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{{Short description|1976 English/French animated feature film based on the Asterix comic books}}
{{Short description|1976 English/French animated film}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2019}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2019}}
{{Infobox film
{{Infobox film
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| studio = {{Plainlist|
| studio = {{Plainlist|
* [[Dargaud|Dargaud Films]]
* [[Dargaud|Dargaud Films]]
* Les Productions René Goscinny
*[[René Goscinny| Les Productions René Goscinny]]
* Studios Idefix
* [[René Goscinny#Studios Idefix| Studios Idéfix]]
* [[Halas and Batchelor|Halas and Batchelor Cartoon Films]]
* [[Halas and Batchelor|Halas and Batchelor Cartoon Films]]
}}
}}
| distributor = [[EMI Films]] (1976 U.K)<br>[[Gaumont Film Company|Gaumont]] (France)
| distributor = [[Gaumont Film Company|Gaumont]]
| released = {{Film date|1976|10|20|France|1976|12|19|Britain}}
| released = {{Film date|1976|03|12|Austria|1976|10|20|France|1976|12|19|United Kingdom}}
| runtime = 82 minutes
| runtime = 82 minutes
| language = {{Plainlist|
| language = {{Plainlist|French
* French
* English
* Dutch
}}
}}
| country = {{Plainlist|
| country = {{Plainlist|
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}}
}}


'''''The Twelve Tasks of Asterix''''' (''Les Douze travaux d'Astérix'') is a 1976 English/French [[animation|animated]] [[feature film]] based on the [[Asterix comics|''Asterix'' comic book series]], and the third in the [[List of Asterix films|animated franchise]]. [[René Goscinny]] and [[Albert Uderzo]], the creators of the series, wrote the story and directed the film themselves; with co-direction by Pierre Watrin and the screenplay co-written by [[Pierre Tchernia]], a friend of Goscinny and Uderzo. The film was directed, produced and animated at Goscinny and Uderzo's own animation studio, Studios Idéfix, and is the only Asterix animated film that used the [[Traditional animation#Xerography|xerography]] process. At the time of its release, the film received mixed reviews since its tone is more cartoony and frequently breaks the [[fourth wall]]. Nowadays its reception is more favorable, with it often being cited as one of the best ''Astérix'' films, even reaching the status of a [[cult classic]].<ref name="lambiek.net">{{cite web|url=https://www.lambiek.net/artists/g/goscinny.htm|title=René Goscinny|website=lambiek.net}}</ref><ref name="lambiek.net1">{{cite web|url=https://www.lambiek.net/artists/u/uderzo.htm|title=Albert Uderzo|website=lambiek.net}}</ref>
'''''The Twelve Tasks of Asterix''''' (''Les Douze travaux d'Astérix'') is a 1976 English/French [[animation|animated]] [[feature film]] based on the [[Asterix comics|''Asterix'' comic book series]], and the third in the [[List of Asterix films|animated franchise]]. [[René Goscinny]] and [[Albert Uderzo]], the creators of the series, wrote the story and directed the film themselves; with co-direction by Pierre Watrin and the screenplay co-written by [[Pierre Tchernia]], a friend of Goscinny and Uderzo. The film was directed, produced and animated at Goscinny and Uderzo's own animation studio, [[René Goscinny#Studios Idéfix|Studios Idéfix]], and is the only Asterix animated film that used [[Traditional animation#Xerography|xerography]], instead of traditional inkers.
At the time of its release, the film received mixed reviews since its tone is more cartoony and frequently breaks the [[fourth wall]]. Nowadays, its reception is more favourable, with it often being cited as one of the best ''Astérix'' films, even reaching the status of a [[cult classic]].<ref name="lambiek.net">{{cite web|url=https://www.lambiek.net/artists/g/goscinny.htm|title=René Goscinny|website=lambiek.net}}</ref><ref name="lambiek.net1">{{cite web|url=https://www.lambiek.net/artists/u/uderzo.htm|title=Albert Uderzo|website=lambiek.net}}</ref>


