Murphy's Romance (1985)

92% of critics liked it
(13 reviews)
70% of users liked it
(6,223 ratings)

Newly divorced Emma Moriarty (Sally Field) moves herself and her young son to a small Arizona town, hoping to establish a horse farm. Town pharmacist Murphy Jones (James Garner), the town's most eligible bachelor, develops a platonic friendship with Emma, but he decides to keep his distance when her… More Newly divorced Emma Moriarty (Sally Field) moves herself and her young son to a small Arizona town, hoping to establish a horse farm. Town pharmacist Murphy Jones (James Garner), the town's most eligible bachelor, develops a platonic friendship with Emma, but he decides to keep his distance when her ex-husband Bobby Jack (Brian Kerwin), who claims he's changed his irresponsible ways, moves back in with her. At a party at Emma's ranch, Murphy and Bobby Jack get into a verbal row, but nothing is settled until Wanda (Anna Levine) shows up with two babies in tow, claiming that Bobby Jack is the father. Once rid of her ex, Emma commisserates with her friend Murphy at his drug store--and is quite surprised to discover that she's fallen in love with the older man, and he with her. Murphy's Romance is a very gentle romantic comedy; even Murphy's cast-away lady friend (Georgann Johnson) behaves like a civilized human being instead of a woman scorned. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: PG-13, 1 hr. 48 min.
Directed By: Martin Ritt
Genres: Drama, Romance, Comedy

In Theaters: Dec 25, 1985 Wide
On DVD: May 16, 2000
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment

Critic Reviews

Frank Ochieng, Movie Eye
A quirky May-December romancer that's subtle and low key in its sweetness. Garner and Field make for an unlikely romantic tandem
Scott Weinberg, eFilmCritic.com
Amiable light rom-com.
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
A delightful romantic comedy about a widower and a single parent who learn to listen once again to the promptings of the hearts when love surprises them.

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Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

Cassie H

Very good movie :) A nice movie to watch on a rainy day when there's nothing else to do. Gardner & Field were great in this movie :)
Lanning :

Year in and year out, James Garner delivers. He and Field have great chemistry in this May-December romantic comedy.
Dean M

Delightfully old-fashioned and pleasing romantic comedy.

Cast

            Sally Field as Emma Moriarty

            James Garner as Murphy Jones

            Brian Kerwin as Bobby Jack Moriarty

            Corey Haim as Jake Moriarty

            Dennis Burkley as Freeman Coverly

            Georgann Johnson as Margaret

            John C. Becher as Jesse Pinker

            Gene Blakely as Lucius Holt

            Michael Crabtree as Jim Forrest

            Dortha Duckworth as Bessie

            Bruce French as Rex Boyd

            Ted Gehring as Auctioneer

            Carole King as Tillie

            Anna Levine as Wanda

            Peggy McCay as Mrs. Willis

            Ron Nix as Auction Bidder

            Michael Prokopuk as Albert

            Ray Sharkey as Larry Le Beau

            Henry Slate as Fred Hite

            Charles Lane as Amos Abbott

            Irving Ravetch as Customer

            Ilene Starger
            
            Sherry Lynn Amorosi as Doris

            Johnny Ray Anthony as Auction Bidder

            Hugh Burritt as Kid in Car Crash

            Mike Casper as Hay Trucker

            Eugene Cochran as Jonas

            C. Ray Cook as Voice at Bingo Game

            Michael Firel as Clerk

            Marian Gibson as Mrs. Abbott

            John Higgenbotham as Boy at Barbecue

            Michael Hungerford as Auction Bidder

            Drasha Meyer as Ice Cream Lady

            Paul E. Pinnt as Auction Bidder

            Tom Rankin as Ben

            Joshua Ravetch as Henry Bass

            Art Royer as Clerk

            Patricia Ann Willoughby as Lil

            Dianne Crittenden
            
See full cast