The Hospital

The Hospital

Cover of "The Hospital"

"The Hospital" is a 1971 satirical film directed by Arthur Hiller and written by Paddy Chayefsky. The film is a dark comedy that explores the inner workings of a fictional hospital in New York City, highlighting the chaos and dysfunction within the healthcare system. It stars George C. Scott as Dr. Herbert Bock, a disillusioned chief of medicine who is grappling with personal and professional crises.

Plot

The film opens with a series of mysterious deaths occurring at the hospital, which are initially attributed to medical errors. Dr. Herbert Bock, played by George C. Scott, is the chief of medicine at the hospital and is dealing with his own personal issues, including a failing marriage and a sense of professional burnout. As the deaths continue, Dr. Bock becomes increasingly frustrated with the hospital's bureaucracy and the incompetence of his colleagues.

Amidst the chaos, Dr. Bock meets Barbara Drummond, played by Diana Rigg, the daughter of a patient who is in a coma. Barbara is a free-spirited woman who challenges Dr. Bock's cynical outlook on life. As their relationship develops, Dr. Bock begins to regain his sense of purpose and takes action to uncover the truth behind the mysterious deaths.

Themes

"The Hospital" satirizes the healthcare system, focusing on themes such as medical malpractice, bureaucratic inefficiency, and the dehumanization of patients. The film critiques the impersonal nature of modern medicine and the ethical dilemmas faced by healthcare professionals. It also explores the personal struggles of doctors, highlighting the impact of their work on their mental health and personal lives.

Cast

• George C. Scott as Dr. Herbert Bock
• Diana Rigg as Barbara Drummond
• Barnard Hughes as Dr. Welbeck
• Richard Dysart as Dr. Sundstrom
• Frances Sternhagen as Mrs. Cushing

Production

"The Hospital" was produced by Howard Gottfried and Paddy Chayefsky, who also wrote the screenplay. The film was shot on location in New York City, capturing the bustling environment of a large urban hospital. The screenplay, known for its sharp wit and incisive social commentary, won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay in 1972.

Reception

Upon its release, "The Hospital" received critical acclaim for its intelligent script and strong performances, particularly by George C. Scott. The film was praised for its dark humor and its unflinching portrayal of the flaws within the healthcare system. It remains a significant work in the genre of satirical films and is considered a classic of 1970s cinema.

Related pages

• Arthur Hiller
• Paddy Chayefsky
• George C. Scott
• Satire in film
• Healthcare in the United States