Lisa, Bright and Dark (1973)

Sadly Over-hyped

If the ambition is to provide two hours of instantly forgettable, popcorn-munching escapism, it succeeds.

It's entirely possible that sending the audience out feeling lousy was intentional

It is a whirlwind of delight --- attractive actors, stunning couture, spectacular sets and outrageous parties.

I just had to order a copy of the out-of-print DVD because of the young Kay Lenz. She had done such a great job in the film Breezy. I was a little apprehensive, wondering if she was up for this very challenging role----especially for a young person.I needn't have worried. She really did an excellent job at showing the ups-and-downs of this mental illness. It has been suggested that the parent's portrayals were, perhaps, too unrealistic. However, I clearly remember those years (the early 1970s) when the very idea of someone needing psychiatric/psychological help was incredibly shame-filled. Some of my favorite moments were when Kay Lenz pleads with her parents, practically begging them to get her psychiatric help. Really really moving.Jamie Smith-Jackson and Debralee Scott: I just these love two actresses, and they did a really wonderful job as 2 of Lisa's best friends.Okay, I admit: I could do without the Rod McKuen songs. But that's really the only weak spot in this film.I am SO glad that I have a copy of this film. I'm going to enjoy watching it again and again. THANK YOU, KAY LENZ!

As a person with Bi-Polar ( it never goes away, just regulates and deregulates), I have experienced every symptom portrayed in this movie. And like this movie I also had a denying and uneducated mother toward mental health issues, who was overly concerned with her reputation in the community...well that spelled frustration to the max for myself at the age of 15 in 1980. This would have been the perfect movie for us to watch together! Sometimes critics are unaware that a film with a strong central theme can carry itself just fine despite what would otherwise be shortcomings. That said, I thoroughly enjoyed every quirk:) Kay Lenz has always been a favorite of mine as well. The perfect made for TV production IMHO. Hallmark presentations were always tops.

I've been collecting & trading 70's "Made For TV" movies for years and this is one title I have been searching for FOREVER but never have come across!! Not only is Kay Lenz excellent in her role but the supporting cast is great too! First read the book in school back when we ordered through "The Scholastic Book Club"...and the movie is a very good adaptation. Two other books that became part of my "70's TV Movies" collection, (that I was lucky enough to finally find), were Ann Heads "Mr. & Mrs. Bo Jo Jones" (1971) & Blossom Elfman's "The Girls Of Huntington House" (1973) which were both adapted into movies well and I very much recommend both the book & movie of these titles!

This is one of those Hallmark Hall of Fame specials that helped to cement their reputation for being well-made, well-acted quality production. Kay Lenz is outstanding as Lisa, and the supporting cast is also excellent. This is one that still holds up today, even though it was made many years ago. When this was made, mental illness wasn't a popular subject for serious treatment by television, but this sensitive,thoughtful movie helped to be a pioneer for all of the television movies dealing with mental illness (like Sybil, The Cracker Factory, and many others)that would come afterwards. The Seventies was a coming of age time for television drama. Lisa, Bright and Dark was a definite pioneer.