It was the only Asterix film (animated or live-action) to be based on an original screenplay rather than on material from any of the [[comic book]] stories until the release of ''[[Asterix: The Secret of the Magic Potion]]'' in 2018.<ref name="lambiek.net"/><ref name="lambiek.net1"/> It was later adapted into a comic book as well by Albert Uderzo's brother, [[Marcel Uderzo]],<ref name="lambiek.net2">{{cite web|url=https://www.lambiek.net/artists/u/uderzo_marcel.htm|title=Marcel Uderzo|website=lambiek.net}}</ref> as an illustrated text story book and a series of twelve books for young readers.
It was the only Asterix film (animated or live-action) to be based on an original screenplay rather than on material from any of the [[comic book]] stories until the release of ''[[Asterix: The Secret of the Magic Potion]]'' in 2018.<ref name="lambiek.net"/><ref name="lambiek.net1"/> It was later adapted into a comic book as well by Albert Uderzo's brother, [[Marcel Uderzo]],<ref name="lambiek.net2">{{cite web|url=https://www.lambiek.net/artists/u/uderzo_marcel.htm|title=Marcel Uderzo|website=lambiek.net}}</ref> as an illustrated text story book and a series of twelve books for young readers.
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Following constant defeats by the rebel village in [[Gaul]], the [[Roman Senate]] begins to suggest that the [[Gauls]] might be [[Roman gods|gods]], due to their apparent invincibility. [[Julius Caesar]], openly disdainful of the suggestion, decides to test the village and meets with their chieftain, [[Recurring characters in Asterix#Vitalstatistix|Vitalstatistix]]. Caesar declares that the Gauls must undertake a challenge, inspired by [[Labours of Hercules|the Twelve Labours]] of [[Heracles|Hercules]]: the village's best warriors shall perform a set of twelve new tasks, which only gods could carry out successfully. Completion of all the tasks will see Caesar hand over the [[Roman Empire]] to them, whereas failing just one task will result in the Gauls surrendering to Rome. Agreeing to the terms, the village assigns [[Asterix (character)|Asterix]] and [[Obelix]] to perform the tasks, with Caesar assigning Caius Tiddlus, a Roman man renowned for his honesty, to act as their guide to the tasks and serve as the challenges' referee.
Following constant defeats by the rebel village in [[Gaul]], the [[Roman Senate]] begins to suggest that the [[Gauls]] might be [[Roman gods|gods]], due to their apparent invincibility. [[Julius Caesar]], openly disdainful of the suggestion, decides to test the village and meets with their chieftain, [[Recurring characters in Asterix#Vitalstatistix|Vitalstatistix]]. Caesar declares that the Gauls must undertake a challenge, inspired by [[Labours of Hercules|the Twelve Labours]] of [[Heracles|Hercules]]: the village's best warriors shall perform a set of twelve new tasks, which only gods could carry out successfully. Completion of all the tasks will see Caesar hand over the [[Roman Empire]] to them, whereas failing just one task will result in the Gauls surrendering to Rome. Agreeing to the terms, the village assigns [[Asterix (character)|Asterix]] and [[Obelix]] to perform the tasks, with Caesar assigning Caius Tiddlus, a Roman man renowned for his honesty, to act as their guide to the tasks and serve as the challenges' referee.


In their first set of challenges, Asterix defeats Asbestos, champion of the [[ancient Olympic Games]], by beating him in a race, and Cilindric the [[Ancient Germans|German]] in a [[judo]] match, by outsmarting his opponent. Obelix defeats Verses the [[Persians|Persian]], by managing to [[Javelin throw|throw a javelin]] further than him. In their next challenge, the pair find themselves crossing a lake that is home to beautiful [[Siren (mythology)|Siren]]s, who reside in the centre on the "Isle of Pleasure". Although the Gauls nearly succumb to the women, Obelix comes to his senses when he learns that there are no [[wild boar]]s for him to hunt and eat, allowing the pair to accomplish the challenge. After surviving the [[Hypnosis|hypnotic]] gaze of Iris the [[Egyptians|Egyptian]] in the fifth task, with Asterix causing him to hypnotise himself, Obelix attempts the sixth task of finishing meals prepared by the Belgian cook Mannekenpix, consuming all the food (which he believes to be his starters).
In their first set of challenges, Asterix defeats the Greek Asbestos, champion of the [[ancient Olympic Games]], by beating him in a race, and Cilindric the [[Ancient Germans|German]] in a [[judo]] match, by outsmarting his opponent. Obelix defeats Verses the [[Persians|Persian]], by managing to [[Javelin throw|throw a javelin]] further than him. In their next challenge, the pair find themselves crossing a lake that is home to beautiful [[Siren (mythology)|Siren]]s, who reside in the centre on the "Isle of Pleasure". Although the Gauls nearly succumb to the women, Obelix comes to his senses when he learns that there are no [[wild boar]]s for him to hunt and eat, allowing the pair to accomplish the challenge. After surviving the [[Hypnosis|hypnotic]] gaze of Iris the [[Egyptians|Egyptian]] in the fifth task, with Asterix causing him to hypnotise himself, Obelix attempts the sixth task of finishing meals prepared by the Belgian cook Mannekenpix, consuming all the food (which he believes to be [[hors d'oeuvre]]s).


