Heart Beat

Heart Beat is a 1980 American romantic drama film written and directed by John Byrum, based on the autobiography by Carolyn Cassady. The film is about seminal figures in the Beat Generation. The character of Ira, played by Ray Sharkey, is based on Allen Ginsberg. The film stars Nick Nolte, Sissy Spacek, and John Heard. The movie received generally mixed reviews, although the soundtrack was met with critical acclaim. According to Box Office Mojo, its worldwide gross receipts were $954,046, making the movie a box office disappointment. Plot The film explores the love triangle of real-life characters Neal Cassady, Jack Kerouac, and Carolyn Cassady in the late 1950s and the 1960s. It chronicles Kerouac writing his seminal novel On the Road, and its effect on their lives. Cast Nick Nolte as Neal Cassady Sissy Spacek as Carolyn Cassady John Heard as Jack Kerouac Ray Sharkey as Ira (based on Allen Ginsberg) Ann Dusenberry as Stevie Margaret Fairchild as Mrs. Kerouac John Larroquette as TV Talk Show Host David Lynch as Painter Tony Bill as Dick Don Brodie as Dispatcher