'River Runs Through It' actor Arnold Richardson dies at 96

[RatFaceMcD]

Found the link on another board - good article:

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700096679/River-Runs-Through-It-actor-Arnold-Richardson-dies-at-96.html?pg=1

[Flyjunkie]

Rest in Peace.. as i understand it, Redford was going to use Norman Mclean himself for that finally scene in the Movie, But unfortunately Mclean passed away before Filming actually started.... Mr. Richardson did wonderful for his short, yet powerful scene....

[Wildman]

I agree with the good Doctor although I don't remember a lot of the movie but just reading this story choked me up. It reminds me that there are times when I am confronted with the fact that the agility and strength of my youth are slowly changing into something less. I am forced to rethink how I approach things and set my expectations accordingly. A well written article about a man I would have liked to know. Thanks for sharing.

[beachbum]

RIP Arnold. He left this world looking for his wife who had passed away 13 days prior. Good article!

[fancyboy]

My grandfather is Norman Maclean. When I was a youngster I would be instructed how to fish the great trout rivers around our cabin in Montana. As a boy from Chicago, this meant an awful lot of watching my grandfather and some permutation of his two closest fishing buddies fish big bushy flies for rainbows on the Blackfoot, most often in the evening. I'm not sure if Redford had ever asked my grandfather about appearing in the film (I seriously doubt he would have wanted to) and certainly for a while before the film was actually shot, it was not a possibility. When Arnold was cast there was some serious concern as the film makers knew the importance of this final epilogue. However, as soon as Arnold stepped on the set, everyone knew he was perfect. So many people I've spoken to about the film over the years mention him. What stands out in my memory from the first instant I saw the footage is the shots of his hands, old and fumbling slightly, tying the fly onto his line. Having sat and watched my grandfather for so many hours, having been instructed by him on how to tie knots and their importance to being a good fisherman (my grandfather prided himself on never loosing fish that he hooked), those hands make me feel like I'm with my grandfather again, listening to his wisdom and the roar of the Big Blackfoot River.

[lucfish]

My grandfather is Norman Maclean. When I was a youngster I would be instructed how to fish the great trout rivers around our cabin in Montana. As a boy from Chicago, this meant an awful lot of watching my grandfather and some permutation of his two closest fishing buddies fish big bushy flies for rainbows on the Blackfoot, most often in the evening. I'm not sure if Redford had ever asked my grandfather about appearing in the film (I seriously doubt he would have wanted to) and certainly for a while before the film was actually shot, it was not a possibility. When Arnold was cast there was some serious concern as the film makers knew the importance of this final epilogue. However, as soon as Arnold stepped on the set, everyone knew he was perfect. So many people I've spoken to about the film over the years mention him. What stands out in my memory from the first instant I saw the footage is the shots of his hands, old and fumbling slightly, tying the fly onto his line. Having sat and watched my grandfather for so many hours, having been instructed by him on how to tie knots and their importance to being a good fisherman (my grandfather prided himself on never loosing fish that he hooked), thosE hands make me feel like I'm with my grandfather again, listening to his wisdom and the roar of the Big Blackfoot River.

Thanks for your input. Thats one of the reasons I like this site so much, I would have never known how the grandson of Norman Maclean felt about the movie. Moving indeed, you are a lucky man.

[RiverRat]

That's a very moving scene indeed! I have other reasons the movie moves me. Everyone talks about the fly fishing aspect of the movie that moves them, but it's the people aspect that makes me emotional. I can hardly watch it due to having brother who has the same charisma, style, and problems that Paul McLean has in the movie. My brother has led a life that will end badly and it's heartbreaking. Thye did a great job on that movie.

shane

[briansII]

My grandfather is Norman Maclean. When I was a youngster I would be instructed how to fish the great trout rivers around our cabin in Montana. As a boy from Chicago, this meant an awful lot of watching my grandfather and some permutation of his two closest fishing buddies fish big bushy flies for rainbows on the Blackfoot, most often in the evening. I'm not sure if Redford had ever asked my grandfather about appearing in the film (I seriously doubt he would have wanted to) and certainly for a while before the film was actually shot, it was not a possibility. When Arnold was cast there was some serious concern as the film makers knew the importance of this final epilogue. However, as soon as Arnold stepped on the set, everyone knew he was perfect. So many people I've spoken to about the film over the years mention him. What stands out in my memory from the first instant I saw the footage is the shots of his hands, old and fumbling slightly, tying the fly onto his line. Having sat and watched my grandfather for so many hours, having been instructed by him on how to tie knots and their importance to being a good fisherman (my grandfather prided himself on never loosing fish that he hooked), those hands make me feel like I'm with my grandfather again, listening to his wisdom and the roar of the Big Blackfoot River.

Wow! What an interesting family legacy/history to have. And to be able to remember so clearly your experiences must be great.

briansII

[Benny]

My grandfather is Norman Maclean. When I was a youngster I would be instructed how to fish the great trout rivers around our cabin in Montana. As a boy from Chicago, this meant an awful lot of watching my grandfather and some permutation of his two closest fishing buddies fish big bushy flies for rainbows on the Blackfoot, most often in the evening. I'm not sure if Redford had ever asked my grandfather about appearing in the film (I seriously doubt he would have wanted to) and certainly for a while before the film was actually shot, it was not a possibility. When Arnold was cast there was some serious concern as the film makers knew the importance of this final epilogue. However, as soon as Arnold stepped on the set, everyone knew he was perfect. So many people I've spoken to about the film over the years mention him. What stands out in my memory from the first instant I saw the footage is the shots of his hands, old and fumbling slightly, tying the fly onto his line. Having sat and watched my grandfather for so many hours, having been instructed by him on how to tie knots and their importance to being a good fisherman (my grandfather prided himself on never loosing fish that he hooked), those hands make me feel like I'm with my grandfather again, listening to his wisdom and the roar of the Big Blackfoot River.

Wow! What an interesting family legacy/history to have. And to be able to remember so clearly your experiences must be great.

briansII

I agree, very cool.