Save The Tiger from 1973 is essentially a good film that few want to see. Jack Lemmon won his second OSCAR, this time in a Lead Role. Jack Gilford as his partner in crime, so to speak, was Oscar Nominated in the Supporting Role. It's tough getting through this feature despite the superlative acting. The plot revolves around two friends in the garment district all their working lives. A serious crisis is is at hand, namely that business matters are beyond abysmal. The situation is grave enough to push the partners in some shady directions. The film, though well made, is too deadly serious to enjoy as a work of art. I stuck with it, but IT WAS TOUGH GOING! Everything seems hopeless with the characters testy and irritable day in, day out! It's all dismal. There is literally not one moment of humour or comic relief to lighten the load... not for a second. The film did not do well when released as the general public wasn't in the mood for a BUSINESS lesson! The entertainment factor is missing altogether. Save The Tiger is a story of desperation. The human condition has rarely been this bleak on screen.
The two acting performances are the best thing about the film. In retrospect, I'm surprised Jack Lemmon won the Oscar as so few people saw the movie. Apparently, the odds on favourite were JACK NICKOLSON for THE LAST DETAIL and possibly AL PACINO for SERPICO.
The Academy, since founded in the late 20's, has never disappointed us in choosing winners one least expected! It was and still remains an odd bunch of 6,000 members.
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