Unsettled Matters: The Life and Death of Bruce Lee

[@TomBleecker]

Thanks for taking the time to read my book and for your review, which I found fair and thoughtful. Also, good catch about Jan Spears. I honestly didn't know the connection to Raymond Chow until now. Well, I learn something new every day, which is what continues to make life exciting and worthwhile. Thanks again.

[@StripeyR]

@TomBleecker Thanks Tom for your comment. I'm glad you got something from the video. Thanks again 👍

[@benjaminjensen7402]

Your book was very good but it made me sad to learn All these things. I also really like the cover art.

[@TomBleecker]

@@benjaminjensen7402 The cover art should have been better. Initially, the designer was supposed to place the rose on Bruce's bronze coffin. For whatever reason, he was unable to create that. Unfortunately, because the book was scheduled to go on a web press in a few days, it wasn't possible to improve the cover. As an aside, those Chinese characters on the right have deep meaning. Many readers felt they were placed there for dressing, which wasn't the case. Show them to someone who is fluent in the language and have them share with you their understanding of their meaning. Thanks for your comments. Cheers

[@scottishbanjo]

Great to hear your views Sir and love watching your content on the KZbin

[@mattk5020]

Glad you enjoyed it as it's a very good book and I find it very accurate.​@@benjaminjensen7402

[@TomBleecker]

I thought I'd spend a few minutes over my morning coffee to respond to a couple of topics mentioned in these comments. First, I agree that my comment in UM about Bruce's tracksuit hanging on him like a wet dish rag could have been said better. The reason I wrote what I did was because that was a direct quote from one of Bruce's closest friends who made this comment after seeing the photo of Bruce standing in front of Kareem Abdul Jabar (the photo can be seen via a Google search). I've worked on movies for nearly two decades and know that the wardrobe department is responsible for making sure all wardrobe for the film's actors is as close to a perfect fit as possible. Anyone looking at that photo, especially the legs, can see that the tracksuit was a terrible fit. The reason is because of Bruce's profound weight loss. It seems to me that rather than criticizing me for writing the description the way I did, Bruce's fans who truly care about him should be asking why he lost so much weight that soon became life-threatening. Second, my comment that the press had reported that Betty had appeared on the set of "The Way of the Dragon" in Rome came from two press releases that I came upon while researching Bruce's death in Hong Kong. In any case, if that's incorrect, it doesn't debunk the fact that Bruce had a longstanding affair with Betty Ting-pei, which is why that comment was placed in that chapter. All right, off to work. I'm up against a writing deadline. Cheers

[@mattk5020]

I think there should be a movie based on the book.

[@thewatchslinger968]

I read this book a few months ago and I found it to be a really good book. You do need to immerse yourself into that era and culture and it can be difficult if you haven’t had any exposure to either as a lot of things discussed in that book can be difficult to accept. I felt it was relatively easy to go through but understand the whole legal and insurance issues were a bit challenging to keep up with but worth it. I feel Linda Lee has some explaining to do and am sure she has enjoyed building Bruce Lee the Myth since the release of Enter the Dragon. Before then, Bruce was internationally ‘relatively’ unknown in regard to box office prestige. It would be great if you could review La Muerta Bruce Lee by Marcos Ocano Rizo. It’s on my list of books to get. Thanks for your videos. Always a joy to watch 🤍

[@StripeyR]

Cheers, mate. The Marcos Rizo book is on my wants list too 👍

[@MarioLamRedRebel]

For me hé is Death and that's one thing that nobody can lie about. I respect Bruce and everything that other people say that Bruce did or not..... I dont care. Dont speak ill of Death people but respect them. Greetings from the Netherlands 🥋 OSU 🥋

[@Laurn-w8i]

Can Understand the situation to the BLACK & WHITE PICTURES. In 1973-1985 The UNKNOWN numbers of Pictures

[@EdwardianTeaChest]

@04:50 Raymond Chow may have been ruthless, but as he got older he became toothless.

[@StripeyR]

😅🤣

[@ewalsh3871]

Great review. 👍

[@ericstew5086]

Gotta get this book

[@harrymckenzie4476]

I really enjoy your episodes.. looking forward to your next episode keep up the good work.... and thanks for keeping the spirit of Bruce Lee alive

[@StripeyR]

Thank you, mate. i apprecite it 👍

[@scottishbanjo]

Great to see this , I read this a few years back and did a little review of it myself which is on the KZbin . Tom Bleeker is very open to answering questions on the old KZbin . I was a bit starstruck to get a reply from him but there you go .

[@StripeyR]

I see you're review, mate i gave it a 👍Tom Bleeker has commented on my channel too (kinda cool) Thank Pal 👍

[@silverfoxsilverfox6932]

​@StripeyR Unsettled matters remains the only true, honest and accurate biography on Bruce Lee's life, the rest are not.

