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Asterix the Gaul (1967)

The Animated Debut of a Comic Legend

asterix the gaul

Asterix the Gaul (French: Astérix le Gaulois) holds the distinction of being the first animated film adaptation of the beloved comic series created by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo. Released in 1967, this Belgian/French production closely follows the plot of the inaugural Asterix book. Although initially conceived as a television feature, the film was ultimately released theatrically. Its production by Dargaud, the comics’ publisher, marked the beginning of Asterix’s journey from page to screen.

However, the film’s production was not without controversy. Neither Goscinny nor Uderzo were involved in the project, a decision that led to their dissatisfaction with the final result. Their frustrations culminated in the cancellation of a planned sequel, Asterix and the Golden Sickle, and their insistence on being consulted for all future adaptations, starting with Asterix and Cleopatra.

Plot Summary

The plot of Asterix the Gaul mirrors its comic book counterpart. Asterix, the cunning warrior from a small Gaulish village holding out against Roman occupation, is ambushed by Roman legionaries. Thanks to a magic potion brewed by the village druid, Getafix, which grants superhuman strength, Asterix easily defeats his attackers. The Romans, eager to uncover the secret of the Gauls’ strength, infiltrate the village using an inept spy named Caligula Minus. Chaos ensues when the Romans capture Getafix, but Asterix’s ingenuity and the druid’s resourcefulness ultimately lead to their triumph.

The story concludes with Julius Caesar personally intervening to resolve the situation. The village celebrates the return of their heroes with a grand banquet.

Interesting Facts

  • Name Inconsistencies: In the English dub of the film, several characters’ names differ from those in the comics. Getafix is called Panoramix, Vitalstatistix becomes Tonabrix, and Cacofonix is renamed Stopthemusix. These inconsistencies arose because the film was dubbed before the English translations of the comics established standard names. Later re-releases corrected this in the title sequences.
  • Animation Details: In one scene, Getafix appears unusually tall, and another character seems to wear Asterix’s outfit. These animation quirks are notable for eagle-eyed fans.
  • Caesar’s Hair: Unlike the white-haired depiction in most adaptations, Caesar has black hair in this film.
  • Four-Fingered Hands: While characters in the comics have five fingers, the film’s animators opted for four fingers, a common time-saving technique in animation.
  • Early Animation Techniques: Jean Dejoux, a researcher at RTF, developed the “Animograph” process, which influenced the film’s production. Georges Dargaud, publisher of Pilote magazine, spearheaded the adaptation after being impressed by this technique.
  • Creator Reactions: Uderzo and Goscinny only learned about the film after a private screening, as their publisher and Belvision’s Raymond Leblanc had kept them in the dark. Disappointed by the result, the duo demanded greater control over subsequent adaptations.

Production and Release

  • Directed by: Ray Goossens
  • Screenplay by: Willy Lateste, Jos Marissen, László Molnár
  • Music by: Gérard Calvi
  • Produced by: Georges Dargaud
  • Release Dates: December 20, 1967 (France), December 23, 1967 (Belgium), December 22, 1968 (UK)
  • Running Time: 68 minutes

Legacy

Asterix the Gaul paved the way for animated adaptations of other comic series, though it would take years for contemporaries like Lucky Luke and Tintin to join the big screen. Despite its challenges, the film remains a key milestone in the Asterix franchise, blending humor, action, and the indomitable spirit of the Gauls.

The film was released on DVD in France on January 16, 2008, allowing a new generation of fans to experience this early chapter of Asterix’s cinematic history. It is also available on several streaming services.