Nathan Zuckerman, a budding 23 year old writer infatuated with the Great Books, discovers the contradictory claims of literature and experience while an overnight guest in the secluded New England farmhouse of his idol, E. I. Lonoff. Also staying is Amy Bellette, a young woman with a vague past.
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
 Mark Linn-BakerNathan Zuckerman | Nathan Zuckerman |
 Claire BloomHope Lonoff | Hope Lonoff |
 Sam WanamakerE.I. Lonoff | E.I. Lonoff |
| PPaulette SmitAmy Bellette | Amy Bellette |
 MacIntyre DixonDr. Zuckerman | Dr. Zuckerman |
 Joseph WisemanJudge Wapter | Judge Wapter |
 Rose ArrickMrs. Zuckerman | Mrs. Zuckerman |
| HHarriet WilsonTaxi Driver | Taxi Driver |
| CCecile MannNurse | Nurse |
| PPatricia PellowsMrs. Wapter | Mrs. Wapter |
| RRalph G. MorseWriter | Writer |