Cactus Flower (Columbia Pictures, 1969)

A Charming Romantic Comedy with a Sharp Edge

Walter Matthau and Goldie Hawn in Cactus Flower

Cactus Flower (Columbia Pictures, 1969), directed by Gene Saks, is a delightful and often very funny romantic comedy that explores themes of love, deception, and the search for genuine connection. Based on the 1964 Broadway play of the same name (which was itself based on a French play), the film features a talented cast, witty dialogue, and a lighthearted tone that makes it a highly enjoyable viewing experience. While it might not break new cinematic ground, it’s a well-crafted and charming film that delivers plenty of laughs and a few heartfelt moments.

The story centers around Julian Winston (Walter Matthau), a successful but commitment-phobic dentist who has been telling his much younger girlfriend, Toni Simmons (Goldie Hawn), that he’s married in order to avoid any real attachments. When Toni attempts suicide as a result, Julian feels guilty and pretends that he is in the process of divorcing his wife. He then enlists his stoic and efficient nurse, Stephanie Dickinson (Ingrid Bergman), to pretend to be his soon-to-be ex-wife to make his story more believable. As they get drawn deeper into the deception, Julian starts to realize that his feelings for Stephanie might be more than he previously thought.

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What sets Cactus Flower apart is its witty and intelligent script from I. A. L. Diamond (and the source playwright Abe Burrows). The dialogue is sharp, sophisticated, and often very funny, and the characters are all well-defined and engaging. The film’s humor comes from a combination of situational comedy and clever wordplay, and it maintains a light and breezy tone throughout. While it’s not a laugh-a-minute comedy, it has a gentle charm and a wry sense of humor that is quite appealing.

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Gene Saks’ direction is assured and well-paced. He allows his actors to shine, and he creates a visual style that is both appealing and functional. The film’s production design is also noteworthy, with its stylish sets and costumes reflecting the hip, swinging vibe of the late 1960s.

The performances are all excellent. Walter Matthau is perfectly cast as Julian, bringing his signature grumpy charm and impeccable comedic timing to the role. Goldie Hawn, in one of her early film roles, is absolutely charming as Toni. She exudes a sense of youthful innocence and a delightful air-headedness that is both endearing and amusing. Ingrid Bergman is superb as Stephanie, imbuing the character with both a quiet strength and a dry sense of humor. The chemistry between these three leads is palpable, and it’s a joy to watch them play off each other.

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The film also features a strong supporting cast, including Rick Lenz as Igor, Toni’s free-spirited neighbor, and Jack Weston as Harvey Greenfield, one of Julian’s patients. Their contributions enhance the film’s overall comedic tone and provide some memorable moments. It’s a film that benefits from its ensemble cast, and each of the performances is well-measured.

While Cactus Flower may not be a particularly deep or thought-provoking film, it succeeds admirably in what it sets out to do. It’s a charming and entertaining romantic comedy with some very witty dialogue and a strong message about the importance of honesty and genuine connection. 

Head of film reviews at The Viewers Guide with an erudite, insightful, slightly sardonic, deep appreciation for classic cinema. Has a habit of quoting obscure lines from old films in everyday conversation. He keeps a meticulously organized film logbook. He's a bit of a tea snob.