A GREAT deal of scrupulous cultivation and orderly shaping of the plot have been done to make a film of "The Chalk Garden," Enid Bagnold's eccentric British play that was given a brilliant production on Broadway in 1955.... There are moments, however, when the sharpness of Miss Bagnold's oblique slant on life cuts through, usually in glints of hidden mischief or in lines of slashing paradox and wit. When these come, the film sparkles briefly beyond the brightness of its Technicolored hues — and beyond the tasteful elegance of its setting and the cheering glimmer of its sweet tribute to love.

The Chalk Garden makes no bones about its legit background. Enid Bagnold's drama had a healthy 17 months' run at the Haymarket in 1956 and producer and director have not done much to disguise the original.