Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that Murphy's Romance, made in 1985, is a warm, timeless tale of two people who've known heartbreak but strive to find joy and comfort in lives of quiet dignity and self-reliance. Their paths cross in a small Southwestern town in which familiar pleasures and simple values are readily at hand. Sally Field and James Garner (Academy Award-nominated for his lead performance) forge an easy friendship, soon complicated by events that upset the balance of their evolving bond. And at the film's core is a vulnerable young boy whose well-being matters to them both. The film's PG-13 rating is based on profanity: one "f--k," several uses of "s--t," and a smattering of other salty language such as "goddamn," "pissing," "banging," and "ass." A brief scene from a horror movie is shown: A woman is knifed; bloodcurdling screams accompany the action. Sexuality includes kissing, embracing, a man trying to seduce his ex-wife, a nude man seen from behind as he enters a shower, and some references to one's "sex life." People drink beer in social situations; one man drinks whiskey from a bottle and later appears to be drunk. Still, despite those cautions, this is a film that values strong moral behavior and has excellent role models at its heart.

Sexual Content

Some kissing, embracing; couple rolls around in the hay before an allergy attack interrupts them. Brief reference to man's occasional sex partner. A man is seen naked from the rear as he steps into the shower. Mention of abortion -- "You can carry a gun, but you can't get an abortion" -- and homosexuality -- "Are you one of those funny fellas?"

Violence

A speeding joy-rider forces a car off the road, causing mild injuries. A short clip from a horror film shows a woman being stabbed in the chest, followed by off-camera screaming and hysteria.

Language

Occasional profanity: "Christ," "goddamn," "diddly s--t," "pissing contest," "banging," "ass," "sonofabitch," "f--king." A horse is heard pooping off camera.

Social Behavior

Hard work and upstanding moral character reap rewards. Love comes in many forms, and sometimes it's unexpected.

Consumerism

Coca-Cola is featured in several scenes. Many household products and drugs are incidentally visible on clothing or store shelves/advertisements.

Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol

Beer at parties. A man becomes drunk after drinking hard liquor. A reference to a leading character's past alcoholism.