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.
Cast
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
Reviews
CinemaSerf
I think this must have worked better on stage, for once it hits the big screen it really only comes across as a slightly more earnest, lightly politically charged, “Carry On” or “Doctor at…”, concept with shades of the “Likely Lads” added for good measure. Hospitals always did provide very fertile t...
