What was in the Bruce Lee/Bob Baker Letters?
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- Опубліковано 21 січ 2024
- In July 2021 some letters between Bruce & Bob Baker were discovered at a Flea Market & then auctioned off at the Heritage Auctions for nearly half a million dollars.
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Those that love Bruce Lee will never stop loving him. He is our family❤
What a joke, Bruce Lee was a pathetic adulterer who cheated on his Linda Lee, Whom by the way was a not what the idiotic fanboys/girls think, Miss sweet christian. 'Oh no she was far from sweet' She should have divorced bruce lee but she was dazzled by his fake charisma and his badboy smug attitude. Typical of so many broads before that time, during that time, and in our time in 2024. Most of my heroes growing were epic in my ignorant younger self growing up, Hulk Hogan,Tupac,Bruce Lee,Martin Luther king jr, All turned out to be pieces of you know what. As I got older and investigated them. Idiots worship and idolise Bruce Lee the adulterer, Who fought little chinese hong kong punks on roof tops, He certainly is not the father of mma. That title belongs to no one, why because humans have always adapted martial arts, Fun fact some japanese karate styles has origins from Shaolin Gungfu. And Gungfu is mixture of tons of local styles in china. And let's not forget boxing itself originated in britain, And boxing came from clinch holding striking whilst wrestling. Wrestling is the original mixed martial art. Bruce Lee was very exceptional but not the father of modern mma or mma in general. The ninja's had him beat on this, the spartans,romans, mongolians, I could go on and on. Bruce Lee was one of the best martial artists, but not one of the best fighters. But certain idiots will say he is the best.
Doesn't change anything, always loved Bruce and i'll always be a fan of his. No one is perfect.
Even if Bruce Lee did like drugs he was still one of the greatest fighter s the world has ever seen nothing can take that away from him
We shouldn’t go as far as claiming Bruce was the greatest fighter to ever live, but he was the most influential martial artist to ever live, and a eternal icon but we should stop with the claims of invincibility because nobody is, even Bruce Lee
Bruce Lee was human first. ❤
Derringer is a gun, bro.
Bruce had been taking drugs since the sixties, but he went into overdrive when he went back to HK.
By the time he was making Enter the Dragon, things were starting to get out of control. If you compare the way he looks in The Big Boss to 1973, it's night and day.
The general outlook on drugs at that time was very different from now. It's important not to judge the guy through the prism of 21st century thought.
However, Bruce had a serious problem late on.
Thanks for the info,I never knew this about Bruce.
I thought I was the only one who noticed Bruce looked like he aged 10 years between making the big boss and Enter the dragon just 2 years later
Whether it was recreational drug use or his continuing medical use of cortisone injections for his back, drugs played a huge part in Bruce’s death. People, especially top athletes, do NOT die at 32yrs.
Proud owner of the book King Of Kung Fu since 1974 👌.
Good video Stripey and, it doesn’t change anything. Bruce is and always will be, a legend.
July 20th I will release more info .
I thought the same thing also of his dying at 32. I knew Bruce smoked opium,did hashee and cortisone injections for his back. But,not about the coke habit or heroin use.
"Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to cast a stone." I love Grandmaster Lee.
In an interview Bruce Lee said he did not believe in the existence of God.
@@liamcoyle6458if you dont have Jesus...u go to hell
Childish philosophy used to absolve blame and responsibility.
Refering to whom?
Smoking Ganja is not a “sin”, it’s a medicine for the soul.
First of all, None one of these drugs are performance enhancing so Bruce's skill and hard work was all his own.
I always thought the acid (LSD) made sense for such a philosophical, deep thinking guy.
These drugs were pretty much a part of celebrity life back then and some are now.
In an interview Unicorn Chan said Bruce would stay home for around two weeks straight and rarely even shower because he was recharging/coming down.
The letters are an interesting read, i got the auction catalogue so i could read all the scanned items.
I beleive M pills are mescaline which is a type of strong hallucinogenic.
A derringer is a gun. He had it smuggled over.
I think Cocaine definitely lead to his death as using this drug can thin the blood brain barrier and cause cerebral edemas!
Would make sense why he fainted on May 10th, as he'd just received a Coke shipment days before.
I think nothing less of the man, he was human.
More controversial vids like this please Stripey, keep up the great work.
I've just seen the once scene in Enter The Dragon that has a totally new perspective for me now.
When Bruce is in his cat suit, looking around underground, he comes face to face with a woman who is tapping on the door of a glass box to get his attention. Given the story line of this scene, I can't help wondering what was going through Bruce's mind when he filmed this. Very sad.
But she was on Heroin :) Supposedly Linda Lee played the woman who was wasted,
when Jim Kelly landed on her,dazed, as he was getting the beat down from Han!
