A River Runs Through It

In the picturesque town of Missoula, Montana, Norman and Paul Maclean are raised under the nurturing care of their mother, Clara, and Rev. John Maclean, their father. His teachings instill in them a deep appreciation for the art of fly fishing, particularly on the majestic Blackfoot River, shaping their childhood and values.

As time passes, Norman leaves home to pursue his studies at Dartmouth College, while Paul remains in Montana. This separation marks a pivotal moment in their lives, as they begin to follow different paths despite their shared upbringing.

After six years, during the vibrant and chaotic Jazz Age, Norman returns home. Upon his arrival, he is greeted by a significantly changed Paul, who has become a bold journalist with a proclivity for hard drinking, setting the stage for their reunion.

During a lively Fourth of July dance, Norman meets Jessie Burns, a charming flapper whose father runs the local general store. Captivated by her allure, Norman organizes a double date with Paul and Mabel, a Cheyenne woman who endures prejudice from the town's population.

Tensions escalate when Paul finds himself in trouble after defending Mabel against a local bully. Norman steps in to bail him out but discovers the underlying issue: Paul's mounting debts from a poker game at the notorious Lolo speakeasy, exposing him to dangerous influences.

Jessie seeks Norman's support to help her brother, Neal, who struggles with alcoholism. Despite initial reluctance, Norman and Paul agree to invite Neal for a fishing trip, believing it might provide him with the help he needs.

The fishing trip takes an unexpectedly chaotic turn when Neal arrives intoxicated and brings along Rawhide, a prostitute. This wild encounter separates the brothers from Neal, leading to uncertain consequences as they return to their car in disbelief.

After a week of tension, Jessie expresses her frustration at Norman regarding their struggles to save those unwilling to accept help. Her emotional outburst reveals the weight of her family's struggles and her desire for change.

Norman receives an offer from the University of Chicago for a prestigious position, presenting him with a life-altering decision. This news weighs heavily on him, especially with his feelings for Jessie and the idea of leaving Montana behind.

Later that evening, Norman confides in Paul about his feelings for Jessie. Instead of celebrating, Paul leads him to the smoky backrooms of the Lolo speakeasy, where the potential for high stakes and high risks awaits them.

The following morning, Norman finds Paul alive but nursing a hangover. With the Chicago offer looming, Norman grapples with how to share this significant change with his family, uncertain of their reactions.

In a last bid to connect with each other, Norman takes Paul on a final fishing trip. During this poignant moment, Norman pleads with Paul to join him in Chicago, but Paul chooses to stay behind, captivated by the land and its fishing opportunities.

Just as Norman is about to leave for Chicago, he receives devastating news of Paul's untimely death. This tragedy shatters Norman and forces him to deliver the heartbreaking news to their parents, forever altering the family's story.

Years later, the remaining members of the Maclean family gather for a poignant sermon delivered by Rev. Maclean. As he imparts wisdom moments before his own passing, he emphasizes the importance of steadfast love amidst the struggles of life.

In the final scenes, an elderly Norman Maclean reflects on the Blackfoot River that witnessed his youth and sorrows. This moment of introspection, accompanied by the poetic words of director Robert Redford, encapsulates the bittersweet essence of his life's journey.