The Grass Arena is an autobiography that was made into a British film released in 1991. It is based on the true story of John Healy. The book had been out of print for a number of years, but was re-issued on 31 July 2008. Storyline Raised in a religious family with an abusive father, young Johnny soon learns that he has to learn to defend himself. He takes up boxing, but soon falls victim to alcoholism. His boxing career over, John takes to the "Grass Arena", parks where he lives with other alcoholics. His life descends into an horrific journey of homeless alcoholism and the associated lifestyle of crime and jail and danger. Amongst other events, he describes being given the drug Antabuse in a clinical trial of some kind. In jail a fellow inmate teaches him chess and he demonstrates an extraordinary ability at the game. He is soon beating grandmasters and having his games published in newspapers. Thus he is redeemed by the game. Healy is played by Mark Rylance in the film, which also features Pete Postlethwaite. Releases The BBC film adaptation was released on DVD by Simply Media in 2018. References External links James, Erwin 'Saved by the book' - Interview with John Healy The Guardian, 5 August 2008. TheGrassArena.net A fan website dedicated to the book () British biographical drama films 1991 films 1990s biographical drama films Autobiographies adapted into films Films about chess Films directed by Gillies MacKinnon Biographical films about sportspeople Cultural depictions of Irish men Cultural depictions of chess players 1991 drama films Films based on autobiographies 1990s English-language films 1990s British films