I've been binge watching your Bruce posts today, and as a result I've subscribed. I'm looking forward to watching more of your Bruce posts, and also your posts on ABBA Voyage, and War of the Worlds (vinyl).
I was surprised to learn that Bruce was on Cocaine and LSD, and that Linda played such a big part in acquiring it. We're only ever told the more palatable half of the story, it seems. Keep up the great work Stripey, it seems we've had parallel lives as Bruce fans.
Great video stripey keep up the good work mate love your uploads 👍
Another great video stripey,still loving Bruce as always and always will.. I am with you on the coke I was a little shocked but the other things like hash etc is what he needed for him to relax and get him through the pain barrier with his back ? All the famous crowd were doing it and if your in that crowd you will too.. I do like to think he did try to KICK the habit. I still got to read the Book Bruce lee a life I have had it since day one and just been so busy… will make an effort to read it soon …. Take care my friend love from Colchester 🤙🏻
Great Bruce Lee Mug. While his potential drug use is rather sad, it doesn’t for a second take away my admiration for the great things he achieved in his lifetime.
Glad you're thumbnail is in good taste .. unlike those other Bruce Lee channels
Mate no matter the topic I could listen to you talk for hours
Excellent video mate
One of the big questions around this is, were Bruce and Linda also selling/distributing the drugs in Hong Kong? With the mentioning of Linda purchasing scales and talking about quality and quantity, I believe this could be the case. It seems Bruce (and Bob) was risking some serious time behind bars with their dealings. It’s too easy to say “oh it was just the 60’s”….Cocaine in the 60’s was (and still is) a high schedule drug in Hong Kong and he was risking life behind bars. That don’t eventuate, only because it ended up killing him at 32. The big deal isn’t so much him using it in the 60’s, it’s the dealings, shipments and possible distribution. Bruce was the greatest action star ever, and an amazing martial artist. But given what we know now, we can take his life philosophies with a pinch of salt (or coke). He really didn’t know what he was doing and had delusions of being in control when the reality was he was totally out of control with the drugs, affairs etc and ultimately it caught up with him and he paid the ultimate price .
6:08 That iconic nose flick Bruce does while looking at Bob now takes on a whole new meaning. 🤣
Bruce Lee has been doing that very nose flick from when he was a child actor.
@@suburbiajones2268 OMG, you mean he was on the powder from such a young age?
😆
@@suburbiajones2268 "let me take care of him"🤣
DUMB REMARK!!
Great Vlog Stripey, I can remember being 12 years if age back in '73 growing up in The Bronx, New York and it seemed like everyone was "dropping acid", "snorting coke" or "smoking weed", the sweet paper Bruce was referring to was most likely the yellow banana flavored one which was ultra popular at that time. It was definitely what lots of people from all walks of life were doing in the early 70's I myself was smoking weed as a 13 year old. It doesn't take away from Bruce as I can see hiw it would help with his drive, coke would get one super hyped and then you smoked one to mellow you out! I knew about the coke spoon from the moment I got the red book back in 1974 because when my older brother saw it, he immediately started laughing and said Bruce was snorting and showed me the spoon around his neck which most coke user had on a chain or in a little vile and having an older brother who had his own, it was undeniable lol. Any way, love your vlogs as always and if your ever around in this US of A and in Southern California let me know. Take care 🙏👍
In that era everyone was at it Bruce was no saint however still a legend people that struggle to understand this need to grow up I'm afraid wicked video Stripey ❤
Meet Bob baker at the 1990 tracking the dragon convention,he didn’t look a well man then.We all new about Bruce taking the ganja but I had no idea he liked Charlie.Nevertheless he’ll always be a positive inspiration to millions of people around the world.❤
Nowadays youngsters didn't know what's the meaning of ganja (marijuana word for India). Nevertheless, people like to live in the fantasy world rather than the real world.
Stripey great video. I don’t think they came from a flea market. They were in Bob bakers daughter I read who put them to formal auction
The drug letters were the missing piece of the puzzle for me. Bruce sadly caused his own downfall. They say the camera puts on 10 lbs so goodness knows what Bruce looked like at the end of his life. The part I really didn’t like was Bruce using Wu Ngan as the fall guy. I think C was a very serious offence in Hong Kong at the time. The book on the death of Bruce by Marcos is definitely worth owning. Another great video Stripey - Antony
Cheers, mate. I agree, i think the removal of his sweat glands & the drugs, were factors in his demise. Compare how Bruce looked in Big Boss to Enter (he was shredded)
I too felt bad for Wu Ngan, he could have got into tons of trouble over this. I'll get my hands on a copy of the Marcos book I think, sounds informative. 👍
@@StripeyR I always thought he looked his best around the time of 'Way Of The Dragon' lean but not shredded. Walking around 'Enter The Dragon' lean was certainly not healthy. Wu Ngan must have witnessed it all whilst working for Bruce and Linda. The book by Marcos is a deep dive into the death of Bruce featuring court documents, autopsy report and he added information on the Bob Baker letters in the revised edition. Have a great week Stripey - Antony P.S. Great work on the thumbnail 👍
Agreed
Where can I purchase this book?
