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.

• Jack GoldDirector
• Carl DavisOriginal Music Composer
• Peter NicholsScreenplay

• Lynn RedgraveNurse Sweet / Nurse Betty Martin
• Colin BlakelyEdward Loach
• Eleanor BronMr. Carr / Senior Surgeon Boyd
• Donald SindenMr. Carr / Senior Surgeon Boyd
• Jim DaleBarnet / Dr. Neil Boyd
• Bob HoskinsFoster
• David HutchesonMackie
• Mervyn JohnsRees
• Bert PalmerFlegg
• Clive SwiftAsh
• Gillian BargeDr. Bird
• George BrowneThe Chaplain