Martin Ritt reteams for the second time with Sally Field (who won an Oscar for their first film together, “Norma Rae”) in “Murphy’s Romance,” a mildly engaging tale, well acted by the two leads, especially James Garner, who received his first and only Best Actor nomination for his part.
Field plays the Emma Moriarty, a newly divorced woman who moves with her young son to a small Arizona town, hoping to begin a new life by establishing a horse farm.
The romantic interest is offered by the town’s pharmacist Murphy Jones (James Garner), who happens to be the place’s most eligible bachelor. Initially, the two develop a platonic friendship, while Murphy keeps distance when her ex-husband Bobby Jack (Brian Kerwin), who claims he had changed his irresponsible ways, moves back in with her.
At a party at Emma’s ranch, Murphy and Bobby get into a verbal row, but nothing is settled until Wanda (Anna Levine) shows up with two babies in tow, claiming that Bobby is the father.
Once rid of her former hubby, Emma is open to new relationships and she surprises herself by falling in love with the older man.
Ultimately, “Murphy’s Romance” is too soft and gentle to qualify as an engaging romantic comedy. It’s a movie in which most of the characters are too good and too civilized to generate any dramatic interest.
Oscar Context:
The film was nominated for two Oscars: Best Actor for James garner and Best Cinematography by William A. Fraker.
Credits
MPAA: PG-13
Running time: 108 Minutes.
Directed By: Martin Ritt
In Theaters: Dec 25, 1985
DVD: May 16, 2000
