The National Health (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.
Director:
Jack Gold
Writer:
Peter Nichols
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Lynn Redgrave as Nurse Sweet / Nurse Betty Martin |
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Colin Blakely as Edward Loach |
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Eleanor Bron as Mr. Carr / Senior Surgeon Boyd |
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Donald Sinden as Mr. Carr / Senior Surgeon Boyd |
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Jim Dale as Barnet / Dr. Neil Boyd |
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Bob Hoskins as Foster |
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David Hutcheson as Mackie |
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Mervyn Johns as Rees |
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Bert Palmer as Flegg |
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Clive Swift as Ash |
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Gillian Barge as Dr. Bird |
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George Browne as The Chaplain |
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Patience Collier as The Lady Visitor |
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Jumoke Debayo as Nurse Lake |
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Robert Gillespie as Tyler |
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John Hamill as Kenny |
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Maureen Pryor as The Matron |
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Sheila Scott-Wilkenson as Nurse Powell / Cleo Norton |
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Neville Aurelius as Leyland / Monk |
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Don Hawkins as Les |
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James Hazeldine as Student Doctor |
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Richie Stewart as Mortuary Attendant |
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Graham Weston as Michael |
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Dandy Nichols as Hospital radio announcer (uncredited) |
| Directing | Jack Gold | Director |
| Sound | Carl Davis | Original Music Composer |
| Camera | John Coquillon | Director of Photography |
| Writing | Peter Nichols | Screenplay |
| Writing | Peter Nichols | Theatre Play |
| Production | Terry Glinwood | Producer |
| Production | Ned Sherrin | Producer |
