It's a tradition, just like making the tree and the elf's hanging tricks: in December we've been watching Ciné-cadeau in Télé-Québec for 40 years. For the average nostalgic Quebecer and their children, this means watching the same films over and over again from year to year and therefore always hearing the songs that accompany our heroes' adventures. Here are ten that we love (and we really tried not to include too many Asterixes).
• Also read: Here are 6 signs that the holiday spirit has taken over our televisions
Arsenic puddingIn Asterix and Cleopatra
(CB) – “And a little powdered sugar.” Despite his persistence, Screwdriver never managed to convince the infamous Amonbofis to tone down the recipe for the cake that would bring about the Gauls' downfall. This composition by Pierre Tchernia is devilishly catchy and hilariously macabre with lyrics that rhyme with rat poison and cobra venom. It has captured the imagination of several generations and was even covered by Les Colocs here in Quebec.
Love took time The Tuque War
(SEN) – This song sung by Nathalie Simard not only comes from one of the most popular Contes pour tous films of the 80s, it is also associated with two iconic moments in the story: Luc and Sophie's kiss and then, when the young people destroy the fort after the death of the dog Cleo during their war game.
The Ballad of the DaltonsIn The Ballad of the Daltons
(MD) – Composed by pianist Claude Bolling, this old-fashioned, charming song perfectly sums up the cruel fate of the Daltons, four bandit brothers who are constantly outwitted by Lucky Luke and good old dog Rantanplan.
Here is the quadrilleIn Daisy Town
(CB) – What do you do when you chase bandits out of a small town? We're having a big square dance in the saloon. Even Lucky Luke and his trusty Jolly Jumper joined in on the fun, led by a mustachioed violinist who had a run-in with a naughty child's lollipop.
If your appetite decreases, anything goesIn Asterix and Cleopatra
(SEN) – This film is full of songs with unforgettable lyrics. When the appetite passes, everything goes perfectly, representing our greedy character Obélix! “Cléo, I like your sweet nose, I also like mushrooms and then sausages and gingerbread, if your appetite is good, everything is fine!”
Cleopatra's bathIn Asterix and Cleopatra
(MD) – We never get tired of listening (or re-listening) to this very funny song from the animated classic “Asterix and Cleopatra.” How can you not smile when you see the sublime Cleopatra in her bathtub singing a duet with her lion, who ends up choking on her loud voice?
Hymn to workIn The Six Smurfs Flute
(CB) – No one has yet managed to completely distinguish between the verbs schtroumpfer and schtroumpfer, but once you hear this refrain invented by Michel Legrand, you can't get it out of your head. Our thoughts go to the bespectacled Smurf, who is mistreated again in this scene.
I'm a poor lonely cowboy, In Lucky Luke
(SEN) – The lyrics of the opening credits of Lucky Luke – sung by Pat Woods – fit one of our favorite childhood heroes like a glove. “I am a poor, lonely cowboy who would rather have a horse for company,” sings the somber traveler.
Obelix SambaIn The 12 works of Asterix
(MD) – It's always amusing to see how dear Obelix falls under the spell of the priestesses of the Isle of Love and allows himself to be briefly seduced by the pleasures of the flesh to a samba melody.
Zorrino's song, In Tintin and the Sun Temple
(CB) – “Why does Zorrino have to go?” As melancholy as it may be, this song sung by Lucie Dolène is one of the rare songs from the old Tintin animated films that has touched hearts and touched time.