Today, we celebrate the beginning of the holiday season with Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Three, two, one, let's have a parade!
Live from New York City, the National Broadcasting Company presents the seven-time Emmy Award-winning Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Back by popular demand, your host, Willard Scott of The Today Show, and making her parade host debut, Sandy Duncan of the Hogan Family.
In this year's March Down Broadway, ten giant balloons, six old favorites plus, the Pink Panther, Sesame Street's Big Bird, Quick Bunny, and Woodstock with Snoopy.
Stars of television and theater, Clifton Davis, Tonya Tucker, Frankie Valli, opera star Marilyn Horn, Burton Ernie, Harry Anderson, Stephen Collins, Harry Groner, Arlene Sorkin, Barbie and the Sensations, Jill Schulz and the Peanuts Gang,
Christopher Barnes, Roberta Flack, Impressionist Fred Travellino, singer Judy Kaye, Tim Dunnigan, TV's new Davy Crockett, the Four Tops, the American Ballet Theater, the Osmond Boys, the Boys Choir of Harlem, the NCAA Superstar Dance Team,
French musical comedy star Chantal Goya, the Sweet Adelines, singer Desiree Coleman, the Taffetas, the America Sings Chorus, gold medal winners of the 1988 Summer Olympics, performances by the casts of Godspell, Forbidden Broadway, Suds, and Into the Woods, Peter Allen of Legs Diamond, the Rockettes, and many more.
Join that jolly old man, Santa Claus!
This telecast of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is sponsored in part by the good time, great taste of your holiday place, McDonald's.
By Isotoner gloves and slippers, fitting gifts for everyone you care about.
By Osh-Gosh-For-Gosh, clothing for the entire family, the genuine article since 1895.
And by AT&T, the right choice.
And now, here comes your host, Willard Scott.
How are you and happy Thanksgiving?
How sweet it is to see you again. Welcome once more to another miracle on 34th Street.
And thank you, Macy's, for Long John's. It's a Long John morning and a great time to be alive and it makes you feel like a kid again.
That's what this is all about. Macy's 62nd big, beautiful Thanksgiving Parade. It's only my second, but I hope to make at least 60 out of it.
These dancers, these beautiful ladies, belong to the NCA Superstar Dance Team.
526 beautiful young ladies directed by Mike Miller and Laura Davis.
And they're all set down, willing and able, to perform and dazzle us with their formation that's a technical term for clean dancing.
And if you 1, 2, 3, let her go, girls, I'll be right out of the way.
Oh, what fun it is to sing and play, it's all combined.
Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle all the way.
Oh, what fun it is to ride in a one-horse open sleigh.
Jingle bell, jingle, jingle bell, jingle all the way.
Oh, what fun it is to ride in a one-horse open sleigh. Flashing through the snow, in a one-horse open sleigh.
O'er the fields we go, laughing all the way.
Birds on bobtails, jingle, jingle, making spirits burn.
Oh, what fun it is to sing and play, it's all combined.
Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle all the way.
Oh, what fun it is to ride in a one-horse open sleigh.
Jingle bell, jingle, jingle bell, jingle all the way.
Oh, what fun it is to ride in a one-horse open sleigh.
Jingle bell, jingle, jingle, jingle, jingle all the way.
Oh, what fun it is to ride in a one-horse open sleigh.
Jingle bell, jingle, jingle, jingle all the way.
Hey, thank you so much to the NCA dancers and Dick Schneider.
We sent him to broadcast school.
What a fabulous opening shot.
Now we're going to go to the great step up point to meet our uptown,
and I mean uptown, co-host Sandy Duncan, my sweetheart.
Sandy has starred in Funny Face, Peter Pan, along with Mary Martin,
Two Good Texas Girls, and in the MV series The Hogan Family.
Remember this outfit, Sandy?
That's the one that I wore with Mrs. Poole when we went square dancing.
Sandy, how are things up there?
Willard, I got to tell you, this is the highlight of my career
because there are two little boys, Mikey, four and a half,
and Jeffrey Six, who today think their mom has made it to the top.