@StripeyR The only book that describe Bruce Lee's death accurately are describes Bruce Lee's death is unsettled matters and the only documentary to also tell the truth on his death is death by misadventure.
brilliant video. well done stripey
Hi stripey
Excellent video there mate
When the bob baker letters came out about Bruce's drug use i was not to surprised about him taking hashish and other drugs
Because has you pointed out in America in the 60s and 70s drug use was rife
And don't forget the actors who Bruce became friends with ie steve McQueen who himself struggled with drugs throughout is life.
Iam not defending drug use because I know the misery it can cause.
Myself who as strugged with alcohol addiction knows what pain it can cause.
So remember there was a lot of great film stars who had drug and alcohol problems
But we still watch there movies
Look at the great David soul rip who had drug and alcohol problems
So lets remember these film stars fo their movies
And its not just films stars a lot of people have inner demons in there life.
Bruce Lee has given much pleasure to people all around the world and continues to do so.
Bruce Lee is one of the most iconic film stars of all time
Bruce Lee will be talked about for many years to come.
Thanks mate
Thank you my friend.
Cheers matey 👍
Excellent video, I never knew he was into such hard core drugs! But I guess at the time it was quite common especially amongst celebrities..
Does not change my opinion on Bruce, he is still awesome.,
Whatever demons he had, he would not be the only star to have gone down this road!!!! The list would be endless.
Great Video!
Another great post, I have to agree it was of the time. Controversial yes, but a shock not really. They say an artist's best work is enhanced by using certain substances (not endorsing it though) keep up the good work!
Also, you can only imagine how much MORE unreleased letters etc could still be out there, sitting idle in boxes I think after 50 years it's becoming more exciting for fans of Bruce.
Great video stripey. 👍 I was surprised to hear him taking drugs, .. Bruce Lee was human and you must remember back in the late 60s and early 70s everyone was doing it. I don’t agree, taking drugs and doing martial arts. But I still like Bruce Lee ,he was the best. Thank you again for a great video.
Rest in peace Bruce Lee and Robert Baker legends never die
Great video on a controversial topic Stripey. Is it disappointing, in some respects maybe, but Bruce's influence on pop culture and martial arts are so ingrained that these controversies never do any long term harm. Gives a couple of headlines, but at the end of the day, in his daily life he was human, like everybody else. Bruce obviously was an addictive personality, look at his training, so its no surprise he was putting the same effort into his personal habits...
No one is perfect, but this does not change the way I think of Bruce and most importantly the legacy he left us all. Not just the movies, fighting choreography ( never been challenged to this day ) and that includes Jackie, Jet Li, Van Damme, Donny Yen, Scott Adkins to name but a few and I'm sure they would all agree that the Man had that something extra, but to me it was his Philosophy, as I grow Older and still admire the movies, it's his words on life that I have taken on board and used throughout my adult life, made me think, change and adapt whenever I had challenges in work or private life. I'm by no means an athlete and I do not study martial arts ( Well, not now, many years ago Wado Ryu Karate under Jim Bulman - taught me in my Youth ) but I do what I do and I'm happy with who I 'am. In my opinion, Bruce is as popular now as he was when he came onto the scene in the 70's. I agree that Game of Death is exploitive, but back in the day we just wanted more of Bruce and it filled a gap, I do think if the Bruce Lee estate collaborated with an enthusiastic Fan Based Studio and using the technology we have today ( AI ) an all new Game of Death could be put together?.40 minutes of original Bruce Lee footage, come on... John Barry Soundtrack, Bruce Lee experts ( Dan Inosanto )who know what the movie could have been and should have been, with a Director and team that want to give the Game a Death the treatment it deserves. They could give the movie a 70's look but with todays technology, would be interesting to see what a New Game of Death would look like...Still waiting on Scott Adkins to do the Enter the Dragon remake, he deserves the Hollywood respect and a movie justifiable of his talents, Donnie Yen as Mr Han, David Yeung as Bolo, Jason Statham as Roper, Michael Jai White as Williams ... Lalo Schifrin soundtrack of course, keep the story simple but execute that choreography to the next level ( Boyka on Speed ) here's to dreaming! Really appreciate your vlogs Stripey, keeps the legacy alive...Thank you
I like yours Videos Thanks.
Drugs that play with the brain like that probably caused damage to the brain as well. It’s very very sad.
Great video stripey just makes him even better he was one of the greatest physical specimens and greatest fighters ever even on all those drugs ,but unfortunately i think thats how his demise came about.
BBB is the blood brain barrier.
