Synopsis
The peculiar antics of Laurel, an emotionally troubled young girl, are the focus of The Chalk Garden – a stately household drama set on the cliffs of the English south coast. Edith Evans plays a matriarchal grandmother who, in raising her granddaughter, has neglected her other love – a barren chalk garden. Mayhem ensues as Laurel's behavior frightens away a succession of governesses until an enigmatic one is hired in spite of her mysterious references. She skillfully sets about tending to the girl's reckless emotions and the pitifully failed garden.
Ratings
IMDb7.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes71%
Metacritic61/100
53 audience votes
Key crew
- John Michael HayesWriter
- Malcolm ArnoldOriginal Music Composer
- Enid BagnoldWriter
- Ronald NeameDirector
Cast
- Deborah KerrMiss Madrigal
- Hayley MillsLaurel
- John MillsMaitland
- Edith EvansMrs. St. Maugham
- Felix AylmerJudge McWhirrey
- Elizabeth SellarsOlivia
- Lally BowersAnna
- Toke TownleyShop Clerk
- Tonie MacMillanMrs. Williams
Stills
Themes
adolescencejudgegrandparent grandchild relationshipfamily relationshipsproblem childgovernessgardeninghaunted by the pastdoverestranged motherabsent motherdramatic