The Main Event 1979
"A Glove Story"
In Howard Zieff's 1979 comedy-romance gem *The Main Event*, Barbra Streisand plays a sharp-witted entrepreneur on the brink of financial ruin who hatches a bold plan to revive her fortunes.
Director: Howard Zieff
Cast
Barbra Streisand
Hillary Kramer
Ryan O'Neal
Eddie "Kid Natural" Scanlon
Paul Sand
David
Whitman Mayo
Percy
Patti D'Arbanville
Donna
Chu Chu Malave
Luis
Richard Lawson
Hector Mantilla
James Gregory
Gough
Richard Altman
Tour Guide
Seth Banks
Newsman
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Main Event (1979) about?
*The Main Event (1979)* follows a resourceful but financially strapped entrepreneur who stumbles upon a fallen boxer and sees an opportunity to turn his career around—despite his protests. What begins as a desperate gamble spirals into a chaotic mix of romance, rivalry, and redemption, all while testing the limits of both their patience and perseverance.
Who directed The Main Event?
The film was directed by Howard Zieff, a filmmaker known for blending sharp humor with heartfelt storytelling in projects like *Slither* and *Unfaithfully Yours*.
Who stars in The Main Event?
The Main Event stars Barbra Streisand, Ryan O'Neal, Paul Sand, Patti D'Arbanville, and Whitman Mayo in key roles.
Is The Main Event (1979) worth watching?
If you enjoy lighthearted comedies with strong leads and a nostalgic vibe, *The Main Event (1979)* is absolutely worth your time. Streisand and O'Neal's chemistry keeps the film engaging, even if the plot occasionally stretches believability. It's a fun throwback to the era's rom-coms, perfect for a breezy evening in.
How long is The Main Event?
The Main Event has a runtime of 112 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About The Main Event (1979) — A Comedy-Romance Classic with Barbra Streisand and Ryan O'Neal
In Howard Zieff's 1979 comedy-romance gem *The Main Event*, Barbra Streisand plays a sharp-witted entrepreneur on the brink of financial ruin who hatches a bold plan to revive her fortunes. Discovered by chance, a washed-up boxer becomes her unlikely ticket out of trouble, setting the stage for a whirlwind of mismatched personalities, hilarious misadventures, and unexpected chemistry. With Ryan O'Neal as her reluctant protégé, the film balances witty banter with a dash of heart, weaving romance and laughter into a story that's as unpredictable as it is charming. The chemistry between Streisand and O'Neal crackles on screen, while Paul Sand delivers scene-stealing comedy as the eccentric trainer caught in the middle.
The film's lighthearted tone and clever script explore themes of second chances and the absurdity of high-stakes endeavors, all wrapped in the neon glow of late-70s nostalgia. Streisand's character is a force of nature, blending ambition with vulnerability, while O'Neal's washed-up boxer brings a bittersweet edge to the comedy. *The Main Event (1979)* isn't just a sports comedy—it's a playful romp that reminds us why Streisand and O'Neal were one of Hollywood's most magnetic duos.
