Knightriders is a 1981 American action drama film written and directed by George A. Romero and starring Ed Harris, Gary Lahti, Tom Savini, Amy Ingersoll, Patricia Tallman, and Christine Forrest.

It was filmed entirely on location in the Pittsburgh metro area, including Fawn Township and Natrona during the summer of 1980.

Tensions are exacerbated by Billy constantly pushing himself despite being injured and the arrival of a promoter named Bontempi, who wants to represent the troupe.

Things come to a head after Morgan, leader of the dissident faction who believes he should be king, wins the day's tournament and a fight breaks out between the troupe and rowdy members of the crowd.

However, after seeing rowdy drunken behavior in his friends, Morgan and his riders return to Billy's fair to challenge for the crown.

A labor of love,[4] the film was initially conceived as a proper period piece which would portray the Middle Ages in a more realistic fashion.

In the movie's credits, the writer Stephen King is referred to as "Hoagie man," as he makes a few sarcastic comments during the troupe's first performance while munching on a large sandwich.

Although flawed by its long running time and some over-emphatic dialogue scenes, it is nonetheless one of the director's major achievements which deserves better recognition.