I remember Linda saying that bruce was super conscious of his body and wouldn't eat baked goods or anything with chemicals or preservatives. So it shocks me that he would take a class a drug. Bruce didn't need stimulants he needed the opposite if anything.
How could he train whilst stoned. Ian Robinson uk
It's a lie. Thé lettres must bé Fake. I dont believe it. It would bé impossible to stay fit while on heavy drugs.
I think it was a combination of the Hollywood connection, the time 60s/70s & the stress Bruce was under. He even stated on the Berton show that he definitely was no saint. It just makes him more human. Doesn't change a thing, he still accomplished so much & inspired millions and will continue too.
Bruce loved the shirts from Thailand. I do too. Read that a Dr from San Fransisco recommended hash for his bad back.
Great video. Only a timeline confusion, those constant letters about the "C" are from late 72, after Way of the Dragon, before Enter the Dragon (even after he shot those Game of Death scenes), which makes me believe that the character he needed coke for its creation was "Mr. Lee", who later, ironically, became "him" to most of his fans. 🙂
Great video once more Stripey, I knew that Bruce liked using hash cookies, but never knew about the Yayo & Acid. Mind you if you really think about it, the coke habit would have helped keep him awake to work the long hours he was doing, especially when making G.O.D. and also explain why he looks so underweight in the yellow tracksuit. However, it would also seriously damage his body, especially his cardiovascular system, heart, kidneys, and most of all his brain (not to mention the possibility of a deviated septum) You can tell why the Lee Foundation wanted to keep these letters schtum, as they would be a real eye opener for a lot of Bruce Lee fans, myself included. Doesn't change my opinion of the man though one bit. Cheers pal, and you be well! (PS, a Derringer is a small handgun usually either a dual or sometimes four shot pistol) "Why doesn't someone take out a Foddyfive, and bang! settwel it...?)
He'd been using these drugs since the 60's.
Regarding the detrimental affects of Bruce's drug use on his health, perhaps someone more knowledgeable about such things could enlighten me a bit. I admittedly know virtually nothing about cocaine, I've heard, of course, that it's bad for people, but I wonder why Bruce basically got a clean bill of heath when he went to get checked out at UCLA after his health scare in Hong Kong in May of '73? Wasn't Bruce famously told by the examining physician that he "had the body of an 18 year old"? I'm curious about what side effects of extended recreational drug use/abuse would have been expected to have been revealed by an extensive health checkup.
@BRUCEJJ66 the simple answer is that they didn't test for cocaine, Bruce told the doctor that he used Cannabis but nothing else.
Cocaine use can cause mood swings which Lee was famous for. The drug letters also revealed that Bruce had received a shipment of Cocaine just before his May 10th collapse where no Equagesic was involved.
A common cause of Cocaine use is that it thins the lining of the blood brain barrier causing headaches, extreme headaches and death.
I beleive this is what happened on July 20th and it just so happened Betty gave him a painkiller which doctors deduced must have caused an allergic reaction.
Again, no Cocaine on the autopsy because strangely, it was not tested for therefore didn't show up.
Linda knew about Bruce's drug use as some of the letters are written by her, so the insurance claims are lies.
It's perhaps just as well the 'drug letters' were kept under lock and key, or else Linda wouldn't have gotten a penny of the two life insurance policies Bruce took out, only a short while before his death, strangely. Did he know something we didn't - had he fallen foul of someone or some organisation ?
The life insurance policies stipulated that they would be null and void, if it came to light, that drug use had been the cause of his death.
Personally, I suspect foul play - for all we know, someone may have spiked his cocaine or whatever, but it's a moot point. Even if the actual truth was to be presented with clear and unambiguous evidence tomorrow, it would make absolutely no difference - he's dead, he's not coming back. Period.
For people of a certain age like myself who collected Bruce Lee books/Magazines in the mid seventies
It does not change my opinion of him one bit
Those in the late 60’s and 70’s with squeaky clean images also took them
Very good video Stripey
Just finished listening to the audiobook version of
“The Wrath of The Dragon “
Look forward to that video as well as the
“Once upon a time in America “ one
How could QT get it so wrong?
Well. What an eye opening episode. A Derringer is a small hand gun.
Derringer is a small pocket gun. Good Video btw.
I had no idea that Bruce's butler was in Way of the Dragon. A Derringer is a gun.
I did not know that Bruce had a butler, period! What part did his butler play in the movie?
@TheSoleProprietor I think his butler was the guy who holds the pad for Bruce in the back yard of the restaurant and gets kicked into all the boxes. A minor role I suppose.
