thegulls1
Caught this on Turner Broadcast. Had no idea how it might end. Goldie was very funny and likable. Matthau was solid as a dentist whose loose views on honesty and marital commitments catches up with him, leading to thornier problems. He has misled his pretty & (much) younger girlfriend (Hawn) into believing that Ingrid Bergman is his office receptionist AND his wife. When he finally decides to pop the question to Hawn, she begins to insist he care for the needs of his (fake) wife..Watch for a classic 30-second double-take by Matthau when it dawns on him that the expensive mink stole he bought for Goldie has ended up with the wrong recipient.Great stuff all around. Frank, but presented cleanly enough that the whole family could watch.
Gypsi Bates
Womanizing Dr. Julian Winston (Walter Matthau) has told his new girlfriend, Toni (Goldie Hawn) that he is married, to prevent the relationship from getting serious. He decides he does want to marry Toni, and tells her that he will get a divorce, but she insists on meeting his wife first. He persuades his longtime nurse Stephanie (Ingrid Bergman) to pretend to be his wife. Stephanie and Toni meet, but things don't turn out just the way Julian had expected.This romantic comedy is pure fun, with great lines and perfect delivery from the two veteran actors. Goldie Hawn's Oscar winning debut performance is a true delight. The sets and costumes looked wonderful, and the supporting cast of Jack Weston, Rick Lenz, Vito Scotti, and Irene Hervey added greatly to the overall experience. This is a film well worth watching.
JohnHowardReid
When I saw the name, Gene Saks, listed as director on the poster outside the cinema, I almost turned tail and ran. As a director, Mr. Saks is not noted for his glossy visual style. In fact, he is hopelessly dull. If you don't believe me, just try to watch this movie. Fortunately, it has a hard-working cast. Ingrid Bergman has to bear the weight of Mr. Saks's deadly dull direction. She puts up a game battle and spends most of her scenes force-feeding funny lines to the likes of Walter Matthau, Jack Weston and Goldie Hawn. This does get rather tiresome, particularly as Miss Bergman is none too flatteringly photographed by Charles Lang, of all people! Lang is usually a really masterful cameraman (156 credits, including 3 wins and 17 nominations) but he was probably bored stiff by Saks's lifeless direction and his insistence on insipid camera angles. I'm not familiar with the original play, so I can't judge how well I.A.L. Diamond has jazzed it up, but I certainly expected something more in the way of wit from Billy Wilder's frequent collaborator. To sum this movie up: Dull, dull, dull!
Kirpianuscus
it is great. for the flavor of a period who remains fresh against passing decades. for the humor . for the clothes and music and atmosphere. for Ingrid Bergman and Goldie Hawn in a brilliant dispute. for the courage to use not comfortable themes for its time. and for the special sensuality who escapes from expectations . or definition. it is one of the most exciting films for the smart manner to use a play not only for a good adaptation but for the exposure of the spirit of time. it is not real easy to discover the source of its charm. because the dialogues, the metamorphose of loyal miss Dickinson, Walter Mathau as shadow between his women, Goldie Hawn in a role who remains fascinating against the presence of the same model in many other films are pillars for a lovely, smart, almost spiced comedy who must see. again and again.
