Save the Tiger

Save the Tiger is an engaging drama film from 1973 starring veterans Jack Lemmon and Jack Gilford, as well as talented newcomer Laurie Heineman. The film is directed by John G. Avildsen, known for his knack for creating stirring movies with humane concerns. Based on a screenplay by Steve Shagan, Save the Tiger provides a unique insight into the moral dilemma faced by a business owner trying to save his sinking ship.

The movie centers on Harry Stoner (Jack Lemmon), a man grappling with a multitude of personal and professional crises. An aging executive in the fashion industry, Harry is facing the loss of his business due to shifting trends and pressures from fast fashion. His line of women's wear is antiquated compared to the competitors' latest releases, resulting in falling profits, dwindling customers, and impending bankruptcy.

To add to his woes, Stoner is haunted by memories of his participation in World War II. These haunting echoes from the past offer an illuminating perspective into his present - a disillusioned man pained by the rapidity of the changing world around him. His outspoken partner and eternal confidant, Phil Greene (Jack Gilford), forms an integral part of Stoner's journey throughout the film.

Harry, driven by despair and desperation, is confronted with making unethical decisions to save his business. This narrative pulls viewers into a journey displaying the shattering consequences of compromise and the long-lasting impact it can have on a person's emotional and mental well-being. Strewn with moral grey areas, the narrative presents a desperate man's battle against time and against his conscience. What Harry does to salvage the sinking ship forms the crux of this compelling narrative.

On the personal front, a thread of the narrative deals with Harry's relationship with his wife, whom he loves yet fails to connect with properly due to the burdens he carries. His interactions and affairs with other women, including the free-spirited and profound Myra played by Laurie Heineman, also add dimensions to his character, revealing his longing for connection and escape.

In his portrayal of Harry Stoner, Jack Lemmon delivers one of his most noteworthy performances, combining subtlety, emotion, and desperation beautifully to flesh out this complex character. Jack Gilford is exceptional as the often morally conflicted Phil Greene. The supporting cast adds further depth to the backdrop of the story.

Save the Tiger uses the backdrop of a failing business in the volatile fashion industry as a metaphor for broader concerns about morality, survival, and the human condition in a rapidly transitioning society. It exemplifies the struggle of a man who feels disconnected from his past and is scared of the unpredictability of his future. It puts under the spotlight the monumental shifts in societal values post World War II, business ethics, and personal dilemmas, all within the setting of the ruthless fashion industry.

The film's strong narrative is underpinned with thoughtful dialogue, highlighting its socio-cultural criticisms and contemplations. There are scenes where characters express their angst regarding the loss of cultural heritage and the increasing commercialisation of art, which adds further layers to this narrative.

Final thoughts: Save The Tiger is more than just a dramatic film about a man embroiled in a state of moral disarray; it is a socio-political commentary on post-war America. It delves into the human psyche, and lays bare the constant battle between one's ethical principles and the demands placed on an individual's survival. The film's thoughtful exploration of these themes, coupled with Jack Lemmon's exceptional performance, makes Save The Tiger a compelling watch for fans of drama and films examining the human condition.