Knightriders 1981
"The Games... The Romance... The Spirit... Camelot is a state of mind."
George A. Romero's Knightriders (1981) reimagines medieval legends through the lens of a wandering troupe of performers whose lives revolve around motorcycle-mounted jousting tournaments.
Director: George A. Romero
Cast
Ed Harris
Billy
Gary Lahti
Alan
Tom Savini
Morgan
Amy Ingersoll
Linet
Patricia Tallman
Julie
Christine Forrest
Angie
Warner Shook
Pippin
Brother Blue
Merlin
Cynthia Adler
Rocky
John Amplas
Whiteface
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Knightriders (1981) about?
Knightriders follows a band of motorcycle-riding performers who live as a nomadic brotherhood, reenacting medieval tournaments while led by a charismatic king whose vision begins to unravel. As pressures mount from the outside world, the troupe must confront loyalty, ambition, and the fragile balance between fantasy and reality.
Who directed Knightriders?
Knightriders was directed by George A. Romero, the acclaimed filmmaker best known for pioneering zombie horror in films like Night of the Living Dead.
Who stars in Knightriders?
The film features Ed Harris as the troupe's king, supported by Gary Lahti, Tom Savini, Amy Ingersoll, and Patricia Tallman in pivotal roles.
Is Knightriders (1981) worth watching?
Knightriders may not be Romero's most famous work, but it's a bold, underrated gem that blends action and drama with thoughtful themes. Fans of character-driven stories and offbeat Americana will find plenty to appreciate in this medieval-meets-modern road show.
How long is Knightriders?
Knightriders runs for 147 minutes, offering an epic-length dive into its world of wandering knights and their high-stakes performances.
🎥 Trailer
Knightriders: A Modern Camelot on Two Wheels — Full Movie Info
George A. Romero's Knightriders (1981) reimagines medieval legends through the lens of a wandering troupe of performers whose lives revolve around motorcycle-mounted jousting tournaments. United under the banner of their self-proclaimed king—a figure whose dreams of Camelot clash with harsh realities—this tight-knit family of knights and artisans faces mounting challenges: pressure from corporate talent scouts, disapproval from local authorities, and the creeping strain of disillusionment. Shot against the gritty backdrop of Pennsylvania backroads and rustic festivals, the film blends action and drama to explore themes of loyalty, ambition, and the cost of chasing an ideal. With its raw energy and emotional depth, Knightriders (1981) stands out as a cult favorite that merges the romance of chivalry with the grit of biker culture.
Starring Ed Harris in a magnetic lead role, the ensemble cast brings a lived-in authenticity to this modern-day Arthurian tale, where the thrum of engines replaces the clatter of hooves and the jousting field becomes a battleground for personal and artistic integrity. Whether you're drawn to its swashbuckling spectacle or its poignant look at community under pressure, Romero's vision delivers a uniquely American take on timeless myths.
