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The National Health
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The National Health

1973-03-06 · 98 min · ★ 7.0

Comedy

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.

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Production details

Directors
Jack Gold
Production companies
Virgin Films
Countries
United Kingdom
Status
Released

Top Cast

Lynn RedgraveLynn RedgraveNurse Sweet / Nurse Betty Martin
Colin BlakelyColin BlakelyEdward Loach
Eleanor BronEleanor BronMr. Carr / Senior Surgeon Boyd
Donald SindenDonald SindenMr. Carr / Senior Surgeon Boyd
Jim DaleJim DaleBarnet / Dr. Neil Boyd
Bob HoskinsBob HoskinsFoster
David HutchesonDavid HutchesonMackie
Mervyn JohnsMervyn JohnsRees
Bert PalmerBert PalmerFlegg
Clive SwiftClive SwiftAsh
Gillian BargeDr. Bird
George BrowneThe Chaplain
Patience CollierPatience CollierThe Lady Visitor
Jumoke DebayoNurse Lake
Robert GillespieRobert GillespieTyler
John HamillJohn HamillKenny
Maureen PryorThe Matron
Sheila Scott-WilkensonNurse Powell / Cleo Norton
Neville AureliusLeyland / Monk
Don HawkinsLes

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