Cast
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Hyapatia Lee
as The Hostess / Gypsy Girl
Mike Horner
as The Knight
Colleen Brennan
as The Lady of Bath
Jesse Eastern
as The Carpenter
Dennis Duggan
as The Miller
Elmo Lavino
as The Monk
Bud Lee
as Lord
Debra Lynn
as Young Abbot
Beverly Bliss
as Katrina
Cheri Janvier
as The Lady
Buffy Davis
as Miller's Daughter
Tony Martino
as Sitar
Marc Wallice
as Vitar
Josephine Carrington
as Queen
Stevie Taylor
as Miller's Wife
Crew
Director
- Bud Lee
Producer
- Elliot Lewis
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Ribald Tales of Canterbury examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Bud Lee brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1985, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Ribald Tales of Canterbury took approximately 25 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $0.5 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 90 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 130 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 219 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 7 weeks before filming began.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 1985, when this film was released:
- Economic policies were shifting toward deregulation in many Western countries.
- The Cold War was entering its final phase.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Ribald Tales of Canterbury shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Ronja the Robber's Daughter, which focuses more on action than character development, The Ribald Tales of Canterbury offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like DragonHeart and Padmaavat explore similar territory, The Ribald Tales of Canterbury stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: January 1, 1985
- Runtime: 1h 30m
- Budget: $500,000
