The National Health

The National Health

98 mins | Comedy | March 6, 1973

Peter Nichols adapted his own hit play to the screen, based on his experiences in hospitals. A riotous black comedy that's as timely today as ever, it contrasts the appalling conditions in a overcrowded London hospital with a soap opera playing on the televisions there. In an ingenious touch, the same actors appear in the "real" story as well as the "TV" one, thus blurring the distinctions even further. Jack Gould directs such outstanding British actors as Lynn Redgrave, Colin Blakely, Eleanor Bron, Jim Dale, Donald Sinden, Mervyn Johns, and, in only his second film, Bob Hoskins. The renowned Carl Davis composed the score.

The National Health

98 mins | Comedy | March 6, 1973

The National Health
Peter Nichols adapted his own hit play to the screen, based on his experiences in hospitals. A riotous black comedy that's as timely today as ever, it contrasts the appalling conditions in a overcrowded London hospital with a soap opera playing on the televisions there. In an ingenious touch, the same actors appear in the "real" story as well as the "TV" one, thus blurring the distinctions even further. Jack Gould directs such outstanding British actors as Lynn Redgrave, Colin Blakely, Eleanor Bron, Jim Dale, Donald Sinden, Mervyn Johns, and, in only his second film, Bob Hoskins. The renowned Carl Davis composed the score.
IMDb rating 5.9
Producers Virgin Films
Original title The National Health
Directors Jack Gold
Writers Peter Nichols

Cast

Lynn Redgrave

as Nurse Sweet / Nurse Betty Martin

Eleanor Bron

as Mr. Carr / Senior Surgeon Boyd

Jim Dale

as Barnet / Dr. Neil Boyd

Donald Sinden

as Mr. Carr / Senior Surgeon Boyd

Mervyn Johns

as Rees /

Bob Hoskins

as Foster

Colin Blakely

as Edward Loach

Sheila Scott-Wilkenson

as Nurse Powell / Cleo Norton