VII. Nightwatch and Revelations
: The film is notable for its surprisingly ornate sets, beautiful period costumes, and slick 35mm cinematography shot by director of photography Guido.
The movie unfolds in medieval England as a group of noble men and women make their way to Canterbury. To stave off boredom, the Hostess (played by Hyapatia Lee) proposes a playful wager. Each traveler chips in a 20-pence piece, and whoever tells the most entertaining, erotic story wins the collective purse.
: The film features several prominent stars of the "Golden Age" of adult cinema, including Mike Horner , Colleen Brennan (as the Lady of Bath), Peter North , and Jon Martin .
The film follows the familiar structure of Chaucer's original. A group of travelers—ranging from noblemen and knights to a monk—are journeying across the British countryside toward Canterbury. To pass the time, the the ribald tales of canterbury 1985 classic
: The soundtrack, composed by Billie Boca and Lexi Hunter, mixes period-appropriate themes with unexpected musical numbers, adding a quirky, theatrical charm to the production. Key Cast and Vignettes
[Frame Story: Nobles & Pilgrims Travel to Canterbury] │ ┌───────────────┼───────────────┐ ▼ ▼ ▼ [The Knight's Tale] [The Miller's Tale] [The Wife of Bath's Tale] └───────────────┬───────────────┘ │ ▼ [Resolution: Final Erotic Story & Contest Winner]
Whether you are a student of Chaucer looking for a laugh, or a fan of Hyapatia Lee wanting to see her magnum opus, this film offers a unique viewing experience that is "sure to entertain its target audience". As one reviewer aptly put it, it is "a delightful diversion for fans of adult films and those seeking a unique twist on a classic work".
Next came the Wife of Bath. She was a formidable woman in a leopard-print coat, her hair permed to gravity-defying heights. She had buried four husbands and was currently looking for a fifth to help pay off her mortgage in Kent. She didn't tell a story of knights; she told a story of power. She spoke of a young man who had to discover what women truly wanted. To stave off boredom, the Hostess (played by
This release was lovingly restored in 2K from the original 35mm camera negatives, a testament to the film's enduring appeal. The set also includes special features like a commentary track by Bud Lee himself, a video interview, and the original theatrical trailers, allowing modern audiences to experience the film with a level of quality that would have been impossible in its initial home video run.
Unlike many standard adult films of its era that relied on cheap, quickly shot hotel room sets, The Ribald Tales of Canterbury featured an unusually large production budget. It was filmed on location in Petaluma, California by Caballero Control Corporation . Production Details
: Modern critics from sites like Letterboxd and IMDb highlight the film's "goofy" charm, playful humor, and surprisingly strong comedic timing, though some note it may test the patience of viewers seeking a fast pace. The Ribald Tales of Canterbury (1985) - IMDb
: Each traveler contributes a small sum of 20 pence into a communal pouch. The film follows the familiar structure of Chaucer's
The film faithfully recreates Chaucer’s setup: a diverse group of medieval pilgrims are traveling to the shrine of Thomas Becket in Canterbury. To pass the time, the Host of the Tabard Inn (played with wry authority by Ron Jeremy, before his later mainstream notoriety) proposes a storytelling contest. The pilgrim who tells the most entertaining tale wins a free dinner.
is the brainchild of the dynamic husband-and-wife duo, Hyapatia Lee and Bud Lee. Hyapatia, a two-time winner of the Nude Miss Galaxy contest, had become one of the biggest names during the twilight years of theatrical hardcore. Seeking to exert more creative control over her career, she began to author her own screenplays and brought her boyfriend (and later husband) Bud Lee into the fold to serve as her director.
The production features several prominent stars from the 1980s adult industry: as the Hostess and Gypsy Girl. Mike Horner as the Knight.