Kramer vs. Kramer is a 1979 American drama movie. It was written and directed by Robert Benton. It is based on a novel by Avery Corman. It stars Dustin Hoffman and Meryl Streep as New York City married couple Ted and Joanna Kramer. She leaves him and their son; the couple divorce. Fifteen months later, she decides she wants custody of the child, taking Ted to court.