Following their seventh task of enduring the "Cave of the Beast", the pair attempt the eighth task of getting a permit document from a multi-storey [[bureaucracy|bureaucratic]] building. After finding it impossible because of the clinically unhelpful people who direct them elsewhere, Asterix beats them at their own game by asking for an imaginary permit. The staff fall victim to their own behaviour, and cause the [[Praefectus|Prefect]] to unwittingly hand over what the Gauls came for. The pair continue to complete further challenges. They cross a [[ravine]] filled with crocodiles by beating them up, rather than using an invisible tightrope. They answer a riddle by the Old Man of the Mountain, conducted in the form of a washing detergent advertisement. They then endure a night on a plain haunted by ghosts. Asterix gets rid of them by complaining about the noise and convincing the ghosts to shut up.
Following their seventh task of enduring the "Cave of the Beast", the pair attempt the eighth task of getting a permit document from "The Place that Sends you Mad", a multi-storey [[bureaucracy|bureaucratic]] building. After finding it impossible because of the clinically unhelpful people who direct them elsewhere, Asterix beats them at their own game by requesting an imaginary permit. The staff fall victim to their own behaviour, and cause the [[Praefectus|Prefect]] to unwittingly hand over what the Gauls came for. The pair continue to complete further challenges. They cross a [[ravine]] filled with crocodiles by beating them up, rather than using an invisible tightrope. They answer a riddle by the Old Man of the Mountain, conducted in the form of a washing detergent advertisement. They then endure a night on a plain haunted by ghostly legionnaires. The exhausted Asterix's furious complaint scares the ghosts away.


Asterix and Obelix eventually find themselves in [[Rome]], alongside their fellow villagers, for their final task. Brought to the [[Circus Maximus]], the Gauls fight against [[gladiator]]s, whom they beat, and defeat various animals sent against them by turning the arena into a modern-day [[circus]]. Having succeeded in every task, Caesar agrees that they are gods, giving the Gauls control of the Roman Empire, while retiring to live a quiet and peaceful life with [[Cleopatra]]. As a reward for his service, Caius Tiddlus retires to the Isle of Pleasure. As the village celebrates their success, Asterix answers Obelix's question of them really [[Fall of the Western Roman Empire|conquering Rome]] by pointing out that everything that happened to them [[Fourth wall|was a mere cartoon]], in which [[Cartoon physics|everything is possible]]. Obelix takes advantage of this and [[Teleportation|teleports]] himself and his wild boar meat to the Isle of Pleasure by the High Priestess, along with Caius Tiddlus, to enjoy himself.
Asterix and Obelix eventually find themselves in [[Rome]], alongside their fellow villagers, for their final task. Brought to the [[Circus Maximus]], the Gauls fight against [[gladiator]]s, whom they beat, and defeat various animals sent against them by turning the arena into a modern-day [[circus]]. Having succeeded in every task, Caesar agrees that they are gods, giving the Gauls control of the Roman Empire, while retiring to live a quiet and peaceful life with [[Cleopatra]]. As a reward for his service, Caius Tiddlus retires to the Isle of Pleasure. As the village celebrates their success, Asterix answers Obelix's question of them really [[Fall of the Western Roman Empire|conquering Rome]] by pointing out that everything that happened to them [[Fourth wall|was a mere cartoon]], in which [[Cartoon physics|anything is possible]]. Obelix takes advantage of this and [[Teleportation|teleports]] himself and his wild boar meat to the Isle of Pleasure by the High Priestess, along with Caius Tiddlus, to enjoy himself.


== Cast ==
== Cast ==
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|-
|-
!Character
!Character
!Original
!Original Dub
!English<ref name="Credits">{{Cite web|url=http://www.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/4ce2b6bd08c94|title=Les DOUZE TRAVAUX D'ASTÉRIX (1975)}}</ref>
!English Dub<ref name="Credits">{{Cite web|url=http://www.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/4ce2b6bd08c94|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220509094201/http://www.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/4ce2b6bd08c94|archive-date=9 May 2022|access-date=21 November 2024|title=Les DOUZE TRAVAUX D'ASTÉRIX (1975)}}</ref><ref name="Twelve Tasks">{{Cite web|url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/movies/The-Twelve-Tasks-of-Asterix/|title=The Twelve Tasks of Asterix|website=Behind The Voice Actors|language=en-US|access-date=2021-03-26}}</ref>
|-
|-
!Asterix
!Asterix
|rowspan="2"|[[Roger Carel]]
|rowspan="2"|[[Roger Carel]]
|rowspan="2"|[[Seán Barrett (actor)|Sean Barrett]]
⚫
|[[Seán Barrett (actor)|Sean Barrett]]<ref name="Twelve Tasks of Asterix">{{Cite web|url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/movies/The-Twelve-Tasks-of-Asterix/|title=The The Twelve Tasks of Asterix Cast|website=Behind The Voice Actors|language=en-US|access-date=2021-03-26}}</ref>
|-
|-
!Caius Tiddlus
!Caius Tiddlius
|Sean Barrett
|-
|-
!Obelix
!Obelix
|[[Jacques Morel (actor)|Jacques Morel]]
|[[Jacques Morel (actor)|Jacques Morel]]
|[[Michael Kilgarriff]]<ref name="Credits"/><ref name="Twelve Tasks of Asterix"</ref>
| [[Michael Kilgarriff]]<ref name="Credits"/><ref name="Twelve Tasks"/>
|-
|-
!Dogmatix
!Dogmatix
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|}
|}
===Additional Voices===
===Additional Voices===

