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.

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  Lynn Redgrave

  Nurse Sweet / Nurse Betty Martin
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  Colin Blakely

  Edward Loach
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  Eleanor Bron

  Mr. Carr / Senior Surgeon Boyd
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  Donald Sinden

  Mr. Carr / Senior Surgeon Boyd
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  Jim Dale

  Barnet / Dr. Neil Boyd
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  Bob Hoskins

  Foster
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  David Hutcheson

  Mackie
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  Mervyn Johns

  Rees
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  Bert Palmer

  Flegg
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  Clive Swift

  Ash