The National Health

Overview

Peter Nichols brings his acclaimed play to the screen, drawing from his own hospital experiences for inspiration. This sharp black comedy highlights the dismal state of a crowded London hospital, juxtaposed with a melodramatic soap opera playing on the TVs within its walls. The clever casting sees the same actors perform both in the "real" narrative and the televised drama, further melding the two worlds. Directed by Jack Gould, the film features an impressive lineup of British talent, including Lynn Redgrave, Colin Blakely, and a young Bob Hoskins, with a memorable score by Carl Davis.