Emma is a strong-willed woman who is determined to make a success of her horse ranch, despite the challenges of being a single mother in a small town. She is initially wary of Murphy, the town druggist who is known for his womanizing ways, but gradually comes to rely on him as a friend and business partner.
As Emma and Murphy work together to build up the ranch, they develop a close bond that is threatened when Emma's ex-husband Bobby shows up unexpectedly. Bobby is a charming but unreliable man, who has a way of enticing both Emma and their son, Jake. Despite Murphy's own feelings for Emma, he tries to remain supportive and help her navigate the tricky waters of her relationship with Bobby.
As the three adults dance around each other, Jake takes it upon himself to play matchmaker and bring his parents back together. But as Emma and Bobby spend more time together, she begins to see that Murphy might be the better choice after all. In the end, Emma must choose between the safety and security of Murphy's steady love and the unpredictable rollercoaster of her past with Bobby.
Murphy's Romance is a heartwarming tale of love and family, with a wonderful cast that includes Sally Field, James Garner, and Corey Haim. The film was directed by Martin Ritt and was released in 1985. It received critical acclaim and was a box office success, earning a number of award nominations and wins.