Save the Tiger

In 1971, Rod Serling's anthology series Night Gallery broadcast perhaps its best episode, "They're Tearing Down Tim Riley's Bar," starring William Windom as a middle-aged sales executive who seeks refuge from the treacherous business world in nostalgic memories of the now darkened neighborhood watering hole that is slated for destruction. In director John G. Avilden's Save the Tiger (1973), Jack Lemmon portrays a similarly desperate character whose American dream is also turning into a nightmare. Harry Stoner is a partner in a struggling dress firm in Los Angeles's garment district. To stay afloat, the books have been cooked, and while Harry is forced to play pimp to potential big buyers, he's also now considering arson to cover up the previous year's "ballet with the books." "If we were making missiles and got in this kind of trouble, the government would write us a check," he rationalizes to his partner (a great dramatic performance by Jack Gilford), "but we make dresses." As with the alcoholic character Lemmon portrayed in Days of Wine and Roses, Harry Stoner is the dark side of the amiable Everyman characters that were his signature roles, and he took home an Oscar for Best Actor here. Presented with a fine DVD transfer and an engaging commentary track (not listed on the DVD jacket) with Avildsen and writer-producer Steve Shagan, this is recommended. (D. Liebenson)