Save the Tiger

Main Plot

"Save the Tiger," directed by John G. Avildsen, follows Harry Stoner, a disillusioned businessman grappling with the moral and existential crises of his life. As the owner of a failing Los Angeles garment factory, Harry faces mounting financial pressures and contemplates desperate measures to save his business, including arson for insurance money. The film delves into Harry's internal struggle as he reflects on his past, his lost ideals, and the compromises he's made. Amidst these challenges, he encounters various characters who represent different facets of his life and the changing American landscape. The narrative poignantly explores themes of integrity, identity, and the cost of the American Dream, painting a vivid portrait of a man at a crossroads.

Characters

• Jack Lemmon plays Harry Stoner, a struggling businessman facing a moral crisis as he contemplates arson to save his failing clothing company.
• Jack Gilford played Phil Greene, the loyal business partner who tries to support Harry Stoner through his moral and financial crises.
• Laurie Heineman plays Myra, a young hitchhiker who represents lost innocence and fleeting youth, contrasting with the protagonist's moral and existential struggles.

Ending Explained

In the conclusion of "Save the Tiger," directed by John G. Avildsen, the protagonist Harry Stoner, played by Jack Lemmon, faces the culmination of his moral and existential crises. Harry, a struggling businessman in the garment industry, has been grappling with the ethical compromises he has made to keep his company afloat. Throughout the film, he contemplates arson as a desperate measure to save his business from financial ruin. In the final scenes, Harry's internal conflict reaches its peak. He arranges for the arson to take place, but as the plan unfolds, he is overwhelmed by guilt and the realization of what he has become. The film ends ambiguously, leaving Harry's fate and the future of his business uncertain. This open-ended conclusion underscores the themes of moral ambiguity and the personal cost of survival in a corrupt world. Harry's journey reflects a deep sense of disillusionment with the American Dream, highlighting the personal and ethical sacrifices individuals make in the pursuit of success.