents-Ible Meal" for 79 cents, consisting of char-grilled burger and fries (drink NOT included), offered only at suburban Lisle and Des Plaines locations (both out of business now). Other ads for Musicland record stores, Rockford Dragaway show and Sun-In hair toner (guaranteed to make you blonde).

On the Chicago Scene. We go to June, 1972. Elvis and the Rolling Stones in town the same weekend. A Big Mac was up to 65c. A catchy radio commercial with "Say Cheese, Say Cheeseburger" at McDonald's. At WCFL, this aired on Dick Biondi's PM drive show (4 PM hour CT). The early 1970s became a musical chairs game with radio personalities. By mid 1972, Clark Weber and Ron Britain moved to WIND, Art Roberts became CFL's morning guy. Soon after, Larry Lujack would join the team and Biondi would leave the station for WIND, another rival top hit/adult contemporary station. Charlie Van Dyke replaced Lujack as morning guy at WLS in mid 1972.

From the prime time TV vault, a variant Big Mac commercial showing several customers attempt to recite the ingredient song, and failed. This aired on "When Things Were Rotten," the Robin Hood parody, over ABC (11/26/75). Mel Brooks, coming off "Blazing Saddles," created and produced this flop of a sitcom. Dick Gautier led the cast as Robin. Some of his not-so-merry men included Dick Van Patten, Bernie Kopell and Henry Polic II (Sheriff of Nottingham). Paramount stock player Misty Rowe as Maid Marian. With "Happy Days" as a lead-in, ABC had higher hopes for "Rotten" in the ratings, which were rotten, and we'd see the last of Sherwood Forest after 12 episodes. To its credit, ABC replaced it with a winner, "Laverne & Shirley," in January, 1976.

On the Chicago Scene. Continuing my series celebrating Big Mac's 50th, a musical TV spot with an ensemble of average-looking customers breaking into song, Vaudeville style. "A Meal In a Stack" and "You Deserve a Break" heard as the chorus line of customers go outside to end the ad. This aired on WBBM Ch. 2, on the syndicated "Stand Up And Cheer" in October, 1972. Chevrolet sponsored the show nationally, with allotted local ad time. No guest star. Host and choral leader Johnny Mann led the group in hit tunes of the time, like Gallery's "I Believe In Music." Mixed in also was a brief "rap" session with Mann and group discussing topics of the day. Plus, the usual helping of not-always familiar patriotic songs. Generally, a good family show, with some intent of inspiring patriotism to young people in trying times. The show lasted until 1974.

From the prime time TV vault, a commercial for the Big Meal, consisting of Big Mac, fries and drink (about $1.10 then) with an unknown actor in a crew member's uniform. This aired on "It's the Great Pumpkin" with Charlie Brown over CBS (10/25/71). McDonald's had replaced Coca Cola in sponsoring the "Peanuts" specials, along with Dolly Madison treats. Also, from the Saturday morning cartoon vault, Ronald gives kids reflective safety wear for Halloween night in McDonald Land. This aired on "Mister Wizard" over NBC (10/30/71). A 16-episode educational series for kids, hosted by science whiz Don Herbert. He gives simple lessons on chemistry, life and earth science, plus suggestions on easy science projects.

Continuing to celebrate Big Mac's 50th, a TV spot with the slogans, "Only One Taste" and "We Do It All For You, showing multigenerational folks enjoying them. This aired on "Hello, Larry" over NBC (9/30/79). McLean Stevenson's third show since leaving "MASH." In this "Diff'rent Strokes" spinoff, he played a psychologist who hosted a radio talk show, raising two teen daughters by himself. Ex-Globetrotter Meadowlark Lemon played a friend of Larry's. The show lasted two seasons, 38 episodes. Ratings were mediocre.

From the prime time TV vault, a McDonald's commercial block. First, several folks order Big Macs with a birthday candle on top (first anniversary). Second, a "get a meal, get change back from your dollar" with a rich man and his butler (butler tries pocketing the change (15 cents). This aired on "Courtship of Eddie's Father" over ABC (9/27/69). Loosely based on the 1063 movie, Brandon Cruz as Eddie. Bill Bixby as Tom Corbett, his widowed dad, who worked as editor of a fictional magazine. James Komack played Norman, his best friend and the magazine's art/photography director. Norman also was an overaged hippie (46 years old). Myoshi Umeki as Tom's housekeeper, Mrs. Livingston. For three years, a pleasant comedy-drama series.

On the Chicago Scene. From Feb., 1976, on WLS Musicradio 89, Morning jock Fred Winston urges listeners to "warm your tummy on this frigid day with a Big Mac at McDonald's, only 65 cents for limited time." Regular price then was 75 cents. After working mornings for two years on AM89, Winston left for the FM side, and Super Jock, Larry Lujack, returned to his spot at WLS (3/76), which he held for another 13 years.

