The Beat Generation

The Beat Generation

Year: 1959

Runtime: 95 mins

Language: English

Director: Charles F. Haas

Crime

Behind the Weird “Way-Out” World of the Beatniks! A group of beatniks unwittingly harbor a serial rapist. A cop goes after him after his wife is attacked.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – The Beat Generation (1959)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Beat Generation (1959). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1960s

The film takes place during the 1960s, a period characterized by social change, counterculture movements, and a shifting moral landscape. This era saw the rise of the Beat Generation and beatnik culture, which influences the movie's themes and characters.

Location

Los Angeles, California

The movie is set in Los Angeles, a sprawling city known for its entertainment industry and vibrant cultural scene. The city provides a backdrop of urban life, nightlife, and diverse neighborhoods, reflecting the social environment of the story.

🌆 Urban 🎨 Cultural hotspot 🎥 Movie setting

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 05:00

Main Characters – The Beat Generation (1959)

Meet the key characters of The Beat Generation (1959), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Art Jester (James Mitchum)

Art Jester is a beatnik suspect who initially appears as a potential perpetrator but eventually becomes entangled in the police investigation. He embodies the countercultural theme and exhibits a mix of suspicion and vulnerability.

🎭 Suspicious 🧠 Misunderstood ✍️ Beatnik

Francee Culloran (Fay Spain)

Francee is a dedicated wife and mother-to-be, grappling with the trauma of her rape. Her character symbolizes innocence and the emotional toll of crime, as well as the strain it causes in her marriage.

💞 Victim 🚺 Strong-willed 🤰 Pregnant

Detective Dave Culloran (Steve Cochran)

Culloran is a driven police detective haunted by his personal experiences and obsession with catching The Aspirin Kid. He is determined but increasingly conflicted as the case affects his family life.

👮‍♂️ Determined 🔎 Obsessive 💔 Troubled

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 05:00

Major Themes – The Beat Generation (1959)

Explore the central themes of The Beat Generation (1959), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🌀 Obsession

The movie explores obsession through Detective Culloran's relentless pursuit of the rapist, as well as his personal obsession with avenging the crime. It highlights how obsession can consume individuals and impact their relationships and judgment.

⚖️ Justice

The theme of justice runs throughout the story, focusing on the police's efforts to identify and capture The Aspirin Kid. The narrative examines moral ambiguity and the personal costs associated with seeking justice in a tumultuous social environment.

💔 Trauma and Consequences

The film depicts the emotional and physical trauma experienced by the victims and their families, especially Francee Culloran, who faces pregnancy and relationship tensions. It emphasizes how violent crimes leave lasting scars on individuals and communities.

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 05:00

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Unlock the Full Story of The Beat Generation

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Beat Generation in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Beat Generation is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Beat Generation Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Beat Generation, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Beat Generation Summary

The Beat Generation Timeline

Track the full timeline of The Beat Generation with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

The Beat Generation Timeline

The Beat Generation Spoiler-Free Summary

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The Beat Generation Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The Beat Generation

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Beat Generation: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About The Beat Generation

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