I'm sure you can tell there's a lot of excitement up here.
You saw the first band step off, all the other bands,
and there are 13 of them that lined up along Central Park West
with the incredible floats waiting just north of us.
There are giant balloons, and all 10 of them are in a row.
Garfield's first, and they need so much helium to inflate them
up to nearly 19,000 cubic feet for Garfield.
That Macy's the second biggest consumer of helium in the country.
Only the U.S. government uses more,
and they don't use it for nearly as much fun stuff as we do here.
This is great!
The cast of the Broadway musical Godspell sings a joyful song.
French singer Chantal Goya dances with the panda,
and Garfield leads the giant balloons when we come back.
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Oh, ma, I can just see that big ol' roast beef
and the little potatoes with the crispy edges past the gravy.
I bet Sally made the peach pie with the
fancy woven crust, right?
Me? Sure, I'm eating.
Now, ma, did you bake those biscuits with the butter
melted in your mouth like sunshine?
Mmm!
What are you having, Thursday?
Alcohol.
Sound that takes you home again.
That's AT&T.
Hey, it's about 35 degrees, a light wind.
It is a beautiful day for a parade.
Now back up to the step-off point,
77th and Central Park West,
an uptown address for an uptown lady.
Sandy, how are you?
We're standing here with one of the first Thanksgiving Day parades for Macy's.
She's the first woman drum major to lead McDonald's All-American High School Band.
This is Brandy Patton, and she is from Baldwin, Missouri.
Brandy, this is the 22nd year the McDonald's Band has been in the parade.
Now, come on, why did it take so long for a young woman to get to lead this band?
I think it's just like a sport.
You can't start at the top.
You've got to start with a minor league and work your way up.
And it's just now that women are starting to work in that position,
and they're getting to the height where they're recognized.
And was there a way that you were chosen that you can just go,
hey, Brandy, come on down?
How did you get into this?
This was the first year that they held a national competition,
and I was at a band camp, and they simply held a competition.
The drum majors that were seniors tried out, and they selected one.
And do you sort of want to be a drum major when you go to college?
I'd love to be a drum major in college.
I'd like to get into a drum and bugle corps as well.
When a drum major, I mean, it looks like they're just kind of marching along, doing this,
but you actually have a lot to do with the timing of the band
and actually do lead the band, correct?
Yeah.
We're the interpreters between the backstage and the front stage.
We make sure the band knows what they're doing, conduct.
Well, could you do me a favor, because we've got to go back uptown.
Could you give Willard Scott at Herald Square a really great drum major starting cue?
Could you do that for us?
Here we go. Willard, watch this.
Thank you, Brandy.
Brandy was on with us on the Today Show yesterday with the McDonald's Band.
You'll see it coming down Broadway in just a few minutes.
Thank you so much, Sandy and Brandy.
Godspell, that fabulous musical based on the gospel according to St. Matthew,
is once again back on Broadway.
And it's as big a hit as it was back in the 70s.
The new young cast brings some of those wonderful good old words
that will really bring us some good luck and meaning today.
Let's hear it from Godspell.
We thank thee now, oh Father, for all things bright and good.
The seed, time, and the harvest, our life, our health, our food.
No gifts have we to offer for all thy loving hearts.
But that which thou desirest, our humble thankful hearts.
All good gifts around us
are sent from heaven above.
And thanks, oh Lord, thanks, oh Lord, for all his love.
I really want to thank you, Lord.
I want to thank you, Lord.
Thank you, Lord.
Where are they all now?
Has no one condemned you?
No one, sir.
Nor do I condemn you.
You may go now.
Do not sin again.
Where are you going? Where are you going?
Can you take me with you?
For my hand is cold and needs warmth.
Where are you going?
Stay by my side.
By my side.
Day by day, day by day,
oh dear Lord, three things I pray.
See thee more clearly.
Love thee more dearly.
Follow thee more dearly.
Day by day, day by day, day by day,
oh dear Lord, three things I pray.
See thee more clearly.
Love thee more dearly.
See thee more clearly.
Love thee more dearly.
Day by day, day by day, day by day,
love thee more dearly.
