Cactus Flower marked Ingrid Bergman’s return to making films following a long hiatus. This time, we see a completely different side of her - her knack for comedy. Bergman’s comic timing was pitch-perfect in this film that most of its hilarity came from her character alone, even outshining her co-star Walter Matthau, who was a distinguished veteran in the said genre. Goldie Hawn made a fantastic film debut as the poppy-eyed Toni, whose timing was as perfect as Bergman’s. Cactus Flower is a downright hilarious movie, owing it all to the performances of the two leads.
HIGHLIGHT: Ingrid Bergman showing her moves in a nightclub.
DOWNSIDE: Bergman and Hawn stole most of the film’s comedic moments, leaving none for Walter Matthau, who, in the end of the film, seemed dispensable.
RATING: 8 out of 10 for entertainment value and topnotch performances
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