Detroit icon Jackie Kallen, the world's most successful female boxing manager, is the inspiration for the new Hollywood movie "Against The Ropes," which has its Detroit premiere on Thursday, Feb. 19. The showing is a benefit for STARS.

The movie stars Meg Ryan as Kallen, who broke through the glass ceiling to prevail in a male-dominated profession.

Kallen, who was a publicist for Thomas "Hit Man" Hearns, managed boxer James Toney and helped him to become a world champion.

The Paramount Pictures film was inspired by a New York Times article written about Kallen, she says.

Kallen, originally from Detroit, now lives in Los Angeles.

Metro Detroiters can see the film before it opens nationwide. On Thursday, Feb. 19, Kallen will be hosting a benefit premiere screening of the film, which will open Friday, Feb. 20.

The benefit is for the STARS charity. STARS is a parent support group of the Neurosurgery Department at Children's Hospital of Michigan. The group is committed to raising research dollars needed to advance shunt research and technology. Shunt research and technology is needed for the approximately one in 500 children who are born with hydrocephalus, commonly referred to as "water on the brain."

The screening, at the Star Southfield, will start at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 and $100, which includes after-glow party at Sposita's Ristorante in West Bloomfield.

For information, call (248) 454-9599.