. FHD

21-year-old Toni Simmons attempts to commit suicide by inhaling gas from a second-hand stove. Her neighbor, Igor Sullivan, smells the gas and rescues her by using mouth to mouth resuscitation, which evolves into a kiss after Toni regains consciousness. Toni’s suicide attempt came after being stood up by her lover, dentist Dr. Julian Winston. Julian had told Toni from the beginning of their relationship that he had a wife and three children. Unknown to Toni, Julian is not married; and Toni hates lying above all other transgressions. Upon learning of Toni’s suicide attempt, Julian decides to marry Toni, but he needs a wife to divorce in order to sustain his earlier lie. Julian asks Stephanie Dickinson, his longtime nurse, to pose as his wife. At first unwilling, she ultimately relents, since she has long had a crush on her employer. Toni senses Miss Dickinson’s feelings for Julian and asks Julian to help Miss Dickinson find another man. Ultimately, Julian’s friend Harvey, his patient Señor Arturo Sánchez, and Igor all become embroiled in Julian’s scheme. Toni suspects Julian’s untrustworthiness and leaves him for Igor. Julian finally falls in love with Miss Dickinson. The prickly cactus Miss Dickinson keeps on her desk in the office gives the film its name. Ultimately, both the cactus and Miss Dickinson “bloom“. Directed by Gene Saks Produced by M. J. Frankovich Written by I. A. L. Diamond Based on Cactus Flower by Abe Burrows Starring Walter Matthau Ingrid Bergman Goldie Hawn Music by Quincy Jones Cinematography Charles Lang Edited by Maury Winetrobe