It’s far too rare an occasion that Jeffrey Tambor gets to star in a film. In fact- he never has. The famous character actor is usually the best part of anything he’s involved with (see- Arrested Development, Hellboy 2Saturday the 14th, Muppet’s Wizard of Oz) but he’s always on the sidelines of the plot, so it’s exciting to think about a film that focuses on the legend.

Enter Meeting Spencer, a film about an aging stage director and his last attempt to relaunch his failing career. It’s from director Malcolm Mowbray, who you might known from A Private Function, which starred Michael Palin as a man who kidnaps a pig (Seriously.). Meeting Spencer is Mowbray’s first feature film since 1998’s The Revenger’s Comedies. Tambor loved the screenplay and knew it would be a perfect fit for him. “I liked the character’s dry wit,” said Tambor.  “Harris is a little grand and full of himself but he’s also capable of saying ‘That a boy!’ and giving a Bronx cheer.”

His co-star in the film turned out to be none other than a former student of his, Melinda McGraw. “Jeffrey was one of the best teachers I’ve ever had,” recalled McGraw.  “He’s very intuitive, extremely honest and can be brutal in a kind way.”

That’s what we love about him. There’s now a trailer for the film so you have an idea of what to expect.

Meeting Spencer will open in NYC at the Quad Cinema on April 8th.