Sophie and Vivianne – Two sisters and an adventure

December 12 2023

“Sophie and Vivianne – Two sisters and an adventure” (“Sophie et Virginie”) is a French-Australian animated television series, created by Jean Chalopin and produced by ABC, AB Productions and C&D. The series, consisting of 52 episodes lasting 26 minutes each, was broadcast in France starting from 12 December 1990 on TF1, as part of the “Club Dorothée” programme, and subsequently in 2011 on Mangas. It is also available on YouTube on the TeamKids channel since December 12, 2017.

The Italia series was broadcast in October 1993 on Italia 1

What the series is about?

The series tells the story of Sophie (eight years old) and Virginie (sixteen years old) Mercier, two sisters, daughters of Maurice and Caroline Mercier, a famous couple of archaeologists. While their parents travel the world, the girls lead a quiet and comfortable life in their family villa, under the care of their housekeeper Léontine and their dog Tudor. Their lives are turned upside down when they learn of their parents' death in a plane crash. Orphaned, they are placed in an orphanage, where they face difficulties and challenges, including bullying and nostalgia for their faithful dog Tudor.

Characters and Voice Actors

Main characters include Sophie, voiced by Marina Massironi, and Vivianne (Virginie), voiced by Alessandra Karpoff. Other important characters include Paul, voiced by Veronica Pivetti, Frederic, voiced by Diego Saber, and Catherine, voiced by Anna Bonel. Doctor Franck, the series' antagonist, is voiced by Orlando Mezzabotta.

Development and Themes

The series develops through a series of adventures, twists and betrayals, in which Sophie and Vivianne, aided by Paul, Frederic and Catherine, discover that Doctor Franck is responsible for the disappearance of their parents, who they eventually manage to find. Years later, Virginie, now an archaeologist, leaves for Africa with Sophie, Paul, Tudor, Catherine and Frederic, where they face new challenges and the return of Doctor Franck, determined to take revenge.

Production and Style

The series was produced between 1990 and 1992 and stands out for its animation style and compelling narrative. The characters were created by Bernard Deyriès, with a distinctive design that contributed to the success of the series. The music was composed by Jean-François Porry and Gérard Salesses, with the main theme performed by Dorothée.

Impact and Reception

“Sophie and Vivianne – Two sisters and an adventure” achieved considerable success, becoming a classic of Franco-Australian animation. The series is appreciated for its ability to deal with themes such as family, friendship and overcoming adversity, making it a significant and educational work for young audiences.

In conclusion, “Sophie and Vivianne – Two Sisters and an Adventure” remains a brilliant example of storytelling in animation, with memorable characters and stories that capture the imagination and hearts of viewers.