Hey Stripey. Great video. It too doesn't change my opinion of him. He was a man of energy... I don't think he needed the coke to be honest 😅 The book you mentioned is the mysterious death of Bruce Lee by Marcos Ocana. It's a very interesting book with many photos not seen before. I recommend the book if you can get a copy. 😁👍🙏
Nice revisiting of a topic that broke like a thunderstorm and passed just as quickly. For me, it took about a week to process, then I was actually grateful for the new info because, for me at least, it provided closure on someone who means a great deal to me. I mean, when you add his excessive cocaine use to his overuse of cortisone (the cause of death given in an episode of Autopsy) and the painkiller Darvon for his back (Doug Palmer's daughter and son-in-law, both doctors, think Bruce might have suffered from opioid addiction), plus his round-the-clock production and promotion and training schedule, his demise seems almost inevitable.
Was there any judgment on my part once I'd mulled it all over? Absolutely not. The Little Dragon was, as he so eloquently stated, a human being. A very complex one who had flaws like the rest of us, but unlike the rest he achieved things in his short lifetime that no one has come close to surpassing. And as was pointed out in the video, he was a man of his time who, when you look at the way he dressed, had more than a streak of hippie in him seeking to "expand his mind" and buck the establishment along the way, whether that establishment was the martial arts world or the film world.
Which brings me to a comment I read on a past "drug video" that pointed out something I hadn't really considered before: Bruce had an addictive personality, one inherited genetically and environmentally from his father and Yip Man (his "gung fu father") who were both opium addicts. This would naturally explain his escalating use of drugs as the pressures of his film career mounted, and it would also explain his fanatical drive to be the best at whatever he committed himself to, no matter the obstacles and in spite of the risks-y'know, like dying at 32. I've always maintained that anyone could be Bruce Lee if they applied themselves the way he did, but only a handful of of us do. Why? Because to it's too fucking HARD. We don't have the will, passion, focus, determination, whatever to give everything to something that completely. But if you were ADDICTED to being the best? That would be like high-test rocket fuel. What Bruce did, in my mind, was to take something that would fuck up most people's lives and use it to achieve greatness. How JKD is THAT?
I am open for everything. But if someone asks me what was most probably the cause of his death, my reply is: Same as professional cycling legend Marco Pantani (1970-2004, aged 34).
Marco is recognized in cycling as the or one of the greatest climbers ever. And he started to take cocaine during his career. In February 2004, a couple weeks after his 34th birthday, he was found death in a hotel in Remini, Italy.
Cause of death: Cerebral edema
Same as Bruce. Both took cocaine. In both cases a cerebral edema was the result. Both men similar height and weight, both men fanatics in pushing the human body to the limits, both men died in the early 30s, Bruce was 32, Marco 34.
Since many Americans dont know who Marco was: During the time when your countryman Lance Armstrong dominated the Tour de France, 1999-2005, Pantani was the only real challenger for him in the mountains. They only met 2000, and Marco was the only guy who was able to drop Lance once when he won the high mountain stage in the Alpes to Courchevel.
Hello Stripey, As a huge and i mean huge Bruce Lee fan ( my son is named Lee Bruce ----------) i am only angry at him using his butler as a scapegoat, not cool. As for my opinion on the man, it hasn't been tarnished one bit, all he could do physically was achieved through extremely hard work and dedication with don't forget extreme back pain. I suffer from terrible sciatic pain which i can't inhibit and have to stretch out on a daily basis and coming up to 65 is a bloody nuisance. I don't take anything for it as nothing works. Bruce had to train and had punishing shooting schedules putting out ridiculous amounts of energy, it isn't surprising he used stuff, especially given the times he was living in. I just hope that he isn't put down by people for his addiction, but still respected for his incredible achievements' ? I do feel, as i've always felt that by fair means or foul, he was poisoned and the drug use was an easy way to administer it. Regards, Respect Roger.
Hey Stripey hope all is well.on another note sorry to hijack the subject is there any news on Ang lees Bruce Lee biopic? Sorry again .
It was a bit disheartening to find out these types of details of Bruce’s life but it doesn’t change what he accomplished as a martial artist and human being the marijuana and hash is no big deal but the cocaine was pretty hard for me to discover but not a huge surprise it was the late 60s early 70s , but regardless I still look up to Bruce
Stripey in fairness to Bruce Lee. It has been pointed out to me by an authority on Bruce Lee, who like your good self, I also have a lot of respect for that this type of necklace spoon is a symbol of strength. I qoute from google. " The spoon necklace is to symbolize your strength, but it is also meant to serve as a reminder that it is OK to say “no” because you just don't have enough spoons in one day". So it leaves in some doubt wether the spoon is a coke spoon or not. I can see Bruce Lee wanting to wear something quietly symbolic - such as spoon necklace. but an actual coke spoon in view of the press and public...hmm.
