The Chalk Garden

A hushed, drawing-room mystery where wounded people circle each other warily, trading barbs and half-truths until something like tenderness breaks through.

Directed by

Ronald Neame

Genres

Drama, Mystery

Starring

Deborah Kerr, Hayley Mills, John Mills

Tagline

A girl on the verge of womanhood... a woman on the edge of loneliness... both suspicious of affection, yet starved for love.

Overview

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.

How it feels

Melancholic, tense, earnest and dark. Measured and needs your attention.

About

Identity, isolation, family, deception

Content

Mild violence, sexual content and language. No gore.

Note

Written by AI, so it can be wrong. Full breakdown

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Watch the trailer on YouTube (opens in a new tab)