about randle mcmurphy

Randle McMurphy is a character from the novel and film adaption One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest and was portrayed by Jack Nicholson. Randle is a man trying to avoid time in jail or a work farm and pretends to have a mental illness. But coming to a mental hospital is more than he bargained for. He brings life and joy to his fellow patients and rebels against Nurse Ratched. But he will soon learn that crossing her was a mistake.

I first read One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest in junior high and it's a great book. The story of a man trying to avoid prison by faking mental illness is the central plot, being told and seen through the eyes of a Native American patient who is faking symptoms of his own. The story is very touching as this solitary man who doesn't belong there brings life and dignity to the patients. And the friendship and loyalty that develops between all of them is what drives the ending to it's tragic but empowering finish!


The film starring Jack Nicholson, Will Sampson, and Lousie Fletcher took a few deviations from the book, as all films do, but kept the heart of the story and was able to please fans and critics. The film was harsh and true but still emotional and heart wrenching. The actors portrayed their characters with passion and the result was a critically acclaimed award winning film masterpiece!