Vintage photos, archival footage and in-depth interviews combine to paint a kaleidoscopic, complex portrait of the Beat generation, whose creative output left a lasting mark on myriad facets of American culture. Noted actors offer interpretations of the artists' seminal works, including Johnny Depp as Jack Kerouac, John Turturro as Allen Ginsberg and Dennis Hopper as William S. Burroughs. Among those interviewed are Jerry Garcia and Tom Hayden.