Semi-Tough

Wide receiver Marvin 'Shake' Tiller and running back Billy Clyde Puckett share a close friendship on their Miami professional football team. They live together, providing a strong bond as teammates amidst the pressures of their sports careers.

Both Shake and Billy Clyde become acquainted with Big Ed Bookman’s daughter, Barbara Jane. Her presence introduces dynamics that complicate their friendship, as both men develop romantic interest in her.

Shake undergoes a transformation after joining the self-improvement course led by Friedrich Bismark. The B.E.A.T. program significantly boosts his confidence, prompting the development of romantic feelings towards Barbara Jane.

As Shake's confidence grows, so does his relationship with Barbara Jane, culminating in a romantic involvement. They look forward to a future together, including the prospect of marriage after the football season.

Bismark warns Shake against pursuing a romantic relationship with Barbara Jane, emphasizing that 'mixed marriages don’t work.' This warning weighs heavily on Shake as he navigates his feelings for her.

Determined to support Shake and understand him better, Barbara Jane decides to enroll in the B.E.A.T. program. Her experience, however, becomes an overwhelming challenge filled with exhaustion and self-doubt.

Billy Clyde secretly joins the B.E.A.T. training to empathize with Barbara Jane's struggles. He navigates the bizarre rules of the course, showcasing his resilience in a comedic yet intense environment.

During a pivotal B.E.A.T. session, Billy Clyde expresses profound emotions, shocking his fellow trainees. This cathartic moment brings hidden feelings to the surface and complicates the dynamics between the trio.

As the wedding day approaches, tensions rise. Shake's apprehensions about his relationship with Barbara Jane and Billy Clyde's feelings grow, setting the stage for potential conflict during the ceremony.

The wedding ceremony takes place with Big Ed proudly escorting Barbara Jane down the aisle. However, when the minister asks Shake for his vows, he hesitates and ultimately declares 'no,' shocking everyone.

Shake's refusal to marry sparks chaos, igniting rage in Big Ed, who reacts with threats against Shake's career. This incites a physical confrontation, escalating tensions between the characters.

In the midst of the chaos, Billy Clyde reveals his earlier motivations to Barbara Jane, prompting her to reconsider everything about her situation. This revelation challenges the foundations of their relationships.

As the tumultuous events unfold, Barbara Jane and Billy Clyde find themselves exploring their true feelings for one another. They stroll along the beach, still in their wedding attire, marking a new beginning.