SHOP AMPUTEE, THE
IMDb >
The Amputee (1974)
Quicklinks
Top Links
trailers and videosfull cast and crewtriviaofficial sitesmemorable quotesOverview
main detailscombined detailsfull cast and crewcompany creditstv scheduleAwards & Reviews
user commentsexternal reviewsnewsgroup reviewsawardsuser ratingsparents guiderecommendationsmessage boardPlot & Quotes
plot summaryplot synopsisplot keywordsAmazon.com summarymemorable quotesFun Stuff
triviagoofssoundtrack listingcrazy creditsalternate versionsmovie connectionsFAQOther Info
merchandising linksbox office/businessrelease datesfilming locationstechnical specslaserdisc detailsDVD detailsliterature listingsNewsDeskPromotional
taglinestrailers and videospostersphoto galleryExternal Links
showtimesofficial sitesmiscellaneousphotographssound clipsvideo clipsThe Amputee (1974)
Overview
Plot:
In this plotless 5 minute short, Catherine Coulson plays a legless double-amputee who, throughout the film... more | add synopsisUser Comments:
An experiment, rather than an experimental film moreCast
(Credited cast)| Catherine E. Coulson | ... | Woman with amputation to the legs | |
| David Lynch | ... | Unable and scared nurse |
Additional Details
Parents Guide:
Add content advisory for parentsRuntime:
5 min | 9 min (original version)Country:
USALanguage:
EnglishColor:
Black and WhiteMOVIEmeter: 
Fun Stuff
FAQ
This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.more
Message Boards
Discuss this title with other users on IMDb message board for The Amputee (1974)Recommendations
If you enjoyed this title, our database also recommends:
Show more recommendations
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
| Batoru rowaiaru | Inland Empire | The Funhouse | Wild at Heart | Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me |
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
Related Links
| Full cast and crew | External reviews | IMDb Short section |
| IMDb USA section | Add this title to MyMovies |







While at the American Film Institute, David Lynch tested two different types of videotape stock by shooting this strange little piece, featuring Catherine Coulson as an amputee writing a letter, & Lynch as a nurse attending her. Coulson's voiceover details various domestic issues, & she remains oblivious to the fact that she might be bleeding to death while the nurse rushes around frantically, eventually, it seems, abandoning her.
It has been suggested that Lynch deliberately shot both versions badly, so that the Institute wouldn't start replacing film with videotape.
Regardless of whether or not this is true, The Amputee is better viewed as an example of Lynch's warped sense of humour than his skill as a filmmaker, & of what sort of ideas he might come up with for something as simple as a stock test.