Cactus Flower (1969)
Released: December 16th, 1969
Genre: Comedy, Romance
Director: Gene Saks
Writers: I.A.L Diamond
Starring: Walter Matthau, Goldie Hawn, Ingrid Bergman
Plot: A dentist pretends to be married to avoid commitment with a young woman, but when he falls in love with her he must now find a means to divorce his imaginary wife played by his nurse.
Opening Thoughts:
When I was first perusing films throughout history, this charming late 60s comedy stole my heart with its simple, but entertaining manner. Now I’m older and wiser, but it remains a splendid film worthy of viewing with a quality cast.
Dislikes:
The movie needs a little more life to it in the humor department. It has some wonderful jokes without question, but I feel there are far too few given the premise and cast involved.
Likes:
The cast of this film absolutely delivers this movie its finest qualities. The combination of Walter Matthau, Goldie Hawn, and Ingrid Bergman are sensational. They work very well together depicting the various dynamics of their relationships.
The comedy isn’t laughing out loud hilarity, nor is it raunchy, but it is clever and at times sincerely funny. Its more about misunderstandings, wordplay, and general befuddlement. (If you liked the television series, Frasier, the chances of you enjoying this movie are infinitely higher. )
Conclusion:
While the humor isn’t electric, it finds a way to slowly win you over in a way that truly seems forgotten today. The trio of Hawn, Matthau, and Bergman seems to work incredibly well together. It remains a beautiful movie and a quality comedy
The Walter Matthau Ladder:
Cactus Flower
Grumpy Old Men
Bad News Bears
Charade
The Odd Couple
Grumpier Old Men
I’m Not Rappaport
The Odd Couple 2
Out to Sea
The Movie Guy and Friends 