Keir Dullea plays David, a new resident at a psychiatric treatment center, who becomes agitated when he is touched; Janet Margolin is Lisa, a schizophrenic who alternately speaks in rhymes or not at all. Director Frank Perry's drama about mental illness and the loving friendship that develops between these two disturbed young people was a surprise hit in 1962; independently-produced and distributed, the profits allowed Perry and his screenwriter wife, Eleanor Perry, to continue making acclaimed films together until the start of the new decade. It's not a very courageous film, it isn't hard-hitting and it doesn't break new ground, but as a dramatic acting showcase it delivers. Dullea is wonderful; he and Perry do not let the hysterics inherent in the role of David to dominate Dullea's performance (he carries the movie). As David's psychiatrist, Howard Da Silva is also strong, turning what might otherwise be a thankless role--the proverbial doctor-friend--into something much more: he's wise and caring, but isn't showy about it. The film is an entertainment the way TV dramas on "Playhouse 90" were entertainments. It shows us sick behavior and makes its points about society's attitude to that behavior, but there's no current of life underneath the film. "David and Lisa" isn't grossly melodramatic, which is a plus, yet Perry is too controlled within this environment. The picture is in black-and-white, and yet you can sense a rosy hue around it. **1/2 from ****