About this project:
A documentary based on the autobiographical accounts of Neal Cassady, his troubled youth in Denver and the crucial role that he played in the germination of American beat culture.
Neal Cassady was a charismatic, larger then life character. His charm, manic energy, sexual swagger, and free flowing verbosity made him the authentic ‘hero’ of the beat generation. He was introduced to the world as Dean Moriarty in Jack Kerouac’s classic, On The Road. For the controversial literary figures, Allen Ginsberg, Ken Kesey, Tom Wolfe and Hunter S. Thompson he was more then a friend he was their muse and inspiration.
Neal Cassady was a charismatic, larger then life character. His charm, manic energy, sexual swagger, and free flowing verbosity made him the authentic ‘hero’ of the beat generation. He was introduced to the world as Dean Moriarty in Jack Kerouac’s classic, On The Road. For the controversial literary figures, Allen Ginsberg, Ken Kesey, Tom Wolfe and Hunter S. Thompson he was more then a friend he was their muse and inspiration.
By being just himself, Neal Cassady created a foundation for the beat generation and set the wheels in motion for the counter culture revolutions that would open up the floodgates for decades of free thinkers to follow.
The First Third is a collection of Cassady’s autobiographical musings. Within these works, we glimpse into the creation of Neal Cassady, the man and the myth, and his tumultuous and humble beginnings as a vagrant’s child on the streets of Denver at a time when the city still echoed America’s Wild West. We journey back to see what shaped the most infamous 20th century muse, and examine the love affair between Denver, a culture in transition, and the some of the most influential writers of our time.
Project Status
Currently in post production, Neal Cassady: The Denver Years has been in production since August 2006. The producer/director Heather Dalton has secured an agreement with the Cassady Estate, for photographic and archival rights as well as literary rights for Neal Cassady’s The First Third and Carolyn Cassady’s biography Off the Road.
Interviews with prominent and historical figures include Carolyn Cassady, Lawrence Ferlinghetti, David Amram, John Allen Cassady, Jami Cassady Ratto, Cathy Cassady Sylvia, Jerry Cimino, Tom Noel, Ed White and Al Hinkle. ~ more... ~
John Allen Cassady, son of Neal & Carolyn Cassady (named for Jack Kerouac & Allen Ginsberg) talks a little at the grand opening of the Beat Museum. Michael McClure had just finished w/ a few poems. A wonderful evening.
http://johnallencassady.com/
http://johnallencassady.com/
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