Home Movies TV Series Search Sign in

The National Health

6.9 98 mins Comedy   1973
Virgin Films  
Director(s): Jack Gold

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.

Casts of The National Health

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)

You might also like