Directed by Bud Lee and starring his wife, , the film is a comedic, X-rated reimagining of Geoffrey Chaucer's medieval classic. While it takes massive creative liberties, it stays true to the "frame story" format: a group of travelers en route to Canterbury Cathedral engage in a contest to see who can tell the most scandalous erotic story to pass the time. Key Production Facts
Unlike live-action pornography of the era, the film relied on cartoon absurdity to bypass obscenity laws. By being “just a cartoon,” it could depict acts that live actors couldn’t—or wouldn’t—perform. The animators used a limited cel technique, reusing backgrounds and character walks extensively, but compensated with manic energy and a punk-rock sense of humor. The Ribald Tales Of Canterbury -1985- -Classic-
Today, the film is primarily enjoyed by cult cinema enthusiasts who appreciate the kitsch and camp of the 1980s. It serves as a time capsule of a specific moment in adult entertainment when filmmakers were still attempting to create "epics," however niche the audience might have been. Directed by Bud Lee and starring his wife,
A cynical look at marriage involving an elderly man, a young wife, and a pear tree. Production Value and Aesthetic By being “just a cartoon,” it could depict
Despite its modern adaptation, "The Ribald Tales of Canterbury" remains remarkably faithful to the spirit of Chaucer's work. The production doesn't shy away from the original's complexities and nuances, injecting them with a kinetic energy that makes the tales feel surprisingly contemporary. The characters' interactions are laced with witty dialogue, and the situations they find themselves in are often laugh-out-loud funny.
: Unlike many adult films of its time, this production featured elaborate period costumes, detailed sets, and actual outdoor photography using horses.