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Asterix and Cleopatra (1968)

A Classic Adventure on the Big Screen

Asterix and Cleopatra film 1968 - French cover

Asterix and Cleopatra (French: Astérix et Cléopâtre) is a 1968 Belgian–French animated comedy film and the second Asterix adventure to be adapted into a feature film. Unlike the first adaptation, Asterix the Gaul, this movie saw the direct involvement of Asterix creators René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo, marking their debut as directors. Their creative oversight resulted in a significantly improved production, with more detailed animation and a polished soundtrack that elevated the film’s appeal.

This adaptation stands out as a near-musical, boasting three individual song sequences and a lively, varied score. The humor—ranging from satire to surreal moments like Cleopatra’s singing lion and a Santa Claus engraving on a pyramid wall—continues to charm audiences across generations.

Plot Summary

The movie closely follows the plot of the beloved comic book of the same name. After a heated debate with Julius Caesar, Queen Cleopatra bets she can have a magnificent palace built for him in Alexandria within three months. Architect Numerobis, tasked with this monumental challenge, seeks the help of the Gauls: the druid Panoramix and his companions, Asterix and Obelix.

With the aid of Panoramix’s magic potion, the construction progresses rapidly despite sabotage by Numerobis’ rival, Amonbofis. From fending off pirates to navigating the Great Pyramid’s labyrinth, the trio’s journey is filled with excitement. Cleopatra ultimately wins her bet, securing her people’s honor and leaving Caesar in awe.

Interesting Facts About the Movie

  • Idéfix (Dogmatix) made his cinematic debut in this film. In the comics, he first appeared in Asterix and the Banquet in 1965.
  • For the first time, human characters were animated with five fingers instead of four, a change from Asterix the Gaul (1967).
  • The iconic theme music from the first film was retained in this sequel.
  • Early DVD releases of the film omitted scenes, such as Numerobis’ introduction to Panoramix. These were restored in the HD remaster released on Blu-ray.
  • This film became a holiday classic, rediscovered annually by new generations during Christmas television broadcasts.
  • An ambitious production, it involved 150 people working for eight months, creating 50,000 drawings and 300 detailed backgrounds. Promotional campaigns of the time boasted “a gag every second!”
  • The songs “Le Bain de Cléopâtre,” “Le Pudding à l’Arsenic,” and “Quand l’Appétit Va, Tout Va” have become beloved parts of the Gaulish musical heritage.

Production Details

  • Directors: René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo
  • Screenplay by: Eddie Lateste, Jos Marissen, Pierre Tchernia
  • Produced by: Raymond Leblanc
  • Starring: Roger Carel, Jacques Morel, Micheline Dax, Pierre Tornade, Lucien Raimbourg
  • Narrated by: Bernard Lavalette
  • Music by: Gérard Calvi
  • Cinematography: Georges Lapeyronnie, François Léonard, Jean Midre
  • Edited by: Jacques Marchel, László Molnár
  • Production Companies: Dargaud Films, Belvision
  • Release Dates:
    • December 19, 1968 (France)
    • December 21, 1968 (Belgium)
    • January 1, 1970 (United Kingdom)
  • Running Time: 72 minutes
  • Languages: French

Legacy

Asterix and Cleopatra remains a hallmark of animation history. Its blend of humor, music, and storytelling has captivated audiences for decades. Whether you’re a die-hard Asterix fan or discovering this classic for the first time, it’s an essential part of the Gaulish legacy—as timeless as Cleopatra’s bet with Caesar.