George A. Romero Week: Knightriders

Hey kids welcome back to Day 3 of George A. Romero Week. Quick question, what do you get when you combine Arthurian legends, the SCA and bikers?? Well it does sound like Sidehackers: Medieval Times but in fact it is not. Written and directed by our zombie master himself, George A. Romero pens a tale of camaraderie, love and hurdles to overcome. This is Knightriders.

'Sup?

Billy: I had another dream.

Merilin: That right?

Black spoiler again. Same black bird.

Merlin: Way you get knocked around, you're bound to have some weird dreams, Billy.

Billy Davis (Ed Harris of The Abyss, State of Grace, Glengarry Glen Ross, The Firm, Milk Money, Just Cause, Apollo 13 and The Rock) leads a traveling troupe of renaissance faire folk into jousting on motorcycles. A mash-up of the rebels of the road meets chivalry. He bestows his people with the Arthurian ideals of Camelot in that on the road they are equal one and all, in spite of what society and the norms may say. Untold number of injuries, the pressure for repair and living money as well as this dream of a black bird haunt Billy as he tries to keep the spirits of the crew. A promoter Bomtempi (Martin Ferrero of Hill Street Blues, Miami Vice, Jurassic Park, Get Shorty and Heat) want to represent the troupe and get them the big time gigs, make a bit of money on his end and present them to the world over. Billy thinks it would be selling out and says no.

My petticoat is caught in the chain!!!

Later he is bashed up and down by a corrupt cop demanding a shakedown and gets tossed in the clink for the night. Making his way to the fairground where the gang are supposed to perform next and is appalled that some of the members want to join the promoter. Adhering the wisdom of Merlin (Brother Blue of Knightriders) Billy starts wondering if he can pull the troupe back together or should he step aside and let them go their own way.

Another cycle troupe lead by Morgan (Tom Savini of Dawn of the Dead, Maniac, Creepshow, Creepshow 2, Innocent Blood and From Dusk Til Dawn) tells the gang this is easy money, your name will be recognized and you can show everyone what you are made of and so on. The crew is divided on the potential for fame and fortune and the love and loyalty to Billy.

A few words now about the movie.

Stephen King and his wife play spectators at the fair because he was working on the script for Creepshow with Romero. Filmed in 90 days and rounding out to 146 minutes, there was mild and brief nudity but deemed enough vulgar language to knock down the film's TV edited version to 115 minutes. Gotta keep the whipper snappers from learning those gosh darn dirty words and fleshy bits.

This armor chaffes!!