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Murphy's Romance

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Murphy's Romance

PG-13

Released Jan 31, 1986

1h 47m

Romance

Comedy

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

72%

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25 Reviews

76%

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

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

Jan 4, 2018

Full Review

Rita Kempley

Washington Post

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.

Feb 29, 2016

Full Review

Dave Kehr

Chicago Reader

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

Feb 29, 2016

Full Review

Rachel Wagner

Rachel's Reviews (YouTube)

charming rom-com that confronts the age difference head on

Oct 3, 2022

Full Review

David Nusair

Reel Film Reviews

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

Rated: 3.5/4

Oct 13, 2021

Full Review

Kathi Maio

Sojourner

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

Aug 22, 2019

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Nim T

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.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

08/27/24

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stephanie s

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

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/09/24

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David W

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.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/27/23

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Audience Member

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

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

02/03/23

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Audience Member

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.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/13/23

Full Review

Audience Member

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!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/13/23

Full Review

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Martin Ritt

Director

Sally Field

Emma Moriarty

James Garner

Murphy Jones

Brian Kerwin

Bobby Jack Moriarty

Corey Haim

Jake Moriarty

Dennis Burkley

Freeman Coverly

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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

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