In this psychological drama, every significant moment leading to John Healy's slide into alcoholism and his unlikely redemption is shown. As the son of an Irish father growing up in England, he is mercilessly ridiculed by his schoolmates. It's little wonder that he takes to boxing as a means to self-esteem. However, his boxing days are soon over, and when his fragile self-esteem deteriorates, he hangs out with homeless alcoholics and gets imprisoned with them. While in prison, he grows intrigued by the game of chess, and soon he's beating everybody in sight. After he gets out, he begins to be a power in the chess world, but his lower-class origins keep him from enjoying the social success that should come with that. ~ Clarke Fountain, All Movie Guide