The Chalk Garden (1964)

The Worst Film Ever

Pretty good movie overall. First half was nothing special but it got better as it went along.

The storyline feels a little thin and moth-eaten in parts but this sequel is plenty of fun.

what a terribly boring film. I'm sorry but this is absolutely not deserving of best picture and will be forgotten quickly. Entertaining and engaging cinema? No. Nothing performances with flat faces and mistaking silence for subtlety.

The Chalk Garden is directed by Ronald Neame, has a screenplay by John Michael Hayes which is based on the play by Enid Bagnold and stars Deborah Kerr, Hayley Mills, John Mills, Felix Aylmer, Elizabeth Sellers and Edith Evans.Miss Madrigal(Deborah Kerr)is appointed governess to troubled teenager Laurel(Hayley Mills), she is the latest in a long line of governesses the others having been driven away by the girls terrible behaviour.Laurel lives with her grandmother Mrs. St Maugham(Edith Evans)and their loyal butler Maitland(John Mills).Laurel is a deeply troubled girl who lies, makes up terrible stories and snoops on Maitland and Miss Madrigal to try and learn their deepest secrets, she has discovered Maitland's, will she find Miss Madrigal's? More importantly what if what she discovers is something too shocking to contemplate? Laurel is fascinating because you're never sure if there is some truth in the horrible things she claims. Hayley gives what may just be her best performance, she is so good at conveying the complex nature of this troubled young woman.The entire cast are superb but the greatest praise has to go to Hayley as the uncontrollable Laurel, she steals every scene she is in and it's wonderful to see her work again with her father, I wish they had made more films together. Deborah is excellent as the mysterious woman with a secret who may be the only person who can help Laurel. John Mills is very good as Maitland a man broken by a tragic event in his past who tries to protect Madrigal from Laurel's snooping. The film title refers to the grandmothers garden which is filled with chalk instead of soil because her house is on the chalk cliffs near the beach.

Beg, borrow or steal, but get your hands on this outstanding film. The entire cast give what are arguably their best screen performances, which is saying something since we are talking about Edith Evans, Deborah Kerr, Hayley Mills and John Mills. The script is intelligent, witty and penetrating; the directorial hand is sure and unobtrusive; the camera-work and editing of the highest order: really this (where has it been hiding?) film is one-in-a-hundred good. I am amazed to find it available on on a "vault" release, with no extras or commentary. It deserves recognition and an expanded release. That said, the picture and sound are both excellent.

Like other reviewers I have waited for years for "The Chalk Garden" to come out on DVD. I don't know if it is or not, but it should be listed as one of the best movies of the 1960's. It is small movie, meaning not a big blockbuster or big named stars. Oh, I know Deborah Kerr and Haley Mills are well known, but even in 1964 they were not considered "big stars". This movie has drama, suspense, surprises, great characters and is so well acted. John Mills, Haley's father, is so subtle in his role as Maitland. Dame Edith Evans, as the child's over indulgent grandmother is superb. Haley Mills is delightful as the teenager just trying to yell at the world "Look at me, I matter". And Deborah Kerr, who is among my favorite actors, gives as always a subtle, striking performance. She makes me wish I had a governess, and it was her. I am 55 and I saw this film many, many years ago as a kid, and have always loved it. My mom and I used to watch it all time when it showed up on TV. I would periodically check out Netflix to see if was available to rent, also checked out Amazon to buy. Could never get it on either one. (Still can't find it on Netflix). I decided a few weeks ago to try Amazon again, and there it was to my pleasant surprise. Now I can pass on this treasure to my nieces. I just hope they love it as much as I. As I said it is a small movie w/a great message: Children need to be heard and listen to, but also loved and given boundaries. And all people big and small, just want to be valued.

bought this film when VHS tapes were still in circulation. it's just a shame that it has never been released on DVD as more people need to see it. Hayley mills turns in a great performance and it's nice to her fit into more mature and adult rolls since her turn in a string of Disney released films from the early sixties. her father john mills who stars as maitland the butler also does a great performance as does Deborah Kerr who plays the title role of the governess in this psychological drama. the plot tells the story of laurel a rather un-ruly and temperamental child who lives with her grandmother who goes through a record o 3 governesses in a week. laurel soon meets her match when impeccably dressed and well-mannered ms. madrigal shows up on their doorstep enquiring about the position. laurel states that every one has a secret and that she is willing to go through great lengths to find out what it is. from there, she informs her grandmother who prompyly has the governess dismissed. but ms. madrigal is not easily deterred and it is clear that she wants to help the deeply troubled laurel. well paced drama with some excellent performances and i highly recommend seeing it if one can get a copy of it.