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softens; he is changed for the better and soon abandons his plans to cheat Lorna

In the hands of another actor, the scene may not have worked and could have easily become quite far-fetched.  But it works very well and is a scene typical of many of Lisa's performances over the years--warm, honest, and from the heart--a genuine portrayal that reflected her unique skills and talent.  And, within a short time after this performance, she would soon find that her unique talents would be called upon to contribute to a television show that would attempt to explore one of the most gifted--and complex--minds in the history of American literature.

My World

Among the legends of American humor and fiction authors, James Thurber remains as one who has continually piqued the interest of both scholar and everyday man.  No one can question the appeal of his quirky short stories and minimalist drawings.  But, exactly why his special brand of wit works so well remains a complex question. 

Over the years, critics and biographers alike have made numerous attempts to try and define the nature of Thurber's appeal and, even more puzzling, what made him "tick."  In 1969, however, a television show premiered that attempted to explore just that.  And it would be a new adventure in terms of television--one that would require talented individuals in order to succeed.

My World and Welcome to It premiered in the fall of 1969 on NBC.  Created by Mel Shavelson and produced by Sheldon Leonard, the show starred veteran actor William Windom as a James Thurber-like cartoonist named John Monroe.  The show also starred Joan Hotchkis as Windom's wife, Ellen, with Lisa completing

the cast as daughter Lydia.  Monroe's mundane life led him to regular flights-of-fancy best exemplified by such episodes as "Nobody Ever Kills Dragons Anymore" featuring Monroe battling the forces of evil on a trans-European express.

The show was far-removed from the typical comedy fare of the day.  Animated sequences depicting Monroe's daydreams were intermixed with live action (animation mixed with live action had rarely been seen in motion pictures, much less on television).  Due to the show's formula, actors were required to work with imaginary characters that did not make their appearance until an episode was finished.  The show was a big step away from mainstream comedy and pushed the envelope of entertainment technology (the show's theme song even used an electronic music synthesizer--very cutting-edged technology in 1969!).

The show was a hit with critics and praises
went to everyone involved in the show.  But,
unfortunately, My World only lasted one