The Chalk Garden
Seen it?1964 | 105 min | Drama, Mystery
Weeknight Watchearly ratingWhy it’s a Weeknight Watch
With a box office flop and little lasting buzz, it's a mixed bag. Fine if it's on; don't plan your night around it.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for anyone who likes to be kept guessing.
- The mood
- Tense.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 45 min.
- What might put you off
- Made in 1964: an older pace and style.
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 earned its rating
- CriticsSolid
71% on Rotten Tomatoes, 61 on Metacritic
- AudiencesNot counted
Not measured yet: not enough ratings
- AwardsSolid
Nominated for 1 Oscar, 1 Golden Globe and 3 BAFTAs.
- Box office & staying powerWeak
$3 million worldwide
- Buzz & cultural impactBelow par
About 15K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
More like this
Flowers in the Attic Weeknight WatchAnother drama, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
The Secret Garden
Saturday SpecialAnother drama, and a Saturday Special.
The Deep End of the Ocean Weeknight WatchAnother drama, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
Mr. Holmes
Sunday Safe BetAnother drama, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
Nancy Drew and the Hidden Staircase Weeknight WatchAnother mystery, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
Want more like this, picked just for you? Get my picks
Cast & crew
Directed by Ronald Neame
- Deborah KerrMiss Madrigal
- Hayley MillsLaurel
- John MillsMaitland
- Edith EvansMrs. St. Maugham
- Felix AylmerJudge McWhirrey
- Elizabeth SellarsOlivia
- Lally BowersAnna
- Toke TownleyShop Clerk
- Tonie MacMillanMrs. Williams