⚫
*Original: [[Roger Carel]] (Roman Senator #2, Roman Senator #3)


===Original===
===Original===
⚫
*[[Roger Carel]] (Roman Senator #2, Roman Senator #3)
*Georges Atlas - Cétautomatix, Hermès, Fantôme romain
*Georges Atlas - Cétautomatix, Hermès, Fantôme romain
*[[Claude Bertrand (actor)|Claude Bertrand]] - Brutus, Le centurion #2
*[[Claude Bertrand (actor)|Claude Bertrand]] - Brutus, Le centurion #2
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===English===
===English===
⚫
*Paul Bacon - Vitalstatistix, Centurion #1, Roman Senator #1, Indian Chief, Iris, Bureaucrat #9, Old Man of the Mountains, Ares<ref name="Credits" /><ref name="Twelve Tasks">{{Cite web|url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/movies/The-Twelve-Tasks-of-Asterix/|title=The Twelve Tasks of Asterix|website=Behind The Voice Actors|language=en-US|access-date=2021-03-26}}</ref>
;Uncredited
*[[George Baker (British actor)|George Baker]] - Bureaucrat #2, Prefect, Hermes, Roman Soldier<ref name="Credits"/><ref name="Twelve Tasks"/>
*Paul Bacon - Vitalstatistix<ref name="Twelve Tasks of Asterix"</ref>, Centurion #1, Roman Senator #1, Indian Chief, Iris<ref name="Twelve Tasks of Asterix"</ref>, Bureaucrat #9, Old Man of the Mountains<ref name="Twelve Tasks of Asterix"</ref>, Ares<ref name="Credits">{{Cite web|url=http://www.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/4ce2b6bd08c94|title=Les DOUZE TRAVAUX D'ASTÉRIX (1975)}}</ref>
*[[George Baker (British actor)|George Baker]] - Prefect, Hermes, Additional Voices<ref name="Credits"</ref>
*[[Ysanne Churchman]] - Impedimenta, Bureaucrat #5<ref name="Credits"/><ref name="Twelve Tasks"/>
*[[Seán Barrett (actor)|Sean Barrett]] - Verses, Cylindric, Mannikinpix, Gladiator Trainer, Jailer, Roman Ghost, Fulliautomatix<ref name="Credits"</ref>
*Christina Greatrex - Chief Priestess of the Isle of Pleasure, Bureaucrat #6, Hera, Mrs. Geriatrix<ref name="Credits"/><ref name="Twelve Tasks"/>
*[[Ysanne Churchman]] - Impedimenta, Bureaucrat #3, Bureaucrat #5<ref name="Credits"</ref>
*Alexander John - Julius Caesar, Bureaucrat #1, Zeus<ref name="Credits"/><ref name="Twelve Tasks"/>
*Christina Greatrex - Chief Priestess of the Isle of Pleasure<ref name="Twelve Tasks of Asterix"</ref>, Bureaucrat #6, Bureaucrat #8, Hera, Mrs. Geriatrix<ref name="Twelve Tasks of Asterix"</ref><ref name="Credits"</ref>
*[[Barbara Mitchell]] - Priestess #3<ref name="Credits"/><ref name="Twelve Tasks"/>
*Alexander John - Julius Caesar<ref name="Twelve Tasks of Asterix"</ref>, Zeus, Additional Voices<ref name="Credits"</ref>
*[[Gennie Nevinson]] - Bureaucrat #3, Bureaucrat #8, Cleopatra<ref name="Credits"/><ref name="Twelve Tasks"/>
*[[Barbara Mitchell]] - Additional Voices<ref name="Credits"</ref>
*[[John Ringham]] - Narrator, Soldier, Roman Senator #3, Bureaucrat #7<ref name="Credits"/><ref name="Twelve Tasks"/>
*[[Gennie Nevinson]] - Cleopatra, Additional Voices<ref name="Credits"</ref>
*Geoffrey Russell - Getafix, Roman Senator #4, Cacofonix<ref name="Credits"/><ref name="Twelve Tasks"/>
*[[John Ringham]] - Narrator, Additional Voices<ref name="Credits"</ref>
*Paddy Turner - Priestess #2, Bureaucrat #4, Aphrodite<ref name="Credits"/><ref name="Twelve Tasks"/>
*Geoffrey Russell - Getafix<ref name="Twelve Tasks of Asterix"</ref>, Roman Senator #4, Cacofonix<ref name="Twelve Tasks of Asterix"</ref><ref name="Credits"/>
*[[Seán Barrett (actor)|Sean Barrett]] - Verses, Cylindric, Mannikinpix, Gladiator Trainer, Jailer, Roman Ghost, Fulliautomatix<ref name="Credits"/><ref name="Twelve Tasks"/>
*Paddy Turner - Priestesses, Bureaucrat #4, Bureaucrat #7, Aphrodite<ref name="Credits"</ref>