Follow thee more dearly.
Day by day, day by day, day by day, day by day.
A medley from the rockin' 60s musical soap opera Suds,
Stephen Collins from Tangiers,
and Big Bird flies high when our parade continues,
live on NBC.
Oh, excuse me, have you seen Joe and Van?
Not yet, Mr. Chambers.
Hey, where have you guys been?
Running late.
Good time, great day.
You know what day this is?
Yeah, Tuesday.
That's why this is your place,
the good time, great day.
Happy birthday, Mr. Chambers.
You guys.
You didn't think we'd forget, did you?
Yeah.
Of McDonald's.
You better get ready for the most challenging Nintendo system ever.
Ready? Let's do this.
The new Power Pad.
It's only available in Nintendo's new Power Set.
Now you're playing with body power.
You gotta run, jump, faster, higher.
The Nintendo Power Pad puts you in total control.
You are the game, you are the power.
Now you're playing with power, body power.
You get the Power Pad, Control Deck, Zapper, and free games
only in Nintendo's exciting new Power Set.
Number 62, that's it, the 62nd year
for this fabulous Macy's Thanksgiving Parade.
Some of you may remember the rockin' 60s.
I'm too young, I just barely can recall it.
When boots were made for walking
and music was made for teenagers,
and Dua Diddy Diddy really meant...
What does that mean, anybody? I haven't got the slightest.
If you remember, you're gonna love this next number
from the musical Suds, the rocking 60s musical soap opera.
It's based on a soap opera because actually,
the action takes place in a laundromat.
So from Suds at the new Criterion Theater, here's the rock.
MUSIC
Every day when your work is behind you
at the shop and the store, put the lock on the door
Just get away where your worries won't find you
If you like, well, I'll tell you more
Down at the stage in the bedroom view
In the evening dawn, there's not much to do
You better put on your vest and wear a smile
Come along with me all while
Cause I tell you I know our place
I know our way
I know our place where we can go
Let's go, let's go, let's go
Color my world with sunshine, never be shamed
Oh, you can color my world with happiness all the way
Take the breeze off the grass and the blue from the sky above
When did you color my world just painted with your love?
All around there were girls and boys, it's a swinging place
Solid wall of joy's got an atmosphere of its own somehow
You gotta come along right now
Cause I tell you I know our place
I know our way
I know our place where we can go
Let's go, let's go, let's go
There she was just walking down the street singing
Doo-wah-dee-dee-dee-dee-down-dee-doo
Snappin' her fingers and a jubilant a bee singin'
Doo-wah-dee-dee-dee-dee-down-dee-doo
She looked good, yeah, yeah, looked fine
She looked good, she looked fine
And I nearly lost my mind now
We're together nearly every single day
Doo-wah-dee-dee-dee-dee-down-dee-doo
We're so happy at this all-good place
Doo-wah-dee-dee-dee-dee-down-dee-doo
I know our place
I know our way
I know our place where we can go
I know our place
I know our place where we can go
I gotta tell you I think I'm sophisticated, but this is something else.
else. Keeping this parade going is like moving an army. It's got troops and
vehicles. The difference is this army has floats for its vehicles. They have all
sizes, some are gigantic, some are mini floats and toy floats, and this army's
troops are recruited from Macy's store employees. About 2,500 strong. They're
the clowns, they're the balloon handlers, and the float escorts, and all the
behind-the-scenes people who help get the rest of us ready to get set, ready, and
go, and we're sure going here today. Coming soon, the showboats float with the
457-voice America Sings chorus, some delightful satire from the review
Forbidden Broadway, and a cavalcade of clowns.
Zero Gravity Clip Hangers. You race them through the giant loop, the death-defying
spiral. Up the wall with Zero Gravity, and take the lead to win. Zero Gravity Clip
Hangers, now with Nikelo, new from Tyco. The Land Before Time has been called the
best animated film for the holiday season. George Lucas and Steven Spielberg
presents a Don Bluth film. The Land Before Time. Rated G, now playing at
theaters everywhere.
The sun comes up. The sky wakes too. And everything smells fresh and new.
