One of the classic films of the 80s, Murphy’s Romance is a film that was a whole thing in its day.
Murphy’s Romance (1985) Film Review
Making a move and starting fresh isn’t easy for Emma (Sally Field). But it’s what she’s doing along with her 12 year old son. They move to a dilapidated home in a small town where their work is cut out for them, but Emma has plans, and they include fixing this place up and stabling horses. Determined to make this work and setting up a new life outside of what’s comfortable, Emma tries to put down roots including maybe bonding with someone.
Murphy (James Garner) is the town’s pharmacist. He’s also a widower which makes him a hot commodity in a town where the women far outnumber the men. Unlike Emma who has much ahead of her, Murphy is a little more weathered than her, but the friendship they form is also something that changes everyone.
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An award winner and acclaimed film, Murphy’s Romance is yet another classic flick I can now check off my list of not having seen. I’ve now seen it and can understand why it’s one people enjoy. The story is inspired by a novel, and isn’t something the modern generation is likely to enjoy. The pace is very slow, and the story doesn’t have meaningful dialogue until a handful of minutes in.
The film, regardless is a nice story that leans into the old-fashioned romance feelings, which is also a large part of the story and contrast between Emma’s past and future life. The cast is good and while I haven’t seen Garner in a role like this before, I did like him. Field too isn’t someone I see in many things, but she plays Emma as determined and stalwart and good. Plus, Garner plays Murphy as just good and kind, both traits modern cinema doesn’t always understand.
“I’m in love for the last time in my life.”
– Murphy’s Romance
“I’m in love for the first time.”
The film has interesting things to say and good conclusions, and most of all, it boasts a sense of moral. While not likely something many viewers would like or choose to watch today, Murphy’s Romance is an endearing romance that is perhaps an underrated classic.
You can stream, at publication, this film on places like Tubi
Content: there is a use of the f-word and innuendo about having sex, and sex (it’s mild). A woman and man start making out in the hay and there’s a joke about embracing the “roll around” saying. There is some other minor profanity that stays within the PG-13 rating.
‘MURPHY’S ROMANCE’: AN OLD-FASHIONED ROMANCE DRAMA. Reviewing the 1985 drama with Sally Field. #Romance #RomanceMovie #VintageMovie #ClassicMovie #MovieReview Share on X
Have we talked about this movie before? It’s one of my favs and completely underrated! My mom introduced it to me as a teen, and I’ve long appreciated its old fashioned sense of romance and the contrast we see in Emma’s past and future. Of course, I’m a James Garner fan to begin with. The whole age gap trope would not have worked with very many couples/actors at this time, but I think Field and Garner have chemistry and pull it off. I’m so glad you’ve seen it now!
I don’t think we have, Courtney! I just found it randomly one night when trying to find something to watch, and did find it quite delightful. The age-gap romance is actually trendy right now though the ones I’ve seen haven’t been nearly as “wholesome” as this film is. Oddly I did like Garner and Field together. They don’t seem like a great pair just thinking about the roles I saw them in separate from this, but like you say, they pull it off. :)