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.

• Ross Hunter Productions
• Universal Pictures
• Deborah Kerr
• Hayley Mills
• John Mills
• Edith Evans
• Felix Aylmer
• Elizabeth Sellars
• Lally Bowers
• Toke Townley