A River Runs Through It quotes

View Quote From the scene "Double Dating": Norman Maclean:
My candle burns at both ends; it will not last the night. But ah my foes, and oh my friends - it gives a lovely light.

View Quote From the scene "Sending Neal Off", after the see Neal off on the train back to Hollywood, Jessie laments that her brother is a lost soul, and she and Norman take a quite walk in the woods: Jessie Burns: If he came back next summer, would you try and help him?
Norman Maclean: If you wanted me to.
Jessie Burns: Well he's not coming back.
Norman Maclean: Well, at least he's got friends out there.
Jessie Burns: Who Ronald Coleman?
Jessie Burns: Why is it the people who need the most help... won't take it?
Norman Maclean: I don't know Jess.
Jessie starts to cry. Jessie Burns: Well, I don't cry Norman.
Norman takes his handkerchief and drys her eyes. Norman Maclean: Can I show you something?
Jessie Burns: Only if it's something good
Norman Maclean: Read
Norman hands the Jessie his letter from the University of Chicago: Norman Maclean: So, what do you think?
Jessie Burns: What do I think? I think it's the berries!
Norman Maclean: You do?
Jessie Burns: Yeah, to get away, Chicago, God it's haven.
Norman Maclean: Have you ever been?
Jessie Burns: No, not anywhere. Helena.
Jessie Burns: Congratulations Norman!
Norman Maclean: Truth is, I'm not sure about I want to leave.
Jessie Burns: Montana? Why? It'll always be here.
Norman Maclean: Not Montana.
Jessie Burns: Then what? What!
Norman Maclean: I'm not sure I want to leave you.
They pause looking at each other, looking for reaction that goes unspoken, she flings her arms around him, and they both know that they are in love.

View Quote From the scene "Wrong Crowd". After Norman's profession of love over Jessie to Paul, Paul takes Norman to illegal drinking, gambling, and brothel establishment at Lolo Hot Springs. After Paul gets kicked out once from trying to get in the game, Norman and Paul go outside. After Norman gets in the car, thinking that both of them are leaving, Paul throws Norman the keys, Norman nods at Paul as if asking 'what are you doing'?: Paul Maclean: I'm not leavin'.
Norman Maclean: What?
Paul Maclean: These hands are hot, Norm. I can feel it.
Norman Maclean: What are you talking about? You can't go back in there.
Paul Maclean: Norman, it's fine. I'll be fine.
Norman Maclean: But they won't even let you play.
Paul Maclean: Oh, yes they will.
Norman Maclean: With what? Your own debt up to your God damned neck.
Paul Maclean: Norm, it's my debt. OK, it's my debt.
Norman Maclean: Jesus Christ.

View Quote From the scene: "Last-Minute Attempt". As Norman and Paul fish, for what would be the last time, Norman in attempt to save his brother, asks Paul to come with Jessie and him: Paul Maclean: Oh, I'll never leave Montana, brother.

View Quote Jessie sits in a rocking chair by the window reading a letter from Norman after they have had their first date. Older Norman - [narrating]:

View Quote Jessie's mother asked Norman to take Neal fishing, the set a time for 6:00 AM on Friday, but Neal shows up, with "Old Rawhide" him, closer to midday. Paul and Norman are obviously furious: Norman Maclean: You're late, Neal.
Neal Burns: Yeah, yeah, I didn't get in until late.
Paul Maclean: Well, I didn't get in at all but I was here.
Norman Maclean: Neal, Paul. Paul, Neal.
Neal goes to introduce Rawhide: Paul and Norman [in uncaring unison]: We've met.
Paul Maclean: Neal, in Montana, there's three things we're never late for: church, work, and fishing.
After Paul goes off fishing by himself, he finds Norman napping alone in the afternoon shade by the bank of the river: Paul Maclean: Couldn't you find him?
Norman Maclean: The hell with him.
Paul Maclean: Well, I thought you were supposed to help him.
Norman Maclean: How the hell do you help that son of a bitch?
Paul Maclean: By taking him fishing.
Norman Maclean: He doesn't like fishing. He doesn't like Montana and he sure as hell doesn't like me.
Paul Maclean: Well, maybe what he likes is somebody trying to help him.
Paul and Norman go in search of Neal and Rawhide only to find them asleep on their stomachs in a small clearing, completely naked and sun burnt to a red crisp. Norman gets the sunburned Neal into the Burns family car to drive Neal home, and the looks at Paul: Norman Maclean: I'm in deep trouble.
Paul Maclean: Yep. Want me to come over and protect you?
Since Norman drove Neal home in the Burns car, he needs a ride home. Jessie gives a ride home and when the get there Paul arrives in his car. Paul Maclean: Hello, Jess.
Jessie Burns: Hey, Paul.
Paul Maclean: How's your brother?
Jessie Burns: You both left him alone.
Paul Maclean: Well, I'm sorry about that. That was my fault.
Jessie Burns: Well, you're not forgiven.
Paul Maclean: Was Norman forgiven?
Jessie Burns: Norman's not funny.

View Quote Norman goes to the train station to meet the Burns family as they await the arrival of the oldest son, Neal, who is arrive from Hollywood. Older Norman - [narrating]:

View Quote Older Norman - [narrating]:

View Quote The three Maclean men go fishing together after Norman and Paul get into trouble for chuting the rapids in a "borrowed" boat. After Norman puts down his fish, and then Paul puts down a bigger one, and finally the Reverend John puts down one bigger still. Reverend Maclean: