Kung-Fu Master and Cocaine Cowboy? Bruce Lee Writes from Hong Kong to a Friend back in Hollywood: "I'm into the film business more...air-mail me some fine 'C' if you can swing it"
Two-page handwritten letter with eyebrow-raising content, measuring 8.5" x 11", postmarked Kowloon, Hong Kong, dated November 22, 1972. Signed "Bruce" and addressed to his friend, confidante, and "Fists of Fury" co-star, actor Robert "Bob" Baker. Lee writes Baker about his potential split from producer Raymond Chow and asks to have cocaine shipped to him in Hong Kong. Reading in full:
"Bob, It was a nice trip from it took a lot out of me. 'Might' break with Raymond (he doesn't have the right dedication if you know what I mean); I might start doing my own thing - come to think of it that's what I've been doing. I'm into film business more now including screen writing - sharping up your kicking and getting your head together, I might be able in the near future write something for you and I to do, maybe some thing small then building up. Since your promotion remember well that the risk is bigger, but one thing you have to do is to air-mail me some fine 'C' if you can swing it. Of course if it cannot be don't it's only natural. You know me, just rapping. I have to fly my lawyer over to figure my FUTURE money plus the plane ticket for James - really get me some fine stuff air mail - don't count on my immediate payment though, as I am still in the middle way. One thing for certain, we won't do each other wrong. Peace, Bruce."
The letter is accompanied by the original Air Mail envelope, with two Hong Kong stamps. The address was written in Linda Lee's hand. Flattened mail folds and a small 2" paper loss on a horizontal fold. Expected wear and soiling to the envelope. Boldly signed by Lee. Overall very good.
While it has been well documented that actor and famed martial artist, Bruce Lee, enjoyed smoking and ingesting weed, but it has only recently come to light that he may have had a more serious drug problem. Letters such as this one have referenced Lee seeking out supplies of "C", or "coke" and "coca-cola". With Hong Kong's strict drug laws, Lee had to work out a system with Baker in order to gain access to the drug, whether it was under a false name or hiding it in innocuous items. In November 1972, Lee was offered a starring role in Warner Brothers' "Enter the Dragon", and filming began in Hong Kong in February 1973. Tragically, just a few months after the completion of the film, and six days before its July 26, 1973 release, Lee died from an allergic reaction to the pain medication he was taking. With the revelation that he also partook in risky behaviors such as cocaine usage, it leaves one to wonder if his dark indulgence played any part in his untimely demise.
This letter and the accompanying envelope have been well preserved and stand in excellent condition. Accompanied by a full Letter of Authenticity from Beckett Authentication Services (BAS).