KNIGHTRIDERS (1981)

Writer/director George A. Romero’s 1981 action film KNIGHTRIDERS features positive queer representation and a “coming out” subplot.

KNIGHTRIDERS

1981. USA.

 Director: George A. Romero

Screenplay: George A. Romero

 Starring: Ed Harris, Gary Lahti, Tom Savini, Amy Ingersoll, Patricia Tallman, Christine Forrest, Warner Shook, Randy Kovitz, Cynthia Adler, Ken Foree, John Amplas, Brother Blue and John Hostetter

Ed Harris plays an Arthurian king-like leader to a group of modern day motorcycle-jousting ‘knights’ at renaissance faires. Their emcee, Pippin (Warner Shook), is teased by one of the knights because of his queerness. When questioned by his friend, Pippin states that he actually doesn’t know if he is gay. He is encouraged to come out because one of the female knights, Rocky (Cynthia Adler), is out and proud and nobody teases her – though, it’s implied that she gets a pass because she “kicks ass.”

Shortly after their conversation, Pippin comes out and catches the eye of one of the other men, Punch (Randy Kovitz), and they become a couple.

Despite the initial teasing Pippin receives about his homosexuality, the film treats his queerness in a rare way for an action film of the 1980s. The queer characters seem to be accepted within the group and don’t worry about showing same-sex affection in front of them; though, the two men only hug on screen. Further surprising for the 80s, Pippin and Punch actually get a ‘happily ever after’ and their story doesn’t end in tragedy.

KNIGHTRIDERS is streaming on Tubi (Canada/USA), Prime and Kanopy (USA), available on DVD/Blu-ray, and for rent/purchase (in some locations) through AppleTV and Amazon.

Rocky: “I don’t take any heat because I know who I am, and very often I do kick ass!”