Why are all old McDonald's ads so creepy?

This 1970s glimpse into McDonald’s Land looks like the result of someone dropping acid with H.R. Pufnstuf, and the trippy music extolling the virtues of “french fry thatches” doesn’t help. Not to mention that any kid in his or her right mind would be terrified of a cop with a giant, grinning hamburger face. There are logistical issues, too: If the kids spend too long in the burger patches or under the milkshake volcano, they won’t be hungry by the time they get to McDonald’s.