The Diane Linkletter Story 1970
"The girl . . . the tragedy . . . the gap"
Cult filmmaker John Waters delivers a darkly satirical short in *The Diane Linkletter Story* (1970), a raw and improvised comedy-drama rooted in real-life tragedy.
Director: John Waters
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Diane Linkletter Story (1970) about?
This 10-minute improvised film by John Waters reimagines the real-life 1969 suicide of TV personality Art Linkletter's daughter, Diane. The story follows her increasingly erratic behavior, her parents' growing alarm over her drug use and troubled relationship, and the tragic confrontation that leads to a devastating conclusion.
Who directed The Diane Linkletter Story?
John Waters, the legendary cult filmmaker known for his boundary-pushing works like *Pink Flamingos* and *Female Trouble*, directed this controversial short.
Who stars in The Diane Linkletter Story?
The film features Divine, Mary Vivian Pearce, and David Lochary in its cast, delivering performances that amplify the film's darkly comedic and unsettling tone.
Is The Diane Linkletter Story (1970) worth watching?
While extremely short and unrated, the film is a fascinating entry in John Waters' filmography and a bold take on a tragic true story. It's best suited for fans of early Waters' shock-value cinema or those interested in countercultural filmmaking from the late 1960s.
How long is The Diane Linkletter Story?
The Diane Linkletter Story is a 10-minute short film.
About The Diane Linkletter Story (1970) — John Waters' Shocking Satire on a Dark True Story
Cult filmmaker John Waters delivers a darkly satirical short in *The Diane Linkletter Story* (1970), a raw and improvised comedy-drama rooted in real-life tragedy. The film explores the 1969 suicide of Diane Linkletter, the daughter of TV personality Art Linkletter, through a surreal lens that blends absurd humor with grim social commentary. As Mr. and Mrs. Linkletter grow increasingly alarmed by their daughter's erratic behavior—her drug use and troubled romance with a troubled man—their mounting concern spirals into an unforeseen catastrophe. Waters frames this tragic episode with his signature subversive wit, using exaggerated performances and shocking dialogue to critique societal hypocrisies around mental health, family expectations, and the media's role in shaping public perception.
Starring Divine, Mary Vivian Pearce, and David Lochary, this 10-minute short is a provocative artifact of early Waters-era shock cinema. It captures the unrest of the late 1960s, where counterculture clashes with traditional values, all wrapped in a tone that oscillates between grotesque humor and unsettling realism. More than a historical curiosity, *The Diane Linkletter Story* remains a bold exploration of how tragedy can be twisted into spectacle, all framed through the lens of a filmmaker who thrives on the edge of controversy.