The Main Event

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The Main Event

PG

1979

1h 52m

Comedy

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

33%

Tomatometer

9 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

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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

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Augusto Martínez Torres

El Pais (Spain)

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

Aug 7, 2019

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Steve Crum

Video-Reviewmaster.com

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

Rated: 3/5

Feb 17, 2008

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Chuck O'Leary

Fantastica Daily

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

Rated: 3/5

Sep 21, 2005

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Rich Cline

Shadows on the Wall

entertaining misfire

Rated: 2/5

Aug 26, 2005

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Ed .

No knockout. The first 20 minutes are fun to watch. I can suspend belief for a silly comedy but never sacrifice boredom. The first Streisand/O'Neal pairing worked because it had a great script, likeable main characters and hysterically wacky supporting actors. Buck Henry and Peter Bogdonovich wrote and directed What's Up, Doc? Streisand and O'Neal had charm and chemistry in that film but not here. James Gregory and Whitman Mayo are fine actors but aren't funny. Barbra is way too annoying as opposed to zany and smart like she was as Judy/Burnsy. This was Ryan O'Neal's last big hit. He squandered his career with his bad attitude and demeanor.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

08/29/25

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Scott M

Terrible movie with two awful leads. Streisand is mis-cast, and Ryan O'Neal is a terrible actor. The script isn't bad though. A woman buying a fighter's contract after she goes bankrupt. I just wish someone had the guts to tell Barbara that she can't do comedy.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

04/16/25

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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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