== Home media ==
== Home media ==
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*In the opening scene at Caesar's senate [[Marcus Junius Brutus|Brutus]] is seen around the table playing with a knife of which Caesar says "Brutus, stop playing about with that knife you'll end up hurting somebody",<ref>{{cite web |title=Animated Asterix Films: 'The Twelve Tasks of Asterix' |url=https://h2g2.com/edited_entry/A72220664 |website=h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition |date=21 February 2011 |access-date=10 June 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Kuykendall |first1=Jeff |title=The Twelve Tasks of Asterix (1976) |url=https://www.midnightonly.com/2012/04/27/the-twelve-tasks-of-asterix-1976/ |website=Midnight Only |access-date=10 June 2021}}</ref> while Brutus is off screen you hear an "ouch" in the background with the next shot of Brutus with a bandage around his finger. This is a reference to [[Et tu, Brute?|Brutus being one of the men]] who [[Assassination of Julius Caesar|stabbed and killed Caesar]].
*In the opening scene at Caesar's senate [[Marcus Junius Brutus|Brutus]] is seen around the table playing with a knife of which Caesar says "Brutus, stop playing about with that knife you'll end up hurting somebody",<ref>{{cite web |title=Animated Asterix Films: 'The Twelve Tasks of Asterix' |url=https://h2g2.com/edited_entry/A72220664 |website=h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition |date=21 February 2011 |access-date=10 June 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Kuykendall |first1=Jeff |title=The Twelve Tasks of Asterix (1976) |url=https://www.midnightonly.com/2012/04/27/the-twelve-tasks-of-asterix-1976/ |website=Midnight Only |access-date=10 June 2021}}</ref> while Brutus is off screen you hear an "ouch" in the background with the next shot of Brutus with a bandage around his finger. This is a reference to [[Et tu, Brute?|Brutus being one of the men]] who [[Assassination of Julius Caesar|stabbed and killed Caesar]].
*The scene with the fight in the [[Native Americans in the United States|Native American]] village during the second task features a cameo appearance by [[Oumpah-pah]], a character created by Goscinny and Uderzo for a separate comic series.
*The scene with the fight in the [[Native Americans in the United States|Native American]] village during the second task features a cameo appearance by [[Oumpah-pah]], a character created by Goscinny and Uderzo for a separate comic series.
*Especially in France and Germany, "The Place that sends you mad" sequence has achieved a strong [[Cult following|cult status]] as a parody of absurd modern-day bureaucracy. In Germany, "{{lang|de|Passierschein A38}}" ("Curfew pass A38") has become a popular [[Slang|slang term]] for a fictional document to ironically describe absurd bureaucracy.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Warum das Coronavirus den "Passierschein A38" wiederauferstehen lässt|url=https://www.t-online.de/-/87577308|access-date=2021-10-20|website=www.t-online.de|date=23 March 2020 |language=de}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=ZEIT ONLINE {{!}} Lesen Sie zeit.de mit Werbung oder im PUR-Abo. Sie haben die Wahl.|url=https://www.zeit.de/zustimmung?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zeit.de%2Fzuender%2F2006%2F30%2FMusterungsbericht|access-date=2021-10-20|website=www.zeit.de}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Apps statt Ablage - Der lange Weg zur digitalen Verwaltung|url=https://www.deutschlandfunkkultur.de/apps-statt-ablage-der-lange-weg-zur-digitalen-verwaltung.976.de.html?dram:article_id=500884|access-date=2021-10-20|website=Deutschlandfunk Kultur|language=de-DE}}</ref> It was also referenced in the second [[DLC (video gaming)|expansion]] of ''[[The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt]]'', ''[[The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Blood and Wine|Blood and Wine]]''; there, [[Geralt of Rivia|Geralt]] has to retrieve Permit A38 from a Touissant office, and face unhelpful clerks and confusing architecture.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-06-30 |title=The best bit of The Witcher 3: Blood and Wine is a hilarious, throwaway side quest |url=https://www.vg247.com/witcher-3-blood-wine-paperchase |access-date=2023-01-26 |website=VG247 |language=en}}</ref>
*Especially in France, Italy and Germany, "The Place that sends you mad" sequence has achieved a strong [[Cult following|cult status]] as a parody of absurd modern-day bureaucracy. In Germany, "{{lang|de|Passierschein A38}}" ("Curfew pass A38") has become a popular [[Slang|slang term]] for a fictional document to ironically describe absurd bureaucracy.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Warum das Coronavirus den "Passierschein A38" wiederauferstehen lässt|url=https://www.t-online.de/-/87577308|access-date=2021-10-20|website=www.t-online.de|date=23 March 2020 |language=de}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=ZEIT ONLINE {{!}} Lesen Sie zeit.de mit Werbung oder im PUR-Abo. Sie haben die Wahl.|url=https://www.zeit.de/zustimmung?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zeit.de%2Fzuender%2F2006%2F30%2FMusterungsbericht|access-date=2021-10-20|website=www.zeit.de}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Apps statt Ablage - Der lange Weg zur digitalen Verwaltung|url=https://www.deutschlandfunkkultur.de/apps-statt-ablage-der-lange-weg-zur-digitalen-verwaltung.976.de.html?dram:article_id=500884|access-date=2021-10-20|website=Deutschlandfunk Kultur| date=27 July 2021 |language=de-DE}}</ref> It was also referenced in the second [[DLC (video gaming)|expansion]] of ''[[The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt]]'', ''[[The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Blood and Wine|Blood and Wine]]''; there, [[Geralt of Rivia|Geralt]] has to retrieve Permit A38 from a Touissant office, and face unhelpful clerks and confusing architecture.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-06-30 |title=The best bit of The Witcher 3: Blood and Wine is a hilarious, throwaway side quest |url=https://www.vg247.com/witcher-3-blood-wine-paperchase |access-date=2023-01-26 |website=VG247 |language=en}}</ref>


