The Main Event (1979)

38% of critics liked it
(8 reviews)
43% of users liked it
(2,269 ratings)

Barbra Streisand and Ryan O'Neal attempt to recapture the screwball spark of What's Up, Doc? in the labored farce The Main Event. Streisand plays Hillary Kramer, a bankrupt perfume executive who discovers that one of her tax write-offs from more prosperous times was the ownership of prizefighter Kid… More Barbra Streisand and Ryan O'Neal attempt to recapture the screwball spark of What's Up, Doc? in the labored farce The Main Event. Streisand plays Hillary Kramer, a bankrupt perfume executive who discovers that one of her tax write-offs from more prosperous times was the ownership of prizefighter Kid Natural (Ryan O' Neal). Kid Natural is now a driving instructor who wants nothing to do with boxing, but Hillary is determined to resurrect the Kid's less-than-spectacular boxing career. She installs herself as the Kid's manager and tries to get him in shape to go the distance. Along the way, the two fall in love. ~ Paul Brenner, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: PG, 1 hr. 52 min.
Directed By: Howard Zieff
Written By: Gail Parent, Andrew J. Smith
Genres: Romance, Comedy, Special Interest

In Theaters: Jun 22, 1979 Wide
On DVD: Jul 1, 2003

Critic Reviews

Steve Crum, Video-Reviewmaster.com
Forgettable Streisand-O'Neal comedy romance set in boxing ring.
Chuck O'Leary, Fantastica Daily
A good mainstream comedy that's better than its reputation.
Rich Cline, Shadows on the Wall
entertaining misfire

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

AJ V

This is like a modern version of Pat and Mike in a way, but slightly funnier. Still it's a predictable romantic comedy. Overall it's pretty good.
Dean M

Barbra Streisand's really funny and has plenty scenes of her sexy butt. Ryan O'Neal and Barbra are the best couple stars of 1970's since 'What's Up, Doc?'.
Lee K

I saw this as a kid when it first came out in the theatres. Although having not reviewed it since, I remember it being a half decent flick.
Anthony V

Even though it reunites the starts, it doesn't even compare to "What's Up Doc".

Cast

            Barbra Streisand as Hillary Kramer

            Ryan O'Neal as Eddie "Kid Natural" Scanlon

            Paul Sand as David

            Whitman Mayo as Percy

            Patti D'Arbanville as Donna

            Rory Calhoun as Fighter in Kid's Camp

            Chu Chu Malave as Luis

            Richard Lawson as Hector Mantilla

            Ernie Hudson as Killer

            James Gregory as Gough

            Richard Altman as Tour Guide

            Joe Amsler as Stunt Double Kid

            Seth Banks as Newsman

            Lindsay Bloom as Girl in bed

            Earl Boen as Nose-Kline

            Roger Bowen as Owner Sinthia Cosmetics

            Badja Djola as Heavyweight in Gym

            Sue Casey as Brenda

            Alvin Childress as Man in Gym

            Kristine de Bell as Lucy

            Al Denava as Gomez

            Shay Duffin as Fight Announcer

            Murphy Dunne as Mario

            Art Evans as Fighter

            Ron Henriques as Fighter

            Dave Ketchum as Photographer

            Len Lesser as Trainer at Kid's Camp

            Eddie Lopez
            
            Denver Mattson as Referee

            Harvey Parry as Referee in Long Beach

            Tim Rossovich as Cannibal

            Maurice Sneed as Fighter

            Jack Somack as Murry

            Darrell Zwerling as Sheldon

            Lee C. Harman
            
            Bill Murray as Mantilla's Cornerman

            Jimmy Lennon Sr. as Announcer

            Robert Nadder as Nose - Dean

            Vic Heutschy
            
            Richard S. Steele
            
            John C. Reilly as Alan Crane
See full cast