The Grass Arena (1992)
The Grass Arena is based on the autobiography of John Healy. Raised in an strongly religious family, with an abusive father, John soon learns that he has to defend himself. Growing into adulthood he takes up boxing, but soon falls victim to alcoholism. His boxing career over, John takes to the Grass Arena (the park) where he lives with other alcoholics. Prison time introduces him to a new and unexpected path.
Director:
Gillies MacKinnon
Writer:
Frank Deasy
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Mark Rylance as John Healy |
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Pete Postlethwaite as The Dipper |
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Lynsey Baxter as Madalena |
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Marian McLoughlin as Mrs. Healy |
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Billy Boyle as Mr. Healy |
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Ronan Vibert as Charles Fieldhouse |
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Clive Russell as Mac |
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Julian Firth as Bates |
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Paddy Joyce as Kelly |
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Gerard Horan as The Sham |
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Bunny May as Fox |
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Brian Hall as George |
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Nicholas Palliser as Chess Opponent |
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Noreen Kershaw as Woman in Cafe |
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Harry Landis as Kaufman |
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Andrew Dicks as Young John Healy |
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Nick Dawney as Young Terry Healy |
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Louis Mellis as Jock |
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Anna Keaveney as Liverpool Lil |
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John O'Toole as Williams |
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Lyndam Gregory as Fowler |
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Rosalind Bennett as Kate |
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Amanda Mealing as Teresa |
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Natalie Slater as Miss Golon |
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Tam Dean Burn as Andy |
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David Foxxe as Pete |
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Roger Frost as Ken |
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Dee Orr as Margaret |
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Steven Hammett as Ron |
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Philip Fox as Radiographer |
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Stephan Hartford as Priest |
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Mark Anthony Newman as Boswell |
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Vincent Keane as Boxing Opponent |
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Tom Lucy as Sparring Partner |
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Tim Barlow as Old Man |
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Ultan Ely-O'Carroll as Dublin Tommy |
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Betty Romaine as Nun |
| Writing | Frank Deasy | Screenplay |
| Directing | Gillies MacKinnon | Director |
| Writing | John Healy | Book |
| Editing | Michael Parker | Editor |
