Revisiting Bare Tales (1987): A Look Back at Tyger Films' Vintage Erotic Offering

Step back into the vibrant, often raw, world of 1980s adult cinema. Bare Tales, a 1987 release from Tyger Films, offers more than just explicit encounters; it provides a fascinating snapshot of a specific era in gay erotic filmmaking.

But how does this vintage production stand up to modern scrutiny, and what insights does it offer into the genre's formative years? Let's delve into the celluloid archives.

The landscape of adult entertainment has shifted dramatically over the decades, yet certain productions from bygone eras continue to captivate enthusiasts and scholars alike.

Among these, the works from studios like Tyger Films, particularly their 1987 release Bare Tales, serve as significant markers in the history of gay cinema. This film isn't merely a collection of scenes; it's a window into the aesthetics, performers, and narrative styles prevalent during a pivotal time for queer media.

The 1980s: A Defining Era for Gay Adult Film

The 1980s represented a complex period for the LGBTQ+ community, marked by both growing visibility and immense challenges.

Against this backdrop, adult cinema provided a space for expression, fantasy, and community building. Films like Bare Tales (1987) weren't just entertainment; they documented emerging archetypes, celebrated male desire, and offered a stark contrast to mainstream portrayals of sexuality.

Tyger Films, a prominent distributor of the era, played a considerable role in shaping this evolving genre.

Directed by Ronnie Shark, also known as John Coletti, Bare Tales aimed to capture the raw, uninhibited physicality that defined many productions of its time.

The narrative, if one can call it that, often served as a loose framework to connect a series of intimate encounters. In this particular film, the premise revolves around a group of men in close quarters—sometimes in a military setting, at other times within an apartment building—exploring their desires.

Deconstructing the Narrative: Scenes and Performers

At its core, Bare Tales presents a series of vignettes, each featuring a distinct pairing or grouping of performers.

The overall experience is narrated by Steve Wright, a recognizable face from that period, who acts as a casual observer, recounting the goings-on within his dwelling. His presence provides a slight, albeit thin, thread connecting the otherwise disparate scenes.

The film opens with an encounter involving Chad Douglas and Pierce Daniels.

Daniels, often noted for his distinctive mustache, initiates an interaction with Douglas. While the performers are certainly iconic for the period, some critics have noted that this initial scene, despite its premise, struggles to generate significant on-screen heat.

Following this, the focus shifts to Cole Carpenter, a performer admired for his physique, and Michael Ram.

This scene is particularly noteworthy for its depiction of unprotected sex, a common practice in films of this era that contrasts sharply with later industry standards. Despite the historical curiosity, the intensity, according to some viewers, remains somewhat muted.

A brighter highlight for many fans features Dan Lundgren, with his youthful appeal, and Scott Avery.

Avery, often celebrated as a fan favorite "twink" of the era, brings a noticeable innocence and natural charm to his performance. This scene is frequently cited as one of the more engaging and endearing segments, capturing a genuine chemistry that elevates it beyond the typical "by-the-numbers" approach.

The production also includes a three-way sequence showcasing the legendary Jon King alongside Billy Bonner and the slender Paul Sanders.

Another segment features Geoffrey Spears (who performed earlier as "Justin") and the aforementioned host, Steve Wright. Other notable performers mentioned in broader contexts of the film include Jim Pulver, Kevin Williams, and Brent Masterson, further illustrating the wide array of talent featured by Tyger Films.

Critical Reception and Enduring Legacy

"Some films from this era are genuine diamonds, others are merely rhinestones, and some are best left in the past.

Bare Tales largely falls into the 'rhinestone' category - notable, but perhaps not a timeless classic."

Upon its release, and in retrospective analyses, Bare Tales has received a mixed bag of reactions. While it features several "legendary performers" and "fantasies in flesh" from the vintage gay porn scene, the overall consensus leans towards it being a "lukewarm" affair in terms of erotic intensity.

The explicit content, while abundant, sometimes feels procedural rather than passionate.

However, judging a 1987 film purely by contemporary standards misses the point. Its true value lies in its historical significance. For enthusiasts of gay cinema history, Bare Tales provides valuable insights into:

• Performer Evolution: Watching these actors in their early roles, some of whom went on to greater recognition, offers a unique perspective.
• Production Techniques: Observing the practical effects, lighting, and camera work reveals the challenges and innovations of independent adult filmmaking before digital advancements.
• Cultural Snapshot: The film reflects certain societal attitudes, fashion choices, and sexual norms of the late 1980s, serving as a curious artifact of its time.

Why Revisit Bare Tales Today?

For those interested in the evolution of queer media or the specific niche of vintage gay adult films, productions like Bare Tales are essential viewing.

They offer a tangible connection to a past era, showcasing how desire was portrayed, how bodies were celebrated, and how narratives were constructed within the confines of limited budgets and evolving social landscapes.

It's an opportunity to appreciate the contributions of performers like Steve Wright, whose presence as a host adds a unique meta-commentary, or to witness the early work of beloved figures such as Scott Avery.

While it might not always ignite the "peter meter" into the red, as one candid reviewer put it, it certainly sparks conversations about the roots of a complex and fascinating industry.

So, is Bare Tales a cinematic masterpiece? Perhaps not in the conventional sense.

But as a piece of queer cultural history, a time capsule of Tyger Films' output, and a collection of performances from a seminal era, it holds undeniable value. It invites us to consider how far the genre has come, and what enduring elements continue to resonate across generations of viewers.

Key Takeaways for the Curious Viewer:

• Historical Context: Understand the socio-cultural backdrop of 1980s gay adult entertainment.
• Performer Legacy: Discover or re-familiarize yourself with key figures of the era.
• Genre Evolution: Witness the stylistic choices and production limitations that defined earlier productions.
• Critical Engagement: Form your own opinion on how classic films like this hold up today.