One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest: 50th Anniversary

Adapted from Ken Kesey’s novel, the film centres on Randle McMurphy (Jack Nicholson), a convict who simulates mental illness in the hope that a transfer to psychiatric hospital might ensure his early release. But he hasn’t bargained for the rigid regimen of Nurse Ratched (Louise Fletcher), who dislikes his disruptive - though he’d say liberating -  effect on the ward. Inspired casting (Danny DeVito, Brad Dourif and Christopher Lloyd are among the patients) and Forman’s naturalistic direction lend authenticity to the proceedings, so that the film succeeds both as anti-authoritarian parable and as an affecting reminder of the psychiatric practices of the past. 

“Every vice and virtue is explored with humour and compassion in this masterly film.” Sunday Mirror