First I need to express my gratitude for your time and replies (notably @Mike , @CathedralClub, @TommyB, and @Soft Ride !!!). THANK YOU to all who read (and responded!).
And apologise for taking so long to update. Technical difficulties +.....
I live in California, my mother and her LeSabre in BFE (Fallon), Nevada. The door has been inoperable for over two years......and, get this, it was a "Mechanic" in Reno who did all that lovely ripping and tearing on the sheet metal (and still failed to get it open. Un____- ing believable. Good thing I wasn't present when my mom picked up the car......
As for the pictures-sorry, technical difficulties......

So. I got the door OPEN. HURRAY!!!!! (!!!!!!)Explanations of how......well, if anyone needs to know I can give details at a later date.
NOW: the door opens/closes fine AS LONG AS it doesn't get locked. Lock it and I have to go through the window opening with a 'custom-fabricated' tool to finess the lock mechanism so the door will open. It LOOKS like the lock and latch assembly are integrated into one unit. Am I correct? I need to know for certain in order to purchase the correct part(*).
May be a quick description of what'* going on will help: It appears that the (unlocking mechanism)? isn't completely operating the unit that allows the door latch to release the catch on the (B pillar?). This holds true no matter what means is used to 'unlock': the master lock switch, the slide on the inside or the key cylinder on the outside. I can see (while looking down through the window opening w window 'down' the assembly moving some but only when I push it further -manually- (w/'tool') will it allow the door latch to release.

So do I purchase the door latch assembly or the 'lock actuator'? To my eyes the two appear to b integrated into a single assembly......
Thanks again for your help.

NVM. Got new (used) complete assy coming tomorrow. Wish me luck w/install..........

I wish you the best with the installation, Hopefully everything goes well.

Wow, some mechanic. I hope you have an alternative around. If I had to cut something, I'd cut the interior panel first. It is easier to replace.

Part of this effort is to help you diagnose from across the Internet. I suggest you open the opposite door and use it as a reference for the door you are working on.