Asterix the Gaul (French: Astérix le Gaulois) is a 1967 animated film, the first in a franchise, based on the comic book of the same name, which was the first book in the highly popular comic series Asterix by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo. The film closely follows the book's plot.
The film was originally planned to be aired on French television, but instead it was released as a theatrical feature film. It was produced by Dargaud, publisher of the Asterix comics, without the involvement of Albert Uderzo and René Goscinny. Goscinny and Uderzo were not satisfied with the film, but reluctantly agreed to its release. However, they managed to stop the production of two planned sequels, Asterix and the Golden Sickle and Asterix and the Big Fight (likewise made without their involvement). Afterwards, they ensured that they would be consulted for all subsequent cartoon adaptations, starting with Asterix and Cleopatra. The film was animated by Belvision.
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Plot
Asterix is ambushed by a large group of Roman legionaries in the forest. Asterix leaves the Romans beaten and bruised, prompting their leader Phonus Balonus to seek the secret behind the Gauls' superhuman strength. Phonus selects a volunteer (by musical chairs) to infiltrate the village posing as a Gaul. A short, slack-tongued misfit named Caligula Minus is dressed in a wig, false moustache and traditional Gaulish dress and led in chains through the forest as a prisoner. Asterix and Obelix free Minus who convinces them he's a Gaul from Lutetia.
