Is The National Health Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1973)

📖 The Core Premise

With the release of The National Health (1973), audiences are invited back into the world of Comedy. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "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."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. While not a career-best, Lynn Redgrave's presence adds a necessary stability to the proceedings. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Comedy. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is The National Health worth your time? If you appreciate Comedy films that take risks, this is likely a must-watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, The National Health is a mixed bag with some redeeming qualities. With a runtime of 98 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Watch on OTT.