Arnold Richardson Dies
Got word this morning that A River Runs Through It cast member Arnold Richardson died earlier this month. Arnold played “old Norman” in the film, and his gentle casting stroke, trembling hands and old-school knot tying lent a sense of vulnerability and longing to his character. The Helena Independent Record has a very nice and rather touching obituary for Arnold, including some quotes from fellow River alumnus, John Dietsch. I think that Arnold’s role in River will make him long remembered by anyone who has seen the film and heard the murmuring of words under the rocks.
I worked with Arnold as, of all things, a body double. I had to hunch over and make myself smaller and (much) older. I didn’t do any fly casting for him, of course, but I did do a bit of walking over slippery river rocks and so forth. The footage that was shot of me pretending to be him ended up on the cutting room floor, and that was frankly the best place for it. Arnold was just right exactly as he was portrayed.
see note on GB’S site
His role in the film is especially poigant.Even more so, for me now,having suffered a stroke at the end of October that left my left side limp; there will be for me no fly tying or knot tying or fishing this winter.
Dan—I’m sorry to hear that you suffered such a debilitating stroke. I hope that you experience a rapid recovery and that you get back to the bench and on the water this coming spring.
I think that Arnold’s shaking hands were definitely a part of the effectiveness of his character, even though he spoke no words. And I feel that Redford’s voice-over, while obviously that of a younger man, fit the scenes beautifully—as much story-teller as autobiographer. It didn’t have to be Norman’s actual voice that we heard over all of it, it just had to be a voice that drew us into the story using Norman’s words. And Redford nailed it, I think.
Jason,
Thanks for your kind word.Keep on writing and posting. It is a joy to read. Blessings to you and your lovely wife in 2011.
Dan
Dan—Will do, and I appreciate your words. I hope that the new DF 52 project brings you some vicarious enjoyment via the thoughts of having 52 different gamefish to hand.