Up the Chastity Belt

Up the Chastity Belt

Year: 1972

Runtime: 94 mins

Language: English

Director: Bob Kellett

Comedy

Frankie Howerd stars as Lurkalot, a cheeky serf serving Sir Coward de Custard on the road to Custard Castle. In the marketplace he peddles racy love potions and battered chastity belts, but the peace is shattered when the brutish Sir Graggart de Bombast attacks, intent on looting the castle and winning the fair Lobelia Custard. Lurkalot must rally to help his master fend off the invader and protect the coveted lady.

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Timeline – Up the Chastity Belt (1972)

Trace every key event in Up the Chastity Belt (1972) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Birth and abduction of Lurkalot

Eleanor of Aquitaine gives birth to twin sons, Lurkalot and Richard. The nobles abduct Lurkalot and abandon him in a forest to die. He is found and raised by a pig-loving family who belong to Sir Coward de Custard, who takes him in as a serf.

Birth and infancy England countryside forest
2

Whispers and workshop beginnings

Lurkalot is visited by strange voices that try to tell him who he really is, but their messages are drowned out by events like lightning. He grows up in the village, aiding his master by selling love potions and chastity belts as well as some unusual inventions. The voices hint at destiny, but the world keeps him busy with everyday tasks.

Childhood Coward's village
3

Richard's restlessness and plan for crusade

All grown up, Richard is bored of ruling England and decides to go on a crusade. Lurkalot remains with Sir Coward, living a double life away from the limelight. This setup foreshadows a clash of destinies between the twins.

Adulthood England
4

The banquet duel begins

Sir Braggart de Bombast challenges Coward by offering his lands and daughter; Coward refuses to toast Prince John but hosts a banquet to avoid offense. Braggart declares a duel and Lurkalot, though not a knight, steps in as the 'Man with no name' and defeats Braggart's champion Sir Grumbell de Grunt with the aid of a giant magnet. The victory triggers further conflict as chivalry rules are not met.

Banquet confrontation Castle hall
5

Duel voided and war declared; Lobelia locked away

Because the duel does not meet the rules of chivalry, Braggart voids it and declares war. Lurkalot and Lady Lobelia flee to Coward's workshop, where she is locked up with a chastity belt to protect her. The stage is set for a turbulent confrontation.

After duel Castle grounds; Coward's workshop
6

Coward joins the crusades; Lurkalot seeks both Coward and Richard

Sir Coward answers the call to crusades and flees the English scene. Lurkalot, encouraged by the spirits that visit him, sets out to find both Coward and Richard the Lionheart. The quest pulls him toward the Holy Land and toward revelations about his own identity.

Crusade era England to Holy Land
7

Holy Land revelations

In the Holy Land, the so-called crusades prove to be a Bacchanalian orgy, an excuse for men to leave their families behind. Saladin appears as a friend to a crusader, and the whole enterprise becomes a web of deception and indulgence. Richard resists leaving the Holy Land only to pursue erotic adventures with Scheherazade.

Early Holy Land stay Holy Land
8

Chastity belts and a feminist strike

Lurkalot recycles unused weaponry into chastity belts under the inspiration of his whispering voices. He brings feminism to Saladin's women, who go on strike and challenge the status quo. The upheaval disrupts the crusading mission, forcing Richard to consider returning home.

Holy Land stay Saladin's encampment
9

Germany and crown swap

In Germany, Richard meets a local woman and decides to stay with her. He casually tosses Lurkalot the crown, suggesting Lurkalot could be him. Lurkalot returns home to rally the people but is recognized as Lurkalot and accused of witchcraft after his earlier escape using a flying machine.

Post Holy Land Germany; Lurkalot's village in England
10

Duck, burn, and Robin Hood

Lurkalot is ducked and sentenced to death by burning, but Robin Hood rescues him from the firing squad. They plan an attack on Braggart and are joined by Sir Coward, who is inspired to fight back. The alliance strengthens as the confrontation with Braggart approaches.

Following rescue Castle; Robin Hood's hideout
11

Castle siege and Braggart's reveal

Sir Braggart duels Lurkalot and reveals that he must be Richard's twin brother. The duel rages across the castle until Braggart is defeated and flees in disgrace. Richard resumes governance and prepares to marry Lady Lobelia, while Lurkalot is honored as a knight.

Final battle Castle
12

Resolution: knighthood and departure

Richard resumes rule and agrees to marry Lady Lobelia, while Lurkalot is knighted and granted Lobelia's hand. However, Lurkalot ends up with Lady Lobelia, and Richard returns to Scheherazade, leaving the realm in a new balance.

End England; Scheherazade

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 11:21

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Up the Chastity Belt

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