The Main Event

PG

1979

1h 52m

Comedy

List

40%

Tomatometer

10 Reviews

42%

Popcornmeter

1,000+ Ratings

When her accountant absconds with all her money, Hillary Kramer (Barbra Streisand) goes from reigning queen of the perfume business to flat broke. Down to her last few possessions of value, Hillary finds a contract for a boxer known as Eddie "Kid Natural" Scanlon (Ryan O'Neal). He's a completely inept fighter, but Kramer is desperate enough to think he's her ticket back to glory. She aggressively promotes him despite his flaws, and falls in love along the way.

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Bob Thomas

Associated Press

The plot is reminiscent of 1930 s comedies, but Streisand and [producer] Jon Peters have provided a handsome, up-to-date production.

Jul 17, 2019

Full Review

Roger Ebert

Chicago Sun-Times

The movie just doesn't have the life, the zaniness, this kind of screwball material demands.

Rated: 2/4

Oct 23, 2004

Full Review

Augusto Martínez Torres

El Pais (Spain)

The Main Event tells a dumb and boring story about boxing. [Full Review in Spanish]

Aug 7, 2019

Full Review

Steve Crum

Video-Reviewmaster.com

Forgettable Streisand-O'Neal comedy romance set in boxing ring.

Rated: 3/5

Feb 17, 2008

Full Review

Chuck O'Leary

Fantastica Daily

A good mainstream comedy that's better than its reputation.

Rated: 3/5

Sep 21, 2005

Full Review

Rich Cline

Shadows on the Wall

entertaining misfire

Rated: 2/5

Aug 26, 2005

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eabate3

It's watchable but not one of her better movies. Watch What's up Doc for the real Streisand / O'Neil chemistry

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

12/20/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Barbra Streisand and Ryan O'Neal doesn't deliver any knockouts in this flat comedy about a boxer and his owner. Streisand was starting into a film drought. She was always sort of a hit and miss film actress. Her and O'Neal showcase little of the chemistry they showed in "What's Up Doc?"

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

02/09/23

Full Review

Audience Member

While not her best role, this movie deserves no less than three stars. The comedy is zany and the romance solid.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/23/23

Full Review

scott m

Only Streisand movie I like. Story about an aging boxer who is forced to return to boxing to pay back his debts. Good but not great movie.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Female executive goes bankrupt and partners with a former boxer who returns to the ring, this gives her the idea to invest in him and become his manager. It's a decent movie and O'Neal alongside Streisand for the second time, proves to be a good on screen duo.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/19/23

Full Review

william s

The whole premise is hookie and tripe so why the hell did I like this movie;well beats the hell out of me but I did anyway.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

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Howard Zieff

Director

Barbra Streisand

Hillary Kramer

Ryan O'Neal

Eddie `'Kid Natural'` Scanlon

Paul Sand

David

Whitman Mayo

Percy

Patti D'Arbanville

Donna

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Synopsis

When her accountant absconds with all her money, Hillary Kramer (Barbra Streisand) goes from reigning queen of the perfume business to flat broke. Down to her last few possessions of value, Hillary finds a contract for a boxer known as Eddie "Kid Natural" Scanlon (Ryan O'Neal). He's a completely inept fighter, but Kramer is desperate enough to think he's her ticket back to glory. She aggressively promotes him despite his flaws, and falls in love along the way.

Director: Howard Zieff
Production Co: First Artists
Rating: PG
Genre: Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 7, 2008
Runtime: 1h 52m

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