Goldie Hawn won an Academy Award in her first major movie role as Toni Simmons in the film adaptation of the Broadway comedy smash Cactus Flower – setting the tone for a career that has lasted decades, with a filmography that has few rivals in the romantic comedy department. Walter Matthau plays dentist Dr. Julian Winston, who starts a fling with the beautiful and much younger Toni, but with the deceitful caveat that he is married with children (he’s not). Distraught over the relationship, Toni attempts suicide, prompting Dr. Winston to propose to Toni – but first he needs a wife to divorce. Ingrid Bergman is wonderful as Matthau’s sharp-tongued loyal assistant who carries an unrequited torch for him, and oblivious to her feelings, Matthau’s lovable cad of a doctor asks her to be his pretend wife. Director Gene Saks nails the chemistry and comedy from the triumvirate of Hawn, Matthau, and Bergman – while the late 60’s fashion and music adorn the screen with color and sound.
“It really is Matthau, Miss Bergman and (with a marvelously expressive face) Miss Hawn who make Cactus Flower a success.” – Roger Ebert
“The play was a slicky entertaining, razzmatazz package and barrage of wise gags and even wiser cracks… The Columbia adaptation, with a dandy cast headed by Ingrid Bergman, Walter Matthau and a newcomer, young Goldie Hawn, has more charm, credibility, flow and even bloom.” – Howard Thompson, The New York Times