From the prime time TV vault, a commercial demonstrating how an entire town fed itself on McDonald's food (Big Mac and Quarter Pounder included) for under $13. Town's population was 45. This aired on "Governor & JJ" over CBS in July, 1971. A summer rerun filler at the time, "Governor & JJ" originally aired season and a half (39 episodes) from 1969-70. Dan Dailey as governor of an undisclosed state. Julie Sommers as daughter JJ, who assisted her dad with day-to-day duties, plus worked at a zoo in animal husbandry. A well-acted sitcom, similar to "Bob Newhart," but with mediocre ratings, barely good enough to warrant a second season.

From the prime time TV vault, another of the commercial series with people struggling to recite the Big Mac ingredient song. These include a switchboard operator and a guy dribbling a basketball. This aired on the "Bob Crane Show" over NBC (3/13/75). After years of trying to shake off his Colonel Hogan typecast, Crane got a show self-named. He played an unemployed insurance agent who resumed medical school at age 47. Living with his wife (Tricia Hart) in an apartment that was part of a factory, Bob Wilcox had to deal with ornery Dean Ingersoll (Jack Fletcher) and several students half his age. Not a great sitcom, but not a bad one neither. Ratings were the pits, and Crane's return to series TV lasted only 13 episodes. Previously, he starred in the Disney flick, "Superdad."

From the prime time TV vault, pre-"WKRP" actor Frank Bonner fumbles through the Big Mac ingredient song in a commercial for McDonald's. This aired on the prison sitcom "On the Rocks" over ABC (4/12/76). Prison sitcoms weren't considered funny, as this only lasted a season of 23 episodes. Notable actors included Tom Poston and Mel Stewart as guards. Inmates included Rick Hurst (later of "Dukes of Hazzard") and Hal Williams. He began as Smitty the cop on "Sanford & Son." Also, the drill sergeant on "Private Benjamin," plus a starring role on "227."

From the prime time TV vault, McDonald's changed the Big Mac slogan to: "There's something about a Big Mac that keeps you coming back." Commercial includes a track runner going backwards, and an astronaut returning to Earth via jet pack. This aired on "Eight Is Enough" over ABC (9/21/77). Season two begins with the Bradford Family still mourning the loss of matriarch Joan, played by Diana Hyland, who passed on during production, after filming five episodes. Eventually, Tom (Dick Van Patten) marries Abby (Betty Buckley), a registered nurse. The Bradfords, with their new wife/stepmother, stayed together until 1982, despite less than spectacular ratings. Shortly after, Adam Rich, the youngest, began having brushes with the law.

OMG I loved Eight is Enough! I also loved The Waltons..Little House on the Prarie..and the best show from Aaron Spelling off all time Family! The 1970's were great Television and great snack food!

From the prime time TV vault, another different slogan for Big Mac: Taste you cannot duplicate, showing customers and crew members enjoying them. We Do It All For You. This aired on "Welcome Back, Kotter" over ABC (5/25/79). This was the one-hour series finale, centering on Arnold Horshack (Ron Palillo). After Arnold's fourth stepfather dies, his mother (Ellen Travolta) wants to remarry and leave Brooklyn. Horshack is engaged to marry Mary, and wants to stay. He takes a bold step, seeking help in getting a job and an apartment from his estranged uncle, Harry (James Komack, the producer). After being absent most of season four, unshaven Gabe Kaplan is back for a short appearance, as he and Julie (Marcia Strassman) lend the future Horshacks their wedding ring, and Gabe is their best man. After co-starring in "Courtship of Eddie's Father," Komack went on to produce other hit TV shows like "Chico & The Man." Kaplan abruptly walked out on his role, as the "Kotter" how faced impending cancellation.

From the prime time TV vault, a Big Mac commercial strongly resembling a Broadway musical, with customers and crew members in a chorus line. This aired on "The Waltons" over CBS (11/2/72). Story of a New York-raised teen (Michael Rupert) who walked away from a Civilian Conservation Corps camp. Trying to get home, he finds temporary refuge in the Walton home. Set around 1934 at the start, The show's storyline went on into World War 2. Major cast changes included the deaths of Will Geer and Ellen Corby, the departure of Richard Thomas in 1979, and the lengthy periods in which Michael Learned, the mother, was absent. Though the plots moved slowly at times, "Waltons" was a solid drama, with a minimum of violence.

From the prime time TV vault, a McDonald's commercial block. First, the singing crew men clean up a restaurant set to music. Second, another Big Meal promo, where many arms holding Big Macs, fries and drinks flank the geeky male crew member. You Deserve A Break Today. This aired on "Chicago Teddy Bears" over CBS (9/18/71). Despite having "All In the Family" for a lead-in on Saturday night, This non-violent parody of the Roaring 1920s failed miserably, both in humor and Nielsen ratings. Dean Jones, Art Metrano and John Banner were the partners in crime. Series was cancelled after 13 episodes. Reminded me of another parody movie: 1976's "Bugsy Malone," where kids were the stars, and whipped cream instead of bullets came out of tommy guns.

