A man is sent to a mental asylum in Oregon and challenges a nurse for the souls of the inmates.

Rating: 10/10 (1 January 2005)

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest is one of the best films of the 1970s. It is based on Ken Kesey's novel of the same title. The title comes from the children's nursery rhyme that goes, "One flew east. One flew west. One flew over the cuckoo's nest. It later became a hit stage play starring Oscar nominee Kirk Douglas. Kirk's son, Michael, later bought the film rights and felt that his father was too old to play the part of Randall Patrick McMurphy. James Caan turned down the lead role. Jack Nicholson also turned it down and then changed his mind. The film became a box office hit and won five Academy Awards. Jack Nicholson, Louise Fletcher, Bo Goldman, Milos Forman, and Michael Douglas were awarded Oscars for their excellent work. Brad Dourif was nominated for best supporting actor, but lost to George Burns.