Movie

The National Health

★ 7/10 · 12 votes 1973 1h 38m Released

Comedy

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.

Cast

Lynn Redgrave Nurse Sweet / Nurse Betty Colin Blakely Edward Loach Eleanor Bron Mr. Carr / Senior Surgeon Donald Sinden Mr. Carr / Senior Surgeon Jim Dale Barnet / Dr. Neil Boyd Bob Hoskins Foster