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Poster for The Hospital

The Hospital

Seen it?

1971 | 103 min | Comedy, Drama, Mystery

Friday Night Flickearly rating

Why it’s a Friday Night Flick

Critics loved it (100% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it won an Oscar. Make plans for this one.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for anyone who likes to be kept guessing and anyone who wants a laugh. If you loved Crimes and Misdemeanors or The Long Goodbye, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Funny with heart, tense.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 43 min.
What might put you off
  • Rated PG-13. Probably too much for younger kids.
  • Made in 1971: an older pace and style.
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

Dr. Bock, the chief of medicine at a Manhattan hospital, is suicidal after the collapse of his personal life. When an intern is found dead in a hospital bed, it appears to Bock to be a case of unforgivable malpractice. Hours later, another doctor, who happens to be responsible for another case of malpractice, is found dead. Despondent, Bock finds himself drawn to Barbara, the daughter of a comatose missionary.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsVery strong

    100% on Rotten Tomatoes

  • AudiencesSolid

    6.7 out of 10

  • AwardsStrong

    Won 1 Oscar: Best Writing, Original Screenplay. Won 1 Berlin award: Silver Bear Grand Jury Prize. Also nominated for 1 more Oscar.

  • Reach & staying powerBelow par

    Streaming release that reached a small audience so far; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactSolid

    About 55K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Arthur Hiller

  • George C. ScottDr. Herbert Bock
  • Diana RiggBarbara Drummond
  • Barnard HughesDrummond
  • Richard DysartDr. Welbeck
  • Stephen ElliottDr. Sundstrom
  • Donald HarronMilton Mead
  • Andrew DuncanWilliam Mead
  • Nancy MarchandMrs. Christie
  • Jordan CharneyHitchcock
  • Roberts BlossomGuernsey