The National Health
1973, English. Directed by Jack Gold.
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.
- Runtime
- 1h 38m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- English
- Rated
- Check local
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Where to watch The National Health
The National Health isn’t on a subscription OTT platform in India, but you can rent it online.
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Amazon VideoAvailability in India as of 13 November 2026. Streaming data by JustWatch.
Cast & crew
- Jack GoldDirector
- 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
Details
- Released
- 6 March 1973
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Written by
- Peter Nichols
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News & fan talk
What The National Health is based on
The National Health is adapted from a play or musical.
Source details from Wikidata and TMDB.
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The National Health: quick answers
Is The National Health worth watching?
The National Health doesn’t have enough ratings for a verdict yet.
How long is The National Health?
The National Health runs 98 minutes (1h 38m).
Does The National Health have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for The National Health. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
The National Health parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
No age rating is listed for The National Health yet.
Which OTT platform is The National Health on?
The National Health isn’t on a subscription OTT platform in India, but you can rent it online. (Checked 13 November 2026.)
What movies are like The National Health?
If you liked The National Health, try Britannia Hospital, The Impostors, Animal Crackers.
Who directed The National Health?
The National Health (1973) was directed by Jack Gold and stars Lynn Redgrave, Colin Blakely, Eleanor Bron.
What is The National Health based on?
The National Health is adapted from a play or musical.