Great topic .on one hand bruce was a man .on other he was a symbol of positivity and man who inspired us through his words of wisdom but behind he was living double life .and linda cheating insurance claims is not good role models for us .but i love him for films .so i good
Hi Stripey. Kudos for taking on a very tough Bruce Lee topic. It doesn't change my opinion of him at all. I still have so much respect for the man and martial artist. He didnt take drugs to enhance his skills. He probably used them to escape the pressures of his lifestyle. I think the letters have revealed what really killed him. I now think there was a cover up in order for the insurance policy to pay out. Betty Ting Pei no doubt knows a lot more than she has let on over the years about how Bruce spent his last hours with her at her apartment. It will be interesting to see how this detail will be handled in the up and coming biopic from Ang Lee. My guess is, he's drug use and his death, will be whitewashed or left out alltogether. Jackie Chan said in an interview that everyone in Hong Kong knows what really happened but Jackie didnt elaborate any further. There is a photo that can easily be found on the internet that Bruce allowed a japanese fan to take of him on the day he died. Shirtless and wearing striped trousers.Bruce is doing his famous lat spread for the camera. He sadly looks very underweight. Its said this is the last photo ever taken of him alive. Back then people did not understand the dangers of hard drugs as it was a very experimental time. Bruce was very much a hippie and embraced the scene and its culture.
It's most odd that Jackie Chan wouldn't elaborate on his claim - what did he have to lose by coming clean about what he knew.
He's still alive - he should spill the beans before he too passes to the next realm.
Hey Stripey keep up with great work.👍.....In these so called letters why would Bruce use codes like 'C' and other times use the actual word itself very strange imo,also maybe the 'C' was also Cannabis and was used as a calmer fir medical reasons etc etc like it is today? These letters have been authenticated (as you have said) but most of what you have read out apart from some obvious ones ie hash etc) are they really related to hard drugs?
Derringer (der rin jer)is a gun maker , great video !
Got it. cheers pal 👍
His father was a heavy opium user too.
So was Ip Man.
Site you are using to view all the letters, please? Thanks.
entertainment.ha.com/heritage-auctions-press-releases-and-news/bruce-lee-s-handwritten-letters-chronicling-his-rise-to-superstardom-amidst-the-drug-culture-bring-462-500-at-heritage-auctions.s?releaseId=4248
Bruce Lee was human after all. Everyone has a bad habit. Still Bruce Lee was a nice guy and phenomenal. May his soul rest in peace ❤️
He was a man of his time, the late 60s early 70s this behaviour was the norm. All these so called revelations only serve to make him (Bruce) more human...
Stripey, now that you’ve watched all of the different versions of Bruce’s movies from the excellent Arrow Video Boxset, what are your preferred and recommended cuts of each movie please?
Thank you Pal.
I'll have a little re-think about this mate. Leave it with me 👍
@@StripeyR - Perhaps even consider making a future video about it? I’m sure lots of your viewers would find the information very useful. 🙏🏻
Great video! How many of the letters did you find and where mate? I’m subscribed to the KFG and saw his video when he released it, but it was cool that you read a few he didn’t.
Btw, the Death of Bruce Lee book is amazing. It’s the complete record of the inquest as it happened with no opinions added. A bit sad but so well put together.
Thanks, mate. I found them on the Heritage Auctions website (I've had the ages) also I used the Bloody Elbow website bloodyelbow.com/2021/07/06/holy-stuff-bruce-lee-letters-document-shipments-and-orders-of-cocaine-acid-hash-marijuana/ 👍
One thing we know Linda never told the real story
If she had, she would never have been eligible for the insurance payouts, that stipulated that no drug use was permissable.
Drug is kool.
Im glad to find out that Bruce was apart of it.
The letters revealed the human side of Bruce Lee. In the 1960s, drugs were a fun option for dreamy and rebellious youth and were part of pop culture like rock & roll. It was difficult for actors, artists, musicians in general, and renowned athletes to escape this wave. Bruce Lee would be no different from the others, as he was deeply involved in the American way of life. When he moved to Hong Kong, feeling rejected by Hollywood, the pressure increased considerably, as he discovered that on the then British island, his enemies would be bigger and more dangerous, the mafia, ambitious directors, jealous actors, self-interested prostitute actresses, etc. So he increased his drug consumption to withstand so much pressure and as a result his health certainly suffered. Linda Lee, who in recent decades tried to convey a healthy image of her husband, even as a superhero, had her part in all of this. But we know that Bruce had a difficult temper and didn't like to be contradicted. Even so, none of this takes away from his worldwide contribution to the development of martial arts and pop culture in general. Bruce, in just 4 films and one unfinished one, revolutionized the vision of combat arts now focused on the real and practical path and raised the production of martial arts films to a higher level.
1970s celebrity took cocaine, 😮😂 No surprise there then . I love Bruce and ive always believed his death was due to a drug overdose . It doesn't alter my adoration of the guy , shame he didnt know better though
Sitting here in Sydney watching your vid mate,never noticed the spoon that used to seeing his medallion, wow !
I thought it was Bob's son who had sold the letters,might be wrong but almost sure that's what was reported at the time.
Keep up the good work mate .
