Knightriders (1981)

"The code that we're living by is the truth." - Billy

A medieval reenactment troupe struggle to stay together.
Starring: Ed Harris, Tom Savini, Patricia Tallman, Gary Lahti, Amy Ingersoll

Link to IMDB

King Billy

King Billy leads a traveling troupe of performers that reenact the battles of Arthurian legend, but with a twist, instead of horses they use motorcycles! They drive around America putting on a spectacular show of stunts and knightly skill, all while living in their self-sufficient community built on loyalty and respect that the modern world has in small supply. They don't walk around saying "thou" all the time, but everyone takes their role seriously, living under the noble leadership of the truth-seeking Billy.

Motorcycle jousting is just as wild and dangerous as it sounds, but these pros make it look like a real battle of chivalry. Morgan is the cocky lead knight that usually becomes the star of the show, and he even challenges the King to battle on occasion.
The troupe often get hassled by local law enforcement, and the latest harassment leads to Billy getting arrested. Billy is a very intense man, and the pressures of being in charge are taking their toll. The dream of living free seems to be slipping away from him, as he and his troupe are struggling to lead a life that isn't corrupted by the modern world.



While Billy isn't around, Morgan takes the opportunity to gain some control for himself. He signs a contract with a TV producer to get himself promotion and an advertising deal. This goes against the code of knighthood, but as Billy's delusions of freedom seem more and more constricting, Morgan decides to make his own path.
The family that Billy has created begins falling apart, as finances, friendships and loyalties are strained to a breaking point. Even his wise friend, Merlin, seems to know that the end of an era is approaching them.

"I'm not trying to be a hero! I'm fighting the dragon!" - Billy

Merlin                                                     Morgan

I've never seen a movie quite like this before, and it's something that would never get made nowadays. It balances an intense, introspective drama alongside almost B-movie motorcycle action scenes really well. While the action is lighthearted fun, any perceived silliness fades away when the drama gets going. The renaissance lifestyle becomes secondary to the story dealing with genuine, nuanced and intimate moments of Billy's struggle to hold onto his ideals. Ed Harris' performance is quite remarkable here.
I'll admit some of the action feels like filler, because this movie is *ahem* 150 minutes long! But to its credit, that daunting runtime flies by rather quick.

Directed by George A. Romero, you can rest assured your in competent hands here, as he delivers a very imaginative, yet mature, take on post Easy Rider idealism.
Although there are a few good laughs along the way, the plot examines the philosophies of people that go against the grain to find answers in a world they don't fit into. The heart of the movie had me hooked with its surprisingly effective conflicts and turmoil of the character ensemble.

It's a very unusual and unique film but these qualities only strengthen its sincerity, and it will stick with you days after viewing.


Be sure not to miss:
- Merlin is played by Brother Blue, who seemed to be an interesting man.
- Friar Tuck proves that pizza and sex can go together.
- Dudes smashing lamps.
- A lot of familiar faces from other Romero films, most notable is Ken Foree.
- Stephen King has a funny cameo.

Internet review:
"It's an unheralded cult classic and an essential cornerstone of Romero's work." - GreyHams

Should I watch it?
Highly recommended.

Where can I find it?
Links here. Or a YouTube playlist starts here.

Knightriders gets...