The National Health

Overview

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 Martin

Colin Blakely

Edward Loach

Eleanor Bron

Mr. Carr / Senior Surgeon Boyd

Donald Sinden

Mr. Carr / Senior Surgeon Boyd

Jim Dale

Barnet / Dr. Neil Boyd

Bob Hoskins

Foster

David Hutcheson

Mackie

Mervyn Johns

Rees

Bert Palmer

Flegg

Clive Swift

Ash

N/A

Gillian Barge

Dr. Bird

N/A

George Browne

The Chaplain