Thank you, mate. I appreeciate it. I can't take credit for spotting the spoon, that has to go to the Kung Fu Genius (Alex Richter)
I just read that the letters were found in a flea market. I'd like to find out if this is true & who took them & sold them there.
Cheers Pal 👍
@@StripeyR I knew Bobby quite well back in the late 1980's-1990. The letters were left with Bobbys wife when they split up. It's my understanding that it was Bobby's daughter who put the letters up for sale. They weren't put on auction by his son nor his wife. Both Bobby and his wife thought the world of Bruce and Linda and wouldn't think about dirtying the memory of a close friend.
Great video on this subject mate couldn't care less that Bruce did drugs who didnt back then .one thing why did Baker keep these letters a bit of blackmail maybe for movie rolls or something just my opinion.cheers Pete
Quite possible the drug use contributed to his demise. I heard the Equagesic was used as a cause, otherwise because of the cannibas the insurance wouldn't be paid out.
I wasted so much time going to the gym..doing cardio..boxing .etc...to get the shredded look. It was all due to his cocaine habit and not working out
In the opening scene in ETD, which was shot last, you can see how thin he was. I believe the drugs were the cause of his death.
Didn't know that was the last scene to be shot - interesting. I'm obviously aware that scenes are rarely shot in the sequence we all see in the finished movie. Goodness, it's so sad to realise that he wouldn't be long for this Earth, seeing, as you say, he was so thin in that sequence.
Regarding the underground lab scene, where he fought with the nunchakus etc, don't suppose you know at what point that was shot do you ? I only ask, because he looked in absolutely phenomenal shape there, certainly not thin, but something close to physical perfection, in my opinion.
@jamesbarbour8400 I tried looking up when the fight scene with the guards was filmed, but can't find anything. I did read an interview with a still photographer who worked on the set. He said Bruce was wound very tight, he couldn't relax. He thinks that's what killed him.
He smoked hash and weed, a hippie doctor he went too in the late sixties said there was nothing wrong with smoking weed and so he did it for the rest of his life..
I too thought that Bob's children had found and sold the letters on.
I was initially disappointed that Bruce was using the 'hard stuff' but as others have said, it was freely available and didn't have the reputation it has now.
I'm guessing Bruce started using stronger drugs after his back injury, the relief he would have obtained would have diminished over time, requiring something stronger. With working as hard as he did in the short time he had, taking the 'Holy Stuffs' may well have helped to get through those long and strenuous days on set. Maybe he was introduced to it by others in Hollywood! It's only my opinion, probably completely wrong, but none of us were there with him.
I remember John Little saying in a documentary on UA-cam, he said that Bruce was a better martial artist after the back injury than he was before, to me that sounds like the drugs were helping but maybe I'm being naive.
I certainly don't think any less of him.
A man of his time.
Thanks for the video Stripey
Thanks Elaine. I read in the Sun newspaper that they were found at a flea market (but that could be wrong) www.thesun.co.uk/news/15538625/bruce-lee-was-secret-drug-user/
Like Matthew Polly said, Bruce was trying to be a bit like McQueen / Coburn and other Hollywood types, and just got caught up in them, I guess.
This doesn't change my opinion on Bruce one bit, in fact, it kinda makes sense, with his behavior towards the end of his life.
Cheers 👍
Yes it does make sense but also it's very sad given as mentioned in the letters he was trying to reduce his reliance on drugs, he didn't succeed in stopping.😢
I think the drugs made him feel like superman plus the steroids on top
Too much going on in his life. Impossible to handle. If his wife supported him there must be a reason.
They need to ask Linda the truth
Bruce was the one bringing home the bacon - what else could there be.
Way Of The Dragon 🐉
😁👍
Probably got some bad drugs from Betty Ping and they said it's a pain killer
drugs were in its infancy in the 60s,it was like smoking in the 20s/30s/40s/ and 50s,it would have been freely available in hollywood parties in those days in the 60s.did it affect his work,might have enhanced it.
It's easy now in 2024 to look back in hindsight, like like you say "at the time" 👍
I understand what you're trying to say but I think it's disingenuous to compare cocaine to smoking. Never in our history has smoking have to be hidden to smuggle across continents.You can just go to the store and buy them. I love Bruce's work and legacy but this was just a failing of his that we can choose to accept as a character flaw. To brush his drug use off as a sign of the times I think is a little bit of a cop out. This man was a symbol of the epitome of health and fitness. I would have expected more from him, regarding what he puts in his body. It's not like celebrities and tons of college kids weren't being busted during this time for illegal substances. It is much different now and we do know a ton more of the negative effects. Either way he's still the greatest Martial Artist in my book. I just tend to be more practical about the matter.
Blood Brain Barrier, BBB.
Linda and Bruce were graduates at that time. Drug use was a norm at that time.
Marvin Gaye also had a coke spoon. It’s on video.
