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.
Directed by Jack Gold · Written by Peter Nichols
Where to Watch
Rent or Buy
Cast
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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 - Gillian Barge Dr. Bird
- George Browne The Chaplain
Make it a double feature
3h 29m together
The National Health
The Reckoning
Both from Jack Gold.
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Omnibus · 1967
Escape from Sobibor · 1987
Screen Two · 1985
Goodnight, Mister Tom · 1998
ITV Saturday Night Theatre · 1969
Centre Play · 1973
The Brief · 2004






