Remembering James Garner

Since today would be James Garner’s 97th birthday, I thought we should revisit a sweet and lovely film. He and co-star Sally Field create one of cinema’s great romance films. Enjoy!

In 1985 Sally Field was at the top. She had just won her second Best Actress Oscar, this time for ‘Places in the Heart’. For her next project she decided to team with the group that helped her receive her first Oscar. That one was for ‘Norma Rae’ and was directed by Martin Ritt while being written by Harriet Frank, jr. and Irving Ravetch. Together they created one of the very sweet movies you may have missed.

Director Ritt was searching for the perfect leading man and love interest to play opposite Sally Field. The studio wanted Marlon Brando or Paul Newman, but Ritt and Field were certain that James Garner was perfect for the role. After much pressure, and some stubbornness, they got their way. That decision provides us with the chance to enjoy a warm and satisfying one hour and forty-seven minutes!

‘Murphy’s Romance’ is a delight. The on-screen chemistry between Field and Garner works throughout the film. They both play-off-of and support each other to the viewer’s reward. Field plays a recently divorced mom who moves to a small town in Arizona to start a horse ranch. Garner plays the widowed drugstore owner who never thought he would love again. Things proceed according to plan until her shady ex-husband arrives. He wants to be back in the lives of his ex-wife and son. This leads to the movie’s tagline: “Just when you think you’ve found the perfect guy, someone worse comes along”. Field has to choose between her feelings for her son’s father and the new man in her world.

A pre-”Coreys” Corey Haim plays her son and Brian Kerwin portrays the ex. They both do a fine job, but the film centers on the Field/Garner lovestory. The script for ‘Murphy’s Romance’ is fantastic and provides great lines for both stars. The movie follows a tried and true formula to a charming conclusion. The film can be difficult to find, but it is well worth the effort.

Side notes: James Garner received his only Best Actor Nomination for this film. Also, Sally Field is quoted as saying that the kiss with co-star Garner is the best on-screen kiss of her career. And, keep an eye out for Carole King. She not only does the theme song, she plays Tillie.