By MAKE IT MISSOULA
Missoula – a river does indeed run through it.
Photo by Nelson Kenter, Kenterphotography.com
In 1992, the Oscar-winning feature film A River Runs Through It brought notoriety to a town in the Pacific Northwest and the world was introduced to Missoula, MT.
Of course, a movie starring Brad Pitt and directed by Robert Redford isn’t exactly tough to draw attention to. A hit at the time, and becoming somewhat of a classic since, A River Runs Through It continues to bring attention to Missoula and Western Montana.
To this day, when Missoulians are traveling and asked where they are from, a common response is, “Have you seen a A River Runs Through It?” After the inevitable affirmative response, it’s easy to explain that Missoula – that fly fishing mecca in the heart of majestic beauty, and that very town featured in A River Runs Through It — is our home.
Although most people are familiar with the story due to its box office success and subsequent Academy Award recognition, the film was actually based on A River Runs Through It and Other Stories by the late Norman Maclean.
Set in and around Missoula, the story follows two sons of a Presbyterian minister as they come of age during a time spanning roughly World War I to the early days of the Great Depression.
The film tells the story of two brothers growing up in the 1920s in Missoula, and chronicles their lives as they spend their mornings in school and on religious studies and their afternoons fly fishing in the nearby Blackfoot River.
While much of the film focuses on the brothers’ intertwining and conflicting lives in the shadow of their minister father, a great deal of it revolves around their shared love of fly fishing for trout in Montana’s rivers and their shared experiences through it while growing up.
Whether expressed through novel or film, it is not hard to see that fishing and the love of the outdoors is at the core of life for the story’s main characters. It’s also true for many residents and visitors today.
Every year many thousands of flies are cast into Western Montana rivers by people who thrive on the thrill of landing a trout while reveling in breathtaking scenery and fresh mountain air. For some, it’s a welcomed respite from their day to day lives elsewhere. For some of us, it’s simply another day on the river in a place we call home.
Missoula is a city rich in stories and history. And yes, a river – three, actually – does indeed run through it.
Like this story? You might also like to read about the History of Missoula, about fishing in Missoula and Western Montana, or about Missoula’s legendary “M” on Mount Sentinel. And be sure to browse our home page for navigation to blogs, articles, and all things Missoula, MT.
When living in Texas it wasn’t uncommon for folks to have no idea at all where Missoula was when I said that was where I was from. I’d use that line, “You know the movie — A River Runs Through It? That’s my hometown — Missoula.” Invariably the response was — “I LOVE that movie” — and a whole conversation would ensue. It is so wonderful to be living in a place with such natural beauty and one that is the envy of so many living elsewhere. It’s truly a blessing to call Missoula home.
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Norman Maclean’s reverence for fly fishing resonates loudly with those of us who have spent hours quietly pursuing fish in Montana’s many clear, cold water streams and rivers. This visceral bond we Montanans feel with our land, water, and animals inspires much of the incredible artistic expression that seems to flow through Missoula along with its beautiful five rivers. Missoula really is a confluence community – bringing together nature and people in a very creative and supportive environment.
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One of the reasons I’m in Missoula is because of “A River Runs Through It.” I fell in love with Missoula when I was a kid on vacation here. Seeing that movie in 1992 just spoke to me and it became a goal to live here some day — and that day finally came. I LOVE Missoula! My only regret is that the fly fishing that drew me here is something I don’t seem to do nearly enough (sigh. . .)
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[...] Enjoy reading about Montana history? You might also learning about the History of Missoula, Montana or Missoula–A River Runs Through It. [...]
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[...] How about you? What’s the “M” mean to you? Scroll down and let us know in the “comments” section below. Like this story? You might also enjoy reading about the History of Missoula, or about A River Runs Through It. [...]
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[...] few days ago as I sat watching “A River Runs Through It” for about the one thousandth time, I couldn’t help but wonder, why would anybody [...]
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[...] few days ago as I sat watching “A River Runs Through It” for about the one thousandth time, I couldn’t help but wonder, why would anybody ever [...]
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