Cactus Flower (1969) – Nostalgia Central

Ingrid Bergman, lured back to Hollywood after a 20-year absence, is the late-blooming flower in this pleasantly sophisticated comedy.

She plays Stephanie Dickinson, a super-efficient dental receptionist nurse, who steps in to help her boss in a problematic dilemma.

The dentist, Dr Julian Winston, played by Walter Matthau, is a happy bachelor – but he has told his mistress, Toni (Goldie Hawn), that he is married and a father, but that his wife is unfaithful.

His dilemma occurs when Toni, a kookie blonde, attempts suicide, but is saved by a neighbour.

Visibly shaken, Julian tells her they will marry. Not wanting to be a home-wrecker, Toni insists on meeting Julian’s wife.

This is where Stephanie comes in. Julian wants her to pose as his unfaithful wife.

But where Stephanie had been unnoticed and unnoticeable to Julian before, the effect of being his wife – even by proxy – causes her to flower beautifully, so that even Toni can tell that Julian really loves his “wife”.

Excellent characterisations from an experienced cast bring this Broadway stage success amusingly to life on the screen.

It also introduces Goldie Hawn of TV’s Laugh-In series, and she makes a good start on the road to film fame. She won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of Toni Simmons

Dr Julian Winston
Walter Matthau
Stephanie Dickinson
Ingrid Bergman
Toni Simmons
Goldie Hawn
Harvey Greenfield
Jack Weston
Igor Sullivan
Rick Lenz
Señor Arturo Sanchez
Vito Scotti
Mrs Durant
Irene Hervey
Georgia
Eve Bruce
Mr Shirley
Irwin Charone
Miss Dickinson’s Nephew
Matthew Saks

Director
Gene Saks