The peculiar antics of Laurel (Hayley Mills), 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 behaviour frightens away a succession of governesses until the enigmatic Miss Madrigal (Deborah Kerr) is hired - in spite of her mysterious references. Madrigal sets about tending to the girl`s reckless emotions and the pitifully failed garden, whilst Maitland (John Mills) plays the compassionate butler working overtime to maintain order in this unpredictable environment.