Many people grew up with the films of Asterix and Obelix, which have remained in memory primarily due to the German dubbing, but in Asterix conquers Rome, a brilliant joke is lost that is present in the original.
Asterix and Obelix hold a significant nostalgic value for many German viewers. Although the first animated film (Asterix the Gaul) was released in 1967, many fans have regularly watched the film series thanks to constant reruns.
The German dubbing has also remained in the minds of many fans with iconic quotes and moments (think of the pass slip A38). However, in a scene in Asterix conquers Rome, a joke is unfortunately lost that can be heard in the French original.
Did you know that there is also a Bavarian version? You can see the trailer for it here:
The Fate of the Beast
Which scene is it? In the film, the Gauls have to complete twelve difficult tasks, one of which involves a dangerous beast. You see Asterix and Obelix in the cave, but not the monster itself. There, Obelix already mentions that he is hungry and doesn’t care what is to eat.
Then there is a cut and Asterix and Obelix find themselves back in the city. Shortly after, they sit down with the task inspector. He asks Obelix: How was it with the beast?
Obelix replies: Oh, not particularly
and orders another schnapps. Depending on the German version, this can differ, but in the French original, a joke is included at this point that hints at the fate of the beast.
As the mussmansehenpodcast on TikTok explains, the French and likely also the Bavarian dubbing (this could not unfortunately be verified by us) is noticeably more direct. In the French original, Obelix replies: Elle était bonne!
, which can be translated as It was good
. Instead of a regular schnapps, Obelix then orders a digestif, a digestive schnapps. It is implied that Obelix simply ate the monster. If you speak French, you can watch the clip on Dailymotion.
The various Asterix films also have different versions in the German dubbing, as can be seen on comedix.com. Some films have a Bavarian dialect
(which you can hear in the trailer above), but also Hessian, Berliner, Kölsch, and Swabian dialects, which give the films a different flair.
Despite this lost joke
, the Asterix series remains one of the most popular animation series, not only in Europe but especially in Germany, which is probably also due to the dubbing. You can find more strong animated films here: 6 underrated animated films that every fan of Disney and Pixar should see
