Norman and his younger brother Paul grow up under the watchful eye of their father,a Presbyterian minister.Their mornings are spent in school and religious study,while their afternoons are devoted to fly fishing in the nearby river.At home,however,the family's inability to express emotions hints at trouble to come,as Norman matures and dates Jessie Burns,while his reckless brother Paul turns to gambling and liquor.
The film tells the autobiographical story about two boys,Norman (Craig Sheffer) and Paul (Brad Pitt) growing up in 1920s Missoula,Montana.Paul is a rebellious journalist,and his brother,Norman is a level-headed,grounded teacher.The film chronicles their intertwining and often conflicting lives,focusing on Norman's point of view,as they grow up in the shadow of their Presbyterian minister father.A great deal of the film surrounds the men's love of fly fishing for trout in Montana's rivers,and their shared experiences through it while growing up.