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.
Credits
The National Health Cast
| Name |
Character |
|
Bob Hoskins
He was 30, 71 years old when he died
|
as Foster |
|
Colin Blakely
He was 42, 56 years old when he died
|
as Edward Loach |
|
Jim Dale
He was 37, now 89 years old
|
as Barnet / Dr. Neil Boyd |
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Lynn Redgrave
She was 29, 67 years old when she died
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as Nurse Sweet / Nurse Betty Martin |
|
Patience Collier
She was 62, 76 years old when she died
|
|
|
Eleanor Bron
She was 34, now 86 years old
|
as Mr. Carr / Senior Surgeon Boyd |
|
Donald Sinden
He was 49, 90 years old when he died
|
as Mr. Carr / Senior Surgeon Boyd |
|
James Hazeldine
He was 25, 55 years old when he died
|
|
|
Mervyn Johns
He was 74, 93 years old when he died
|
|
|
Gillian Barge
She was 32, 63 years old when she died
|
|
|
Mervyn Johns
He was 74, 93 years old when he died
|
as Rees |
|
Clive Swift
He was 37, 82 years old when he died
|
|
The National Health Crew
| Name |
Department |
|
John Coquillon as Cinematography. He was 42 (56) years old when He died
|
Crew |
|
Terry Glinwood as Producer. He was 38 (now 90) years old
|
Production |
|
Jack Gold as Director. He was 42 (now 94) years old
|
Directing |
|
Peter Nichols as Theatre Play. He was 45 (92) years old when He died
|
Writing |
|
Peter Nichols as Screenplay. He was 45 (92) years old when He died
|
Writing |
