David and Lisa (1962)

80% of critics liked it
(10 reviews)
80% of users liked it
(957 ratings)

This stark and spare look at the world of the mentally disturbed was one of the beacons of the new American independent film movement. Keir Dullea and Janet Margolin star as two adolescents who make contact with each other in a home for disturbed youngsters. Dullea is David Clemens, who is placed in… More This stark and spare look at the world of the mentally disturbed was one of the beacons of the new American independent film movement. Keir Dullea and Janet Margolin star as two adolescents who make contact with each other in a home for disturbed youngsters. Dullea is David Clemens, who is placed in the home by his mother because of his constant fear of being touched. Margolin is Lisa, a 15-year-old schizophrenic who speaks only in rhyme, when she speaks at all. David rejects the help of psychiatrist Alan Swinford (Howard Da Silva) but makes an emotional connection with Lisa. Because of his contact with Lisa, David eventually opens up to Swinford and his mother. But his mother is dissatisfied with his progress and takes him back home. Home life, however, consists of his mother's domineering ways and parental quarrels, so David runs away and returns to the home for disturbed youngsters. But then an argument with Lisa leads to a climactic confrontation. ~ Paul Brenner, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 34 min.
Directed By: Frank Perry
Written By: Eleanor Perry
Genres: Drama, Romance, Classics

In Theaters: Jan 1, 1962 Limited
On DVD: Jun 29, 1999

Critic Reviews

, TIME Magazine
Deeply touching.
Bosley Crowther, New York Times
[Frank Perry] has done a simple, commendable, sympathetic semi-documentary.
Jonathan Rosenbaum, Chicago Reader
Probably not everything it was cracked up to be in 1963.
, TV Guide's Movie Guide
The understated charm of David and Lisa is what set the movie apart from so many other attempts at depicting the problems of the mentally ill.
Sean Axmaker, MSN.com
... strong performances and sensitive direction create a moving drama...
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
Frank Perry's soft, romanticized look at two misfits in an asylumn, played by the attractive Keir Dullea and Janet Margolin, this early indie film became a campus favorite in the 1960s and led the way to the rise of independent cinema in the 1970s.
Lori Hoffman, Atlantic City Weekly
Margolin and Dullea are two underrated actors who are brilliant in this 'love at the mental home' movie
Christopher Null, Filmcritic.com
It's not a bad time, but it's talky and more than a little pedantic. And Dullea looks like the oldest teen on earth.