Yeah he started using with his father who ended up shooting him after they both got high and got into a fight
I was under the impression that Bob's daughter brought them out and sold them.
Maybe, mate. I have no idea how they ended up at a flea market. 👍
Do have any Brandon lee off he son dvds movies ?
I love Bruce but it does change my view on him a little...
Bruce could have been referring to Meth when he mentioned the "M" pill. A Google search reveals that it was a very popular drug during the 60s and 70s.
Yup..it was meth pills
Yup..it was meth pills
It was in the 60s and 70s, where almost everyone in Hollywood were taking drugs: Steve McQueen, Beatles, Bob Dylan, James Coburn, Richard Pryor to name a few...
Could Bruce Lee be taking drugs because of his back problem ?
Noh! I don't think so. HIs father Lee Hoi Cheung and his Wing Chun master Ip Man did opium smoking. Ip Man taught Wing Chun to get extra money for his opium addict.
are you an Essex boy, Stripey?
I am indeed, mate 👍
@@StripeyRnice one.Not from there but lived in Chelmsford for 3 years,worked in Basildon for 4, wife's family in Leigh and my best buddy is in Upminster. haha
My nose hurts
😆
Derringer is old style gun .
A spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down. Great job with this tough subject.
Thanks, mate 👍
...maybe Bruce really was just asking for bob baker to send him American Coca Cola and party favors....maybe.
M pills stand for methaqualone quaaludes recreational drug 60 and 70 also called ludes or sopers
Bruce had a cocaine habit?
Now Bruce thumbing his nose all the time makes sense.
😂😂😂
That was actually a habit he had from his younger years, when he was a child actor. Watch some of it - he certainly wasn't doing cocaine at that age !
He even made time for recreational drugs !
Hi Mr Rambles. These latest letters from Bob Baker have been very hard for me to take this weekend. I have been a Bruce Lee fanatic for over 50 years, and I know Bruce wasn't perfect, and I knew that he dabbled in some of the softer drugs, but to find out that he did cocaine, and by the seems of it was doing cocaine in a big way, I find this has tarnished my admiration for the man and it will take me a long time to come to terms with it. No wonder Linda didn't want a full autopsy when Bruce died as the cocaine would have showed up. I just feel we have been fed a massive lie. Bruce always said "Take what is useful and disregard the rest." How the hell is cocaine useful! The fact that they were asking Bob Baker to hide the drugs in clothing and in books, just makes it all the more seedy. I still regard the man as a true legend, but this will take a long time to get over.
Bruce Lee’nin kokain kullanmış olması onun kişiliğine veya sanatına zarar vermez. Bu onu sevmemizden de vazgeçirmeye yetmez. Hiç kimse başkasını yargılayacak kadar masum değildir.
You got out from fantasy world to real world.
Bruce died from having such low body fat paired with foreign chemicals. If you have this direct pathway to organs with no interference it is a ticking time bomb.
I am so let down. I am burning all my 4K's/magazines/posters and my special certified Bruce Lee preserved sweat gland.....
Just kidding.😂 great vid!
😆 Cheers Pal 👍
The Beatles and others (The Stones,MoodyBlues etc)did it and didn’t hide it,do we think any less of them?…No of course not
It’s a quick headline grabber that people will forget or dismiss
Bruce is and always will be an inspiration
Oh and a Derringer is a pistol😊😊
Agreed, mate. A Man of his time & an inspiration to millions.
I now know what the Der Rin ger is (I have little to no knowledge on guns) cheers bud 👍
A derringer is a small handgun that is neither a revolver, semi-automatic pistol, nor machine pistol.
M pills : Methaqualone (Quaaludes) became increasingly popular as a recreational drug in the late 1960s and 1970s,
I heard Bob did actually sent him paper for Brandon to draw on and bruce to write on , as he worked at a paper factory ? not sure how true this is , Bruce was a young man and sounds like he's was experimenting after trying C.
BBB: Blood , Brain , Barrier ..Lee was using high grade uncut Coke a cola !! This, I feel caused side effects , damaging his BBB and thus leading to his death .
Know wonder he rubbed his nose so often😂..so he party and got laid,,,so did everyone else🤣😂😆😝
M pills were tranquilizers
Surprised and disappointed in the beginning Stripey but as you said he was human with faults like us all. I'm thinking the "M" pills were meprobamate, which I believe was found in his system at autopsy and I believe is an ingredient of Equagesic. Great video though. Cheers mate.
The M pills were Mesacline. I have the catalogue from the auction with the letters I them.
@@karlplayford7345 That makes sense, Mescaline has (apparantly) has a similar effect to LSD & Mushrooms. 👍
@billstacy7727 Cheers mate.
I have not watch the full video because 1/ i dont believe it. 2/ dont speak ill of the death. 3/ a man may life a live, most of us done it. Respect for the Lee familie.