The National Health
06/03/1973
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.
Movie Information
Lynn Redgrave
as Nurse Sweet / Nurse Betty Martin
Colin Blakely
as Edward Loach
Eleanor Bron
as Mr. Carr / Senior Surgeon Boyd
Donald Sinden
as Mr. Carr / Senior Surgeon Boyd
Jim Dale
as Barnet / Dr. Neil Boyd
Bob Hoskins
as Foster
David Hutcheson
as Mackie
Mervyn Johns
as Rees
Bert Palmer
as Flegg
Clive Swift
as Ash
Gillian Barge
as Dr. Bird
George Browne
as The Chaplain
Patience Collier
as The Lady Visitor
Jumoke Debayo
as Nurse Lake
Robert Gillespie
as Tyler
John Hamill
as Kenny
Maureen Pryor
as The Matron
Sheila Scott-Wilkenson
as Nurse Powell / Cleo Norton
Neville Aurelius
as Leyland / Monk
Don Hawkins
as Les
James Hazeldine
as Student Doctor
Richie Stewart
as Mortuary Attendant
Graham Weston
as Michael
Dandy Nichols
as Hospital radio announcer (uncredited)
