A River Runs Through It (1992)

Two fly-fishing sons of a Presbyterian minister--one reserved, one rebellious--grow up in rural Montana.

Director:

Robert Redford

Writers:

Norman Maclean (story), Richard Friedenberg (screenplay)

Stars:

Craig Sheffer, Brad Pitt, Tom Skerritt

Won 1 Oscar. Another 4 wins & 6 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Craig Sheffer	...	Norman Maclean
Brad Pitt	...	Paul Maclean
Tom Skerritt	...	Rev. Maclean
Brenda Blethyn	...	Mrs. Maclean
Emily Lloyd	...	Jessie Burns
Edie McClurg	...	Mrs. Burns
Stephen Shellen	...	Neal Burns
Vann Gravage	...	Young Paul
Nicole Burdette	...	Mabel
Susan Traylor	...	Rawhide
Michael Cudlitz	...	Chub
Rob Cox	...	Conroy
Buck Simmonds	...	Humph
Fred Oakland	...	Mr. Burns
David Creamer	...	Ken Burns

Storyline

A true story about two boys, Norman and Paul, growing up in Montana. One is rebellious of his father, Rev. Maclean, while the other has his feet on the ground. The one love they both have is fly fishing.

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Plot Keywords:

fly fishing | fishing | voice over narration | bare butt | religion | 

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Taglines:

The Story of an American Family.

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Genres:

Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for momentary nudity, and some language in a family drama

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

9 October 1992 (USA)

Also Known As:

Nada es para siempre

Filming Locations:

Bozeman, Montana, USA

Box Office

Gross:

$43,440,294 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Allied Filmmakers

Technical Specs

Runtime:

123 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

'William Hurt' wanted to play the role of Paul Maclean and once went fishing with Norman Maclean in Montana. When Hurt asked if he'd fished well enough to portray his brother, Maclean replied: "Well, Bill, you're a pretty good fisherman but not good enough to be my brother."

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Goofs

At the Labor Day picnic, the Rev. Maclean is playing horseshoes when Paul arrives. Paul addresses his dad by saying "Hello, Father." Although you can see Rev. Maclean say "Paul," the dubbed voice says "Son."

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Quotes

[first lines]
Norman: [narrating] Long ago, when I was a young man, my father said to me, "Norman, you like to write stories." And I said "Yes, I do." Then he said, "Someday, when you're ready you might tell our family story. Only then will you understand what happened and why."

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Crazy Credits

The scenes on the Blackfoot River were actually shot on the Madison and other rivers around the Bozeman and Livingston areas. The "Big Blackfoot" has already become too polluted and populated to provide the image the scene required.

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Connections

Referenced in Northern Exposure: A River Doesn't Run Through It (1993)

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Soundtracks

"Bye Bye Blackbird"
Performed by Prudence Johnson
Written by Mort Dixon and Roy Henderson
Warner Bros., Inc. / Olde Clover Leaf Music Co., Roy Henderson Music Co. / Bienstock Publishing Co.,
on behalf of Redwood Music Ltd.

User Reviews

A True Classic

When I first saw this movie I was with my dad. He encouraged me to watch this movie because it was one of his favorites. After watching the movie it instantly became one of my favorites.

A River Runs Through It is about two brothers who each take a different path in life. Norman Maclean (Craig Sheffer) is the older of the two brothers and he is set on the path of education. Paul Maclean (Brad Pitt) is the rebellious younger brother who travels on a path full of obstacles. The movie follows these characters as the each follow their own path.

There is no downside to this movie. You will be entertained the whole way through. The acting, directing, and script is all perfect. The two things that are exceptional are the cinematography and the score. Both of which entrap you in the world Robert Redford creates for you.

This is an all around great movie that is destined to be a classic. It sure is in my book. If you haven't seen this movie definitely watch it as soon as you can because it will stay with you forever.