From the prime time TV vault, a McDonald's commercial showing four men taking in a football game. Afterward, they visit McD, order Quarter Pounder burgers, and somehow, a Big Mac is mixed in on their tray. We Do It All For You. This aired on "That's My Mama" over ABC (9/24/75). Clifton Davis played a barber, and Theresa Merritt as his mother. Joan Pringle played Cliff's sister (replacing Lynne Moody from season one). Other notables were Ted Lange and Theodore Wilson. Series was one and a half seasons, 39 episodes. Davis later became a minister, plus played one on "Amen." Pringle was seen later as a school principal on "White Shadow." Lange, of course, the bartender on "Love Boat."

From the prime time TV vault, another of the "coming back for Big Mac" commercial set. Included, a telephone linesman coming down in a cherry picker in front of McDonald's. Also, a guy driving a jet ski powerboat in reverse. We Do It All For You. This aired on "Fish" over ABC (3/9/78). A "Barney Miller" spinoff with retired detective Fish (Abe Vigoda) and wife Bernice (Florence Stanley) establishing a group home for kids who had brushes with the law. Series was 35 episodes in two seasons. Stanley later played a judge in "My Two Dads." Denise Miller (one of the kids) later was seen in "Archie Bunker's Place." Also, Todd Bridges of "Diff'rent Strokes." Another regular was Barry Gordon as a child welfare agent.

On the Chicago scene. From November, 1973, on WCFL, a McDonald's radio commercial urging consumers not to boycott beef, but to buy two all-beef Big Macs for a buck and a quarter (regular price then was 70 cents each). This aired during Wolfman Jack's evening broadcast. For a year, Wolfman was on Super CFL, but never set foot in Chicago. He worked in Los Angeles. Along with hosting "Midnight Special" TV show, he pre-recorded material distributed to several dozen radio stations around the country. Very generic. He'd only mention call letters, and gave little further reference to Chicago. Never gave the time or weather (a local newscaster did that). Toward 1978, I picked up Nashville's WLAC, one of Wolfman's syndicated radio stations. No, I didn't forget his Clearasil acne medicine commercials.

On the Chicago scene. A great McDonald's commercial that shows an African-American family enjoying a meal. The dad eats a Big Mac. R&B music in background. You Deserve a Break Today. This aired over WBBM Ch. 2 on "Stand Up And Cheer" from 11/71. Johnny Mann's guest was John Forsythe, who recites a eulogy for JFK, as written by the late Senator Adlai Stevenson. Despite the ongoing Vietnam War (and the draft), Mann and his chorus of mostly young folks combine patriotism with current hits in the weekly musical collage. Forsythe also joins the "rap session" with Mann and singers. Nationally sponsored by Chevrolet, with time for local commercials.

On the Chicago scene. A group of kids in medieval costumes lead the drama teacher to McDonald's to treat her to a Big Mac lunch. About $1.15 was spent on a meal (now, about $7). This aired on WMAQ, Ch. 5, during a station break. On air was the telecast of "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown" on NBC (2/3/73). Hallmark greeting cards sponsored on network. A TV adaptation, well performed, of the Off-Broadway play. Barry Livingston of "My Three Sons" played Linus.

On the Chicago scene. From 9/15/78 on WGN-TV, this commercial featuring the Big Mac Club promo. When customer bought a Big Mac (89c at the time), a special card was given. The Styrofoam sandwich container had a round sticker. Collect four, turn in card and get the fifth burger free. This aired during Chicago Cubs baseball, a grueling marathon game that lasted twelve innings (Cubs lost 6-1 to St. Louis). Jack Brickhouse and Lou Boudreau called the action. Since last year, no more Cubs on Channel Nine. Now, only on Marquee Sports Network, only available on cable. Tragic.

From the prime time TV vault, a Big Mac commercial with a symphony orchestra introducing each ingredient. Chorus sings, "You Deserve a Break Today." This aired during "Lotsa Luck" on NBC (10/12/73). Among other commercials: One for 1974 Plymouth Gold Duster with Mean Mary Jean, the teenage girl who modeled, hair in long pig tails, dolled-up face and usually wore a football jersey. All-Pro Steeler Mean Joe Green got into the act later on. Mary Jean and sister go fishing, frustrating an older man who can't catch a nibble. "Lotsa Luck," the sitcom with Dom DeLuise as he hard-luck transit worker who had the Energy Crisis among other things work against him.

Some follow-up on remarks about Plymouth Gold Duster commercials. Mean Mary Jean was actress Judy Strangis (then 23 years old). She played a student on "Room 222" (1969-73), also "Dyna Girl" in the "Krofft Supershow" (1976). Found two other Plymouth ads with Mean Mary Jean, who drives to join a boys vs. girls pickup football game. Each commercial featured a country-western balladeer.

Another footnote on last week's remarks about the Plymouth. A recent auction sold two life-like cutout advertising figures displayed in Chrysler-Plymouth dealerships. First was 1969 Road Runner (with Coyote and heart/devil tail logo) for $1600. Other was the Judy Strangis/Mean Mary Jean figure (with thumb extended)selling for $900. Her football jersey had #74.