== Comic book and story book adaptations ==
== Comic book and story book adaptations ==
In 1976, Uderzo's brother Marcel created a comic book adaptation of the film. This rare album has been translated in various languages, but is unavailable in the regular series.<ref name="lambiek.net2"/> The English translation, only published as part of the once off [[Annual publication|comic book annual]] ''[[Asterix Annual 1980]]'',<ref>{{cite web|url=https://asterixonline.info/asterix-conquers-rome/|title=Asterix Conquers Rome (1976) - Read Asterix Comics Online|website=asterixonline.info}}</ref> was based on the dialogue of the English version of the film and was titled ''[[Asterix Conquers Rome]]''. There is also an illustrated book of the film containing the story in text. The story book is more regularly published and more widely translated than the very rare comic book.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://asterix.openscroll.org/books/the_twelve_tasks_of_asterix.html|title=Chapter 1. The Twelve Tasks of Asterix|website=asterix.openscroll.org}}</ref> In addition, there are also twelve rare illustrated text story books for young readers, one for each of the twelve tasks.
* In 1976, Uderzo's brother Marcel created a comic book adaptation of the film. This rare album has been translated in various languages, but is unavailable in the regular series.<ref name="lambiek.net2"/> The English translation, only published as part of the once off [[Annual publication|comic book annual]] ''[[Asterix Annual 1980]]'',<ref>{{cite web|url=https://asterixonline.info/asterix-conquers-rome/|title=Asterix Conquers Rome (1976) - Read Asterix Comics Online|website=asterixonline.info}}</ref> was based on the dialogue of the English version of the film and was titled ''[[Asterix Conquers Rome]]''.
* There is also an illustrated book of the film (of the same name) containing the story in text. The story book is more regularly published and more widely translated than the very rare comic book.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://asterix.openscroll.org/books/the_twelve_tasks_of_asterix.html|title=Chapter 1. The Twelve Tasks of Asterix|website=asterix.openscroll.org}}</ref>
* In addition, there are also twelve rare illustrated text story books for young readers, one for each of the twelve tasks.


== References ==
== References ==

Revision as of 15:54, 21 November 2024

The Twelve Tasks of Asterix
Original theatrical release poster
Les Douze travaux d'Astérix
Directed byRené Goscinny
Albert Uderzo
Pierre Watrin
Henri Gruel
Screenplay by
Based on
Produced by
Starring
Narrated byPierre Tchernia
Edited by
  • René Chaussy
  • Isabel García de Herreros
  • Minouche Gauzins
  • Michèle Neny
Music byGérard Calvi
Production
companies
Distributed byGaumont
Release dates
  • March 12, 1976 (1976-03-12) (Austria)
  • October 20, 1976 (1976-10-20) (France)
  • December 19, 1976 (1976-12-19) (United Kingdom)
Running time
82 minutes
Countries
  • France
  • United Kingdom
Language
French
Box office9.4 million tickets[1]

The Twelve Tasks of Asterix (Les Douze travaux d'Astérix) is a 1976 English/French animated feature film based on the Asterix comic book series, and the third in the animated franchise. René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo, the creators of the series, wrote the story and directed the film themselves; with co-direction by Pierre Watrin and the screenplay co-written by Pierre Tchernia, a friend of Goscinny and Uderzo. The film was directed, produced and animated at Goscinny and Uderzo's own animation studio, Studios Idéfix, and is the only Asterix animated film that used xerography, instead of traditional inkers. At the time of its release, the film received mixed reviews since its tone is more cartoony and frequently breaks the fourth wall. Nowadays, its reception is more favourable, with it often being cited as one of the best Astérix films, even reaching the status of a cult classic.[2][3]

It was the only Asterix film (animated or live-action) to be based on an original screenplay rather than on material from any of the comic book stories until the release of Asterix: The Secret of the Magic Potion in 2018.[2][3] It was later adapted into a comic book as well by Albert Uderzo's brother, Marcel Uderzo,[4] as an illustrated text story book and a series of twelve books for young readers.