New, because now there's morning fresh snuggle fabric softener. Fresh as the morning breeze.
Fresh as the morning dew. Now everything you wash smells fresh and new.
It's true. With new morning fresh snuggle fabric softener, everything you wash smells fresh and new.
Hey, we're back again at Macy's at NBC in all of New York and the world. Thank the
world's finest police department, the city of New York's finest. All the
cooperation and help we get from these people, sensational. Forbidden Broadway,
1988, is the title of a hit Broadway show. It is so hot, you can't even get
tickets to it. They're booked up to 1999, but we've got seven members of the cast
here today and they're gonna get a little free sample of what the show is
all about. It's hilarious satire and they sort of do some spoof and take off some
some famous TV shows and some great celebrities and superstars in the
theater. Their takeoff, for instance, on Starlight Express, they call Starlight
Excess. You'll see why. A bit of Phantom of the Opera and their own view of the
legendary George M. Cohan.
Forbidden Broadway of ADA's. It's ferocious and so explosive. The Schumerts better go straight.
We'll give a biz. To romance. They miss. And we'll teach the fans and to skate.
Forbidden Broadway, ADA.
This is Little Boy Control from Starlight Excess. Starlight Excess, the new rock and roll
roller skating, ankle breaking musical. If you are wondering why I'm rolling on
skates and singing rock songs to a bass line that grates, I can't stop. I go a
little deaf every night. It's blaring rock. It's blaring rock. From Starlight Excess.
That's all we have to say on Starlight Excess.
I'm 30 years old tomorrow and I haven't worked since I played Annie when I was
10. Tomorrow, tomorrow, revive me tomorrow before I'm a dinosaur. The sequel, the
please write me a sequel like Mike Ware on Elm Street 4.
I'm 30 years old tomorrow and I haven't worked since I played Annie when I was 10.
I'm 30 years old tomorrow.
I'm 30 years old tomorrow and I haven't worked since I played Annie when I was 10.
I'm 30 years old tomorrow.
Give my regrets to Broadway, but still I'm sure it will survive.
Ask all the kids in 42nd Street, to them it's still alive.
We heard from Jerry Herman, he's working on a catchy song.
Give our regards to old Broadway, and tell them we'll be there for long.
Moms, we're sure to meet on that same street. Forbidden Broadway.
Happy Thanksgiving.
We're nearly a mile from the starting point of the Columbus Circle, ready to start down Broadway.
Harry Anderson's Flight of Hand, the American Ballet Theater, clowns, floats and giant balloons.
You'll see the whole parade here on NBC.
Don't put those tissues back in the box.
Not to mention that I have my sexual peak.
Double, double.
Clemens pitches to Winfield, high and inside.
Pause it!
It's starting lineup talking baseball, and you're in control.
What's the problem?
Roger, fastball, low and inside.
You got it.
You control 40 superstars, make Roger Clemens throw a fastball or a curve.
Have Dave Winfield bump or hit for power.
A real announcer calls the action.
Hold it!
Well, kid?
Starting lineup talking baseball.
What they do is up to you.
He can put up a building, but can't find time to build his own financial future.
Marine Midland Bank can help.
I've got it.
We'll transfer from savings to CDs.
Okay, Mike?
If life leaves no time to work it out alone, let's work it out together.
Marine Midland Bank.
Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Channel 4.
It's only the greatest parade in the world, that's all.
It's the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
It's a beautiful day.
The sun is out.
It's about 35 degrees.
Couldn't be happier.
And Mary Sorensen up in South Burlington, Vermont is 107 years old today.
A very sincere happy birthday wish to Mary from all of us.
You know, about 3500 miles away.
That's even further in Burlington, Vermont from Broadway in France.
We found a musical fantasy that's sensational.
Children just love it in France.
Called The Mysterious Voyage of Marie Rose.
And it stars fairy tale princess named Chantel Goya.
Here from Paris to make her American musical debut is Chantel,
joined by one of the forest creatures that she meets on her mysterious voyage,
Pandy and Da.
Chantel Goya
McDonald's