Considered for many years to be Roman Polanski's "lost film," A DAY AT THE BEACH has acquired cult status since its completion in 1970. Due to the murder of Sharon Tate by the Manson Family, Polanski handed over the film's direction to Simon Hesera. However, the distributors decided to shelve the film, despite the casting of Peter Sellers, for fear of being seen to "cash in" on Polanski's grief. Bernie (Mark Burns) is an alcoholic escapist who tries the patience of everybody around him, with the exception of his niece (Beatie Edney). Desperate to escape his debts and drink himself into oblivion, Bernie arrives to take his niece on a trip to the beach. But will her childish innocence and vulnerability awaken Bernie's instinct to survive, or will he surrender to his desire for self-destruction?