Plot

Following constant defeats by the rebel village in Gaul, the Roman Senate begins to suggest that the Gauls might be gods, due to their apparent invincibility. Julius Caesar, openly disdainful of the suggestion, decides to test the village and meets with their chieftain, Vitalstatistix. Caesar declares that the Gauls must undertake a challenge, inspired by the Twelve Labours of Hercules: the village's best warriors shall perform a set of twelve new tasks, which only gods could carry out successfully. Completion of all the tasks will see Caesar hand over the Roman Empire to them, whereas failing just one task will result in the Gauls surrendering to Rome. Agreeing to the terms, the village assigns Asterix and Obelix to perform the tasks, with Caesar assigning Caius Tiddlus, a Roman man renowned for his honesty, to act as their guide to the tasks and serve as the challenges' referee.

In their first set of challenges, Asterix defeats the Greek Asbestos, champion of the ancient Olympic Games, by beating him in a race, and Cilindric the German in a judo match, by outsmarting his opponent. Obelix defeats Verses the Persian, by managing to throw a javelin further than him. In their next challenge, the pair find themselves crossing a lake that is home to beautiful Sirens, who reside in the centre on the "Isle of Pleasure". Although the Gauls nearly succumb to the women, Obelix comes to his senses when he learns that there are no wild boars for him to hunt and eat, allowing the pair to accomplish the challenge. After surviving the hypnotic gaze of Iris the Egyptian in the fifth task, with Asterix causing him to hypnotise himself, Obelix attempts the sixth task of finishing meals prepared by the Belgian cook Mannekenpix, consuming all the food (which he believes to be hors d'oeuvres).

Following their seventh task of enduring the "Cave of the Beast", the pair attempt the eighth task of getting a permit document from "The Place that Sends you Mad", a multi-storey bureaucratic building. After finding it impossible because of the clinically unhelpful people who direct them elsewhere, Asterix beats them at their own game by requesting an imaginary permit. The staff fall victim to their own behaviour, and cause the Prefect to unwittingly hand over what the Gauls came for. The pair continue to complete further challenges. They cross a ravine filled with crocodiles by beating them up, rather than using an invisible tightrope. They answer a riddle by the Old Man of the Mountain, conducted in the form of a washing detergent advertisement. They then endure a night on a plain haunted by ghostly legionnaires. The exhausted Asterix's furious complaint scares the ghosts away.

Asterix and Obelix eventually find themselves in Rome, alongside their fellow villagers, for their final task. Brought to the Circus Maximus, the Gauls fight against gladiators, whom they beat, and defeat various animals sent against them by turning the arena into a modern-day circus. Having succeeded in every task, Caesar agrees that they are gods, giving the Gauls control of the Roman Empire, while retiring to live a quiet and peaceful life with Cleopatra. As a reward for his service, Caius Tiddlus retires to the Isle of Pleasure. As the village celebrates their success, Asterix answers Obelix's question of them really conquering Rome by pointing out that everything that happened to them was a mere cartoon, in which anything is possible. Obelix takes advantage of this and teleports himself and his wild boar meat to the Isle of Pleasure by the High Priestess, along with Caius Tiddlus, to enjoy himself.

Cast

Character Original Dub English Dub[5][6]
Asterix Roger Carel Sean Barrett
Caius Tiddlius
Obelix Jacques Morel Michael Kilgarriff[5][6]
Dogmatix Roger Carel

Additional Voices

Original

  • Roger Carel (Roman Senator #2, Roman Senator #3)
  • Georges Atlas - Cétautomatix, Hermès, Fantôme romain
  • Claude Bertrand - Brutus, Le centurion #2
  • Caroline Cler - Bureaucrate #5
  • Claude Dasset - Bureaucrate #2
  • Micheline Dax - Grande Prêtresse, Cléopâtre
  • Gisèle Grimm - Voix supplémentaires
  • Gérard Hernandez - Le vénérable du sommet
  • Jacques Hilling - Soldat
  • Nicole Jonesco - Voix supplémentaires
  • Henri Labussière - Bureaucrate #1
  • Odette Laure - Bureaucrate #4
  • Bernard Lavalette - Le préfet
  • Roger Lumont - Cylindrique le Germain, prof de karaté allemand
  • Jean Martinelli - Jules César, Jupiter
  • Mary Mongourdin - Voix supplémentaires
  • Pascal Mazzotti - Sénateur romain #1
  • Henri Poirier - Le centurion #1
  • Lawrence Riesner - Voix supplémentaires
  • Stéphane Steeman - Le Belge
  • Jean Stout - Voix supplémentaires
  • Monique Thubert - Vénus
  • Pierre Tornade - Abraracourcix, Assurancetourix
  • Nicole Vervil - Bonnemine
  • Henri Virlojeux - Panoramix, Iris
Uncredited

