Deborah Blake (Kathleen Quinlan) is admitted to a country institution by her high street parents, unable to cope with the ignominy brought upon them, by her erratic, anti-social behaviour.
Taunted by her inner-demons (to which we're treated inventively from the mind's eye perspective), she's gradually cajoled from her psychosis by the unassuming, yet fiercely determined treating doctor - Bibi Andersson delivering a warm, sympathetic performance and headlining an impressive female cast that includes Signe Hasso, Susan Tyrrell, Diane Varsi, Silvia Sidney, screenwriter /actress Darlene Craviotto and taking a short break from her maternal duties on Martha's Vineyard, Lorraine Gary.
Along the journey, there's a couple of plot diversions, some poignant, others hackneyed and exploitative, but then would New World Pictures ever have distributed this movie without a stereotypical bully nurse scenario? Unlikely.
The Roger Corman production combines cinematic liberties with an at-times reverent translation of the Hannah Green novel, creating a compelling B-movie possessing an unusual dramatic-fantasy film tone. A cynical viewer might postulate that Corman saw a payday following the success of "One Flew Over the Cukoo's Nest", and to a large extent, this remains exploitative cinema. That said, Quinlan's performance clearly defies that brand, her characterisation personifies trauma and whilst often intense, isn't overcooked.
You have to commend New World Pictures for taking the plunge with this release against type, especially when you consider the other titles in their production line and catalogue at the time; 'Rose Garden' is a very different breed to your typical locally made New World Picture. Not perfect by any means and does have a tendency to stigmatise the subject matter, nevertheless an enjoyable film in spite of its flaws.
