New York, the late 1940's. After his father's death, Sal Paradise, an aspiring 24- year old writer, meets Dean Moriarty, a 20-year old ex-jailbird with flexible morals and a devastating charm. Dean is fascinated by Sal's obsession with writing; Sal is fascinated by Dean's unfettered freedom. They spend their intense, alcohol-fueled nights dreaming of another world, forming a Friendship that will take them on the road across the USA. After a stay at Bull Lee's place in Louisiana, Sal, Dean and his beautiful young wife Marylou form a merry threesome, travelling naked and freely enjoying themselves, a suspended moment in time.