Movie·1964·1h 45m

The Chalk Garden

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

Directed By

Ronald Neame

Country

United Kingdom

Language

English

✦CineAI Pitch

Why watch this?

Tap below for a spoiler-free 3-bullet take.

// overview

The Story

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.

Written By

Enid Bagnold, John Michael Hayes

Producer

Ross Hunter

Cinematography

Arthur Ibbetson

Music

Malcolm Arnold

Editor

Jack Harris

Themes

adolescencejudgegrandparent grandchild relationshipfamily relationshipsproblem childgovernessgardeninghaunted by the pastdoverestranged motherabsent motherdramatic

Production House

Ross Hunter Productions