English

  • Paul Bacon - Vitalstatistix, Centurion #1, Roman Senator #1, Indian Chief, Iris, Bureaucrat #9, Old Man of the Mountains, Ares[5][6]
  • George Baker - Bureaucrat #2, Prefect, Hermes, Roman Soldier[5][6]
  • Ysanne Churchman - Impedimenta, Bureaucrat #5[5][6]
  • Christina Greatrex - Chief Priestess of the Isle of Pleasure, Bureaucrat #6, Hera, Mrs. Geriatrix[5][6]
  • Alexander John - Julius Caesar, Bureaucrat #1, Zeus[5][6]
  • Barbara Mitchell - Priestess #3[5][6]
  • Gennie Nevinson - Bureaucrat #3, Bureaucrat #8, Cleopatra[5][6]
  • John Ringham - Narrator, Soldier, Roman Senator #3, Bureaucrat #7[5][6]
  • Geoffrey Russell - Getafix, Roman Senator #4, Cacofonix[5][6]
  • Paddy Turner - Priestess #2, Bureaucrat #4, Aphrodite[5][6]
  • Sean Barrett - Verses, Cylindric, Mannikinpix, Gladiator Trainer, Jailer, Roman Ghost, Fulliautomatix[5][6]

Home media

In the United Kingdom, it was watched by 400,000 viewers on television during the first half of 2005, making it the fifth most-watched foreign-language film on UK television during that period.[7]

Notes

  • In the opening scene at Caesar's senate Brutus is seen around the table playing with a knife of which Caesar says "Brutus, stop playing about with that knife you'll end up hurting somebody",[8][9] while Brutus is off screen you hear an "ouch" in the background with the next shot of Brutus with a bandage around his finger. This is a reference to Brutus being one of the men who stabbed and killed Caesar.
  • The scene with the fight in the Native American village during the second task features a cameo appearance by Oumpah-pah, a character created by Goscinny and Uderzo for a separate comic series.
  • Especially in France, Italy and Germany, "The Place that sends you mad" sequence has achieved a strong cult status as a parody of absurd modern-day bureaucracy. In Germany, "Passierschein A38" ("Curfew pass A38") has become a popular slang term for a fictional document to ironically describe absurd bureaucracy.[10][11][12] It was also referenced in the second expansion of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, Blood and Wine; there, Geralt has to retrieve Permit A38 from a Touissant office, and face unhelpful clerks and confusing architecture.[13]

Comic book and story book adaptations

  • In 1976, Uderzo's brother Marcel created a comic book adaptation of the film. This rare album has been translated in various languages, but is unavailable in the regular series.[4] The English translation, only published as part of the once off comic book annual Asterix Annual 1980,[14] was based on the dialogue of the English version of the film and was titled Asterix Conquers Rome.
  • There is also an illustrated book of the film (of the same name) containing the story in text. The story book is more regularly published and more widely translated than the very rare comic book.[15]
  • In addition, there are also twelve rare illustrated text story books for young readers, one for each of the twelve tasks.

References

  1. ^ "Douze travaux d'Astérix (1976)". JP's Box-Office. Retrieved 11 June 2020.
  2. ^ a b "René Goscinny". lambiek.net.
  3. ^ a b "Albert Uderzo". lambiek.net.
  4. ^ a b "Marcel Uderzo". lambiek.net.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m "Les DOUZE TRAVAUX D'ASTÉRIX (1975)". Archived from the original on 9 May 2022. Retrieved 21 November 2024.
  6. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m "The Twelve Tasks of Asterix". Behind The Voice Actors. Retrieved 26 March 2021.
  7. ^ "4. Film on UK Television in the First Half of 2005". Research and Statistics Bulletin. 3 (1). British Film Institute, UK Film Council: 20-34 (26-7). September 2005. Retrieved 21 April 2022 – via Yumpu.
  8. ^ "Animated Asterix Films: 'The Twelve Tasks of Asterix'". h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition. 21 February 2011. Retrieved 10 June 2021.
  9. ^ Kuykendall, Jeff. "The Twelve Tasks of Asterix (1976)". Midnight Only. Retrieved 10 June 2021.
  10. ^ "Warum das Coronavirus den "Passierschein A38" wiederauferstehen lässt". www.t-online.de (in German). 23 March 2020. Retrieved 20 October 2021.
  11. ^ "ZEIT ONLINE | Lesen Sie zeit.de mit Werbung oder im PUR-Abo. Sie haben die Wahl". www.zeit.de. Retrieved 20 October 2021.
  12. ^ "Apps statt Ablage - Der lange Weg zur digitalen Verwaltung". Deutschlandfunk Kultur (in German). 27 July 2021. Retrieved 20 October 2021.
  13. ^ "The best bit of The Witcher 3: Blood and Wine is a hilarious, throwaway side quest". VG247. 30 June 2022. Retrieved 26 January 2023.
  14. ^ "Asterix Conquers Rome (1976) - Read Asterix Comics Online". asterixonline.info.
  15. ^ "Chapter 1. The Twelve Tasks of Asterix". asterix.openscroll.org.
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