Cactus Flower (1969)

Directed by Gene Saks. Starring Walter Matthau, Ingrid Bergman, Goldie Hawn, Rick Lenz, Jack Weston, Vito Scotti, Irene Hervey, Eve Bruce. [PG]

In order to avoid the burden of commitment, dentist Matthau has become involved with neurotic ditz Hawn under the pretense that he’s married and she’s the mistress. But once he realizes he loves her, he’s forced to “produce a wife” that he can divorce—enter dedicated dental assistant Bergman. Mild farce doesn’t have much in the way of plot (even the complications aren’t very complicated), and the outcome is evident far too early in the proceedings; a few very funny moments can’t fully redeem the sluggish pacing and musty attitudes. Performances keep it watchable, at least, with Hawn even winning an Academy Award for her early film role Scripted by frequent Billy Wilder collaborator, I. A. L. Diamond, from the Broadway play. Remade as Just Go With It in 2011.

64/100