Murphy's Romance

Murphy's Romance is a heartwarming 1985 American romantic comedy-drama movie that explores the themes of relationships, age differences, and second chances in life. Directed by the respected filmmaker Martin Ritt, the movie boasts an impressive ensemble featuring the acting prowess of Sally Field, James Garner, and Brian Kerwin.

Sally Field, already a two-time Academy Award winner when filming this movie, taking home Best Actress honors for both “Norma Rae” and “Places in the Heart,” is Emma Moriarty, a spirited, recently divorced single mom in her mid-thirties. Emma decides to step away from her past —from her dead marriage— to start a new life with her teen son, Jake (Corey Haim). They leave the big city for a small rural town in Arizona, where she establishes her business, a horse ranch.

In the mix steps in James Garner, a prominent icon of American television and cinema, playing Murphy Jones. Murphy is the town's pharmacist, a widower, and the merry-eyed embodiment of experience and wisdom. He's in his late 60s, an age gap that doesn’t take away from his charm but instead adds to his appeal. Garner's portrayal of Murphy Jones earned him an Oscar nomination, solidifying the strength of the finely-burnished performance.

Despite their age difference, Murphy, with his rustic charm, genuine nature, and old-school mannerisms caters to a wholesome friendship with Emma and Jake. The town's rhythm, Murphy's influence, and Emma's struggles intertwining and establishing a closely-knitted relationship between the two.

On the other hand, Brian Kerwin plays Bobby Jack Moriarty, Emma's good-looking yet unreliable ex-husband, who left Emma and Jake in the cold, only to return when least wanted. The return of Emma's ex-husband brings a lot of tension into the picture, causing a dynamic shift in relations, especially between Emma and Murphy. The drama unfolds as Emma tries to navigate this tumultuous situation, stretched between her past life and a possible future one.

A stand-out feature of the film is its in-depth exploration of the characters. The characters are realistically flawed and layered, making them more human and relatable. You feel for Emma in her pursuit of a better life, cheer for Murphy’s charismatic charm, and become exasperated with Bobby Jack’s antics.

The screenplay, written by Harriet Frank Jr. and Irving Ravetch, couples an intelligent story with witty, emotionally charged dialogue. The narrative deftly weaves humor and romance with enough drama to keep the audience glued to their seats, creating an atmosphere that is as comforting and familiar as the small-town setting it brings to life.

Martin Ritt, the director, is known for helming socially conscious films like “Sounder” and “Norma Rae.” In Murphy's Romance, he proves his mettle by striking a perfect balance of humor, drama, and romance. Every scene is constructed meticulously, managing to keep the central characters and their evolving relationships real and empathetic.

Set against the picturesque backdrop of Arizona, the cinematography in Murphy's Romance stunningly captures the essence of a small, albeit lively town. It brings an intimate charm to the film that manifests in warm, earthy tones, expansive landscapes, and the simplicity of small-town life.

Murphy's Romance also showcases a tasteful selection of musical scores and soundtracks that complement the narrative's emotional tone perfectly, enhancing the overall cinematic experience.

This film is a standout piece in the romantic genre as it transcends the typical boy-meets-girl prototype. It's a mature, emotionally resonating story that prioritizes character development over stereotypical romantic tropes, presenting a heartwarming tale about the challenges of life, age, and the pursuit of an unexpected, yet beautiful romance. With powerhouse performances, skillful direction, and an evocative storyline, Murphy's Romance cements itself as a touching romantic narrative that television viewers, and film aficionados will continue to appreciate.