The National Health
98 mins
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.
Gillian Barge
Dr. Bird
George Browne
The Chaplain
Jumoke Debayo
Nurse Lake
Maureen Pryor
The Matron
Sheila Scott-Wilkenson
Nurse Powell / Cleo Norton
Neville Aurelius
Leyland / Monk
Don Hawkins
Les
Richie Stewart
Mortuary Attendant
Graham Weston
Michael
John Coquillon
Director of Photography
Peter Nichols
Screenplay
Peter Nichols
Theatre Play
Terry Glinwood
Producer
Ned Sherrin
Producer