It’s a very, VERY distant memory for me, so I’m guessing '83 or '84 at the latest, though it could be even earlier. The following description is so vague that it’s a long shot and a half. I’m pretty sure it was the theme/motif of a McDonalds happy meal.
The theme was that there were children (possibly small humanlike animals, such as mice in human clothes) sneaking into the house (castle? lair?) of a scary man (giant? monster?) who was sleeping at night. They may or may not have had candles, and they may or may not have been after treasure or something of the sort. I believe the happy meal box folded out into the scenario - it folded out into a sort of bridge or platform, or maybe it was the floor of his house, and you could see him sleeping and he looked very scary.
Man, that’s all I have, but it’s such a vivid memory that I can’t shake it and it even comes back from time to time; it really made an impression on me as a kid.
Anyone know? Anyone have a guess? Anyone know of any resources that I could consult?
No, but thanks for the attempt! I definitely remember “An American Tale” - this seems to be something far more esoteric and forgotten. I’m also starting to think it was even earlier - maybe as early as '83 or '82. I’m also wondering if it was even related to a happy meal, or if it was just something I saw (a book?) and somehow made the connection.