
The Chalk Garden
1964 · Movie · 105 min · ★ 7.2
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.
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Details
- Years
- 1964
- Release date
- 1964-04-02
- Language
- English
- Runtime
- 105 min
- TMDB rating
- 7.2/10 (53 votes)
Themes
- adolescence
- judge
- grandparent grandchild relationship
- family relationships
- problem child
- governess
- gardening
- haunted by the past
- dover
- estranged mother
- absent mother
- dramatic
Awards & recognition
- National Board of Review: Top Ten Films
- Academy Award — Best Supporting Actress · 1965 · nominated
Cast & crew

Deborah Kerr
as Miss Madrigal

Hayley Mills
as Laurel

John Mills
as Maitland

Edith Evans
as Mrs. St. Maugham

Felix Aylmer
as Judge McWhirrey

Elizabeth Sellars
as Olivia
- LB
Lally Bowers
as Anna

Toke Townley
as Shop Clerk
- TM
Tonie MacMillan
as Mrs. Williams
Directed by Ronald Neame