An exploration of the relationship between Beat Generation writers Jack Kerouac and Neal Cassady, and Cassady's wife, Carolyn.
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
 Nick NolteNeal Cassady | Neal Cassady |
 Sissy SpacekCarolyn Cassady | Carolyn Cassady |
 John HeardJack Kerouac | Jack Kerouac |
 Ray SharkeyIra (based on Allen Ginsberg) | Ira (based on Allen Ginsberg) |
 Ann DusenberryStevie | Stevie |
| MMargaret FairchildMrs. Kerouac | Mrs. Kerouac |
 Tony BillDick | Dick |
| MMary Margaret AmatoWaitress | Waitress |
 Kent WilliamsOgden | Ogden |
| SSusan NivenOgden's Secretary | Ogden's Secretary |
 Marcia NasatirFirst Receptionist | First Receptionist |
| MMickey KellySecond Receptionist | Second Receptionist |
 Luis ContrerasMexican Junkie | Mexican Junkie |
| SSharon LeeBlonde in Car | Blonde in Car |
 Stephen DaviesBob Bendix | Bob Bendix |
 Jenny O'HaraBetty Bendix | Betty Bendix |
 Don BrodieDispatcher | Dispatcher |
 John LarroquetteTV Talk Show Host | TV Talk Show Host |
 Terence H. WinklessYouth in Bar | Youth in Bar |
 Steve AllenSteve Allen | Steve Allen |
 David LynchPainter (uncredited) | Painter (uncredited) |
| MMickey KellySecond Receptionist | Second Receptionist |
 Raymond VitteUndercover Agent | Undercover Agent |