Knightriders (1981)

In George Romero's KNIGHTRIDERS, Sir William (Ed Harris) and his followers exist in a Camelot-like utopian state of their own devise, separate from mainstream society. Travelling from town to town and putting on a medieval circus and renaissance fair, they hold jousting matches on motorcycles, complete with full suits of armor. Within their isolated society, however, there are problems--Morgan (make-up effects artist Tom Savini) wants badly to usurp William's King Arthur-like position as the leader of the troupe. William's struggle to lead his followers on an honorable path also comes up against a serious obstacle when the media come calling and attempt to turn the troupe into celebrities, thus compromising all that they believe in.

Following his apocalyptic zombie classic, DAWN OF THE DEAD, Romero took a reprieve from the horror game with this singular character study, which just happens to have a good deal of motorcycle stuntwork thrown in for good measure. Written by Romero himself, this lengthy--but original--film is notable for its worthwhile sentiments on staying true to one's self, as well as a fine early perfomance by Harris.