estherwalker-34710 Review of Murphy's Romance

Murphy's Romance (1985)

Interesting character study, starring Sally Field, James Garner, and Brian Kerwin

[7/10 · 1 June 2021]

As in her film of the previous year: "Places of the Heart", Sally Field is again cast as a single mom, trying to kickstart her life again. But, unlike Edna, in her previous film, Emma has lots of experience in a marketable skill: namely, boarding and training horses. She has rented a rundown farm in AZ, and just needs some starter credit to get it spruced up and ready to go. But, the local bank won't lend her any money, because she lacks a husband with a job or any significant assets, other than her discounted experience in what she proposes to do. So, she wanders into Murphy Jones' pharmacy, and tries to establish some repour, before blurting out that she would like a loan from him to help start her business. Unfortunately, he too turns her down, noting that he doesn't really know anything about her, and that there are others in need ahead of her.......... A few days later, Emma sends her 12y.o. Son: Jake, to town to look for a part time job, while she continues to prepare things for customers. Eventually, he comes to Murphy's pharmacy. Initially, Murphy turns him down; but, knowing he is Emma's son, he suggests that Jake take a ride with him in his prized spic and span 1927 Studebaker, giving him more time to think what Jake might do to be useful. By the end of the ride, he has come up with an idea and offers Jake an after school job......... A few days later, he attends a horse auction. Emma happens to also be there. They sit together, and she gives him tips on what looks like a good riding horse. He bids, and wins at $1000. Emma complains that he just bought a horse that he doesn't really need, but won't loan her any money. He tries to appease her by announcing that he wants to board his horse with her, thus establishing another link with her. He gradually establishes a stronger connection by often coming over to see how she's doing, and pitching in doing some work, apparently for no pay, except a home-cooked supper. He also took charge of her business while she was in the hospital, recovering from an accident with her truck. It's looking like a romance is in the works! Several times during the film, the 33y.o.Emma asks Murphy how old he is.(Sally was actually 39, but certainly could pass for 33). But Murphy just gives a non-committal answer. In effect, he's saying "I'm as old as you think I am, and that's the important point"(Garner was actually 57, but certainly could pass for much younger, still having all his black hair and being handsome, so that Emma might guess him to be in his 40s).......... But, complications arise when Emma's ex : Bobby Jack(Brian Kerwin), unexpectedly shows up on her door step, apparently having lost his latest job, and hoping to rekindle a relationship with Emma. But, she's not taking the bait. She's not very welcoming, but Jake greets him very enthusiastically. When Bobby Jack asks to spend a few days at the ranch, against her better judgement, she reluctantly agrees, probably swayed by Jake's very enthusiastic reception of his father................ Obviously, Bobby Jack is set up by the screenplay to be the bad guy in a potential romantic triangle. From Emma's comments, apparently financial irresponsibility was the main reason she divorced him. He claims he's a new man, but she doesn't buy it. In the film, we see that he steals money from Emma, and cheats at cards. Near the end, we discover that, while he's been trying to woo Emma, he's been shacking up with a beautiful blond teen. But, as far as women, especially young ones, are concerned, Bobby Jack also has his attractive attributes. He's rather good looking. Clearly, he's a charmer, even if Emma now fails to respond. According to a comment by Emma, he's good in bed, and, judging by Jakes' response to him, he's probably good with children. He plays the guitar and sings, which is useful in attracting young women. However, to Emma, clearly his good points are outweighed by his failings as a husband...........While Bobby Jack and Emma are spreading the straw bedding in a stall, he knocks her down and lays on her, extracting a kiss. But, Emma is in love with Murphy, not Bobby Jack, and she pushes him off in a coughing fit. This turns out to be his undoing, as Emma soon tells him that it's time for him to leave. ........... After Bobby Jack leaves, with his girlfriend and infant twins, Emma shows up at Murphy's pharmacy, depressed, saying she's not sure what to do with the rest of her life. I suspect, in effect, she's asking for a commitment from Murphy. Murphy responds very strangely, saying, in effect, "Don't come to me with your insecurities", and pushes her out the door!! Emma drives home depressed. But, that evening, Murphy rides his horse to her house, and she welcomes him. After a brief deflecting comment on the weather, they have a serious discussion about their relationship, and Murphy gives some positive indications that he wants it to clearly be romantic, to end the film.......... Incidentally, Brian Kerwin probably isn't familiar to movie goers. His acting was primarily confined to TV and the stage, where he was quite well known.