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Murphy's Romance

Play trailer Poster for Murphy's Romance PG-13 1986 1h 47m Romance Comedy Play Trailer Watchlist
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72% Tomatometer 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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Murphy's Romance

Critics Reviews

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Paul Attanasio Washington Post 01/04/2018
... an enjoyable, if decidedly minor, love story... Go to Full Review
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. Go to Full Review
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. Go to Full Review
Rachel Wagner Rachel's Reviews (YouTube) 10/03/2022
charming rom-com that confronts the age difference head on Go to Full Review
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. Go to Full Review
Kathi Maio Sojourner 08/22/2019
Will likely provide some quiet enjoyment for those who believe that, despite the giant screen, small is beautiful. Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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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. See more stephanie s 06/09/2024 One of the best movies ever! So many lessons learned but never heavy handed in the teaching. Great love story! See more David W 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. See more 05/14/2022 A way too boring story, with minimal conflict and barely a noticeable climax. Some short nice segments, but overall flat.. See more 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. See more 01/02/2021 I love this movie! I love every character, especially James Garner and Sally Field, even Carole King has a part. The soundtrack by Carole King is one of my very favorites. Her piano and she even incorporates the saxophone! It is New Years day January 1, 2021. We just ended a rough year. The Corona Virus and a dysfunctional government. This movie is just what I needed to get that everything is OK escape to Happiness! Thank you again! See more Read all reviews
Murphy's Romance

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Movie Info

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
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