This superstar tearjerker chronicles the romance - from the late Thirties to the early Fifties - between two irreconcilable opposites.

She is Barbra Streisand, outspoken, aggressive Jewish activist, he is Robert Redford, the all-American, golden-haired college boy who becomes a successful novelist and then goes to Hollywood as a screenwriter.

The film comes across solidly as the movie equivalent of a good read, and it's fascinating to see how the expertise of director Sydney Pollack succeeds in making the stars' very different acting styles - Streisand's aggressive vigour and Redford's relaxed reliance on his good looks - work so well together.

Both stars are their most charismatic or annoying according to tastes. The dreamy title song took one of the film's two Oscars.

Film buffs can watch out for Sally Kirkland and James Woods in minor roles.