David and Lisa 1962

     This film is based on a book written by Theodore Isaac Rubin.  David Clemens’ mother brings him for treatment at a school for teens with mental problems.  David can’t stand to be touched by anyone because he thinks he will die if he is touched.  He works with Dr. Alan Swinford to discover why David believes he will die.  Another patient, Lisa Brandt is also being treated by Dr. Swinford.  Lisa talks only in rhymes and she gets very upset if she can’t rhyme.  David and Lisa become friends and it helps both of them relate better with other people.  David has a psychosis and Lisa has dissociative identity disorder.

     David’s parents are in denial and they think there isn’t anything wrong with him.  They remove him from treatment and take him home but it becomes obvious that he isn’t any better.  He goes back for treatment on his own because he knows he can get better seeing Dr. Swinford.  He also knows that Lisa can help him and he can also help her.  I thought this was interesting and David can seem perfectly normal many times.  There are times when other people and some visitors treat the patients horribly with taunts and teasing.  How is this going help anyone?  The patients can benefit from getting out in the world under supervision and the right circumstances.  3 ½* (I liked this movie) 

           

95 min, Drama directed by Frank Perry with Keir Dullea, Janet Margolin, Howard DaSilva, Neva Patterson, Clifton James, Richard McMurray, Nancy Nutter, Mathew Anden, Jaime Sanchez, Coni Hudak, Karen Lynn Gorney, Janet Lee Parker,

Note:  Imdb 7.3 out of 10, 80% critic 80% audience on Rotten Tomatoes, Amazon 4.5* out of 5* with 70 reviews, Leterboxd 3.5* out of 5*, TCM average user rating 3.5* out of 5*.

Special Note:  Filmed in Wynnewood and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  Indoor scenes were filmed in a building that has now been converted to a St. Sahag & St. Mesrob Armenian Apostolic Church in Wynnewood.  Eleanor Perry, the wife of Director Frank Perry, wrote the screenplay.  They were married in 1958 and they worked together until their divorce in 1971.  Box Office Magazine reported that this move was such a success that private investors received $3,760 for every $312.50 they invested.  The budget was modest at $200,000 and received numerous critical accolades and was also a commercial hit.  Perry acquired a reputation after this first film as an economical filmmaker.  He preferred to wrap up a scene in one take if possible.  His motto was, “Cut, print, edit, distribute”. 

Awards:  Nominee 1963 Best Director Frank Perry, Nominee Best Writing Eleanor Perry, Winner Golden Globe Most Promising Newcomer Male, Keir Dullea, Winner Most Promising New comer Female Janet Margolin, Nominee 1964 BAFTA Best Film fro any Source, Best Foreign Actor Howard Da Silva, Most Promising Keir Dullea and Janet Margolin, Laurel Awards 1963 winner Sleeper of the Year.