Murphy's Romance

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Murphy's Romance

PG-13

1986

1h 47m

Romance

Comedy

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Popcornmeter

72%

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25 Reviews

75%

Popcornmeter

5,000+ Ratings

Emma (Sally Field), a divorced single mother seeking to start her life over, moves to a small town in Arizona. She builds a relationship with Murphy (James Garner), the older local pharmacist but, due to his age, it remains platonic. Their friendship becomes complicated when Emma's ex-husband, Bobby Jack (Brian Kerwin), shows up. He claims to have changed his ways, but when he turns out to be the same man Emma divorced, she discovers her true feelings for Murphy.

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Paul Attanasio

Washington Post

01/04/2018

... an enjoyable, if decidedly minor, love story...

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Rita Kempley

Washington Post

02/29/2016

Martin Ritt directs the screenplay by Harriet Frank Jr. and Irving Ravetch, who cross the country wisdom of Tennessee Ernie Ford with the stale wit of the Johnny Carson joke team.

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Dave Kehr

Chicago Reader

02/29/2016

The picture just lumbers along, lightly propelled by a series of contrived conflicts ... and anecdotal observations that don't add up to much.

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Rachel Wagner

Rachel's Reviews (YouTube)

10/03/2022

charming rom-com that confronts the age difference head on

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David Nusair

Reel Film Reviews

10/13/2021

3.5/4

...a slow-burn romance that benefits substantially from the often enthralling work of its actors.

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Kathi Maio

Sojourner

08/22/2019

Will likely provide some quiet enjoyment for those who believe that, despite the giant screen, small is beautiful.

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Kalissa H.

@kali_416 Apr 11

It was okay. Murphy just seemed way too old for Emma.

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Nim T

@nimtse 08/27/2024

I liked this movie as it brings back nostalgic elements regarding poverty and how life was simple back in the old days. Sally Field did a good job as a mother figure by bringing fatherly instincts as well. James Garner also was amazing in the movie because his acting was subtle and not overwhelming. The only thing is that although the title Murphy's Romance is achieved, the story took a while to present that part of the story. A relatively fresh romance film to watch.

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stephanie s

@RT01620177 06/09/2024

One of the best movies ever! So many lessons learned but never heavy handed in the teaching. Great love story!

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David W

@RT91682824 05/27/2023

This movie really pulled at my heart strings, I found the mothers love of her son and her ability to move on and love again inspiring.

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05/14/2022

A way too boring story, with minimal conflict and barely a noticeable climax. Some short nice segments, but overall flat..

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01/18/2021

There's a certain charm to this movie that I find irresistible. I've seen it multiple times and each screening gives me pleasure. Sally Field is super as the independent, divorced mother trying to start new life in a small town. James Garner is perfectly cast and we should all be thankful the studio backed down from its demand to have the role played by Marlon Brando.

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Martin Ritt

Director

Sally Field

Emma Moriarty

James Garner

Murphy Jones

Brian Kerwin

Bobby Jack Moriarty

Corey Haim

Jake Moriarty

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Synopsis

Emma (Sally Field), a divorced single mother seeking to start her life over, moves to a small town in Arizona. She builds a relationship with Murphy (James Garner), the older local pharmacist but, due to his age, it remains platonic. Their friendship becomes complicated when Emma's ex-husband, Bobby Jack (Brian Kerwin), shows up. He claims to have changed his ways, but when he turns out to be the same man Emma divorced, she discovers her true feelings for Murphy.

Director: Martin Ritt
Distributor: Columbia Pictures
Production Co: Columbia, TriStar Pictures
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Romance, Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jan 31, 1986, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 16, 2012
Box Office (Gross USA): $27.3M
Runtime: 1h 47m
Sound Mix: Stereo