[@SamR-sy6dt]

Great review, Stripey! Have seen some of Tom's videos, interesting. Keep em' coming Cheers!

[@benjaminjensen7402]

Really enjoy your channel mr. Rambles and your interview with the kung fu genius was one of his best shows in My opinion. I read the book 10years ago and find it really interresting now i shall read it again.

[@mikesmith-zp6jx]

Great video Stripey I love the way you Express your thoughts and opinions in any situation, you are brilliant always watch all your videos. Keep up your great work you're the best. Keeping Bruce alive.

[@StripeyR]

Thank you, mate. i appreciate it 👍

[@derekbrady3238]

Nice video again Stripey My opinion..every biography,whoever has written it,will contain nuggets of truth but with time and memory events get distorted and misremembered.So basically it’s just choosing which parts from every book sound most plausible.Also different people recalling the same situation and saying the same thing (more or less) is usually what the truth is Also Bruce looks dead cool in the yellow tracksuit,what is that guy on about 🤔 Cheers..Derek

[@antonysmith6457]

Hi Stripey, Wu was featured in an interview in one of the Kung Fu Monthly mags. It's one from the 70s. I've got it, but i can't recall which issue number it was. He did state in it about Bruce smoking Marijuana cigarettes. I always thought Bruce put it in his brownies, but there you go. I did read somewhere that Wu was living in London in the early 70s and Bruce managed to track him down during his stopover from Switzerland after visiting Polanski. Polanski let Bruce stay in his Eaton Mews home in London and then he brought Wu back to HK. I'm sure Bruce mentions it in one of his letters which may have appeared in the book, Letters Of The Dragon. One thing about Tom's book that intrigued me was the following: Most people, including the doctor who was at the flat, say he was dead. However, if I'm correct, Tom said that in the ambulance, Bruce's face was swollen and in order for that to happen, a heart beat must have still been there. It's a good point, so maybe Bruce was still fighting for life and not already dead in the flat. What do you think? I'm curious what others on here think. Best wishes! Tony and Kim 👍

[@scottishbanjo]

This is one of those books that did “ demystify” Bruce Lee a bit and made me sympathise and humanise the Lee family straight after … it does explain why they would want to keep a tight grip on the whole merchandising side of things afterwards .

[@Rob-z7k]

Tom Bleeker was right all along! Years ago they said he was full of it. Guess he proved everyone wrong of his drug use.

[@carydavidhoffson6014]

In books it is written that Raymond chow did not want him to do enter the dragon movie and that changed his mind was that bruce lee would have done the movie with out Raymond chow that made him give in to bruce lee to put his name on the same paper that bruce lee put his own name on that paper to and bruce lee was going to move back to the United States that he did not want to live in Hong Kong anymore and everything happened right after he was done with enter the dragon making the movie and just before bruce lee was going to the United States to the Chinese theater mainns and go on the Johnny Carson tv talk show to talk about enter the dragon movie and see the movie for the first time in the United States that Raymond chow and Betty ting pei and the butler had to kill him to stop him from doing more movies and stop him from moving back to the United States to live that enter the dragon movie changed their minds about bruce lee and that they could not talk him out of doing enter the dragon movie and move back to the United States to talk him out of it that makes sense how to stop from doing what he wanted to do with the rest of his life to be for the world to know him and not just Hong Kong and make all kinds of movies and be happy in the United States in new house to live in with his family and start a new life

[@martialartsfilmstudio5924]

As usually, thanks for your work and your ,investigations' on Bruce Lee's life. Sometimes it's hard to say anything about Bruce's death because there are a lot of fans who still treat him like a deity and immediately start to ,attack' - unnecessarily ! Bruce used to chew cannabis, and does it mean that he was addicted ? Of course NOT ! But unfortunately he was allergic to them. You see, steroids cause problems with the heart, and Bruce's heart was o'k, even after death. Bruce took painkillers to reduce headaches, so they couldn't be the reason because they were taken for a reason. And the reason was a headache that occurred after taking cannabis. Headaches, problems with memory ( which Bruce also had - even Bob Wall used to confirm that ) and finally brain swelling are typical side effects of increased allergy. I know, I know, some people may say; "Allergic to cannabis ? Impossible !" Unfortunately, possible ! Doctor Woo warned Bruce after his first serious collapse ( perhaps there were more such accidents earlier but not so dangerous ) that sometimes for some people cannabis might cause health problems. The same is with wasp stings. For 99 people it's nothing but unpleasant swelling, and for one it's fatal. Bruce was obviously one of such unlucky fellows. The last question is; why did Bruce use cannabis ? The answer is simple ; as a stimulant. He needed energy and strenght to take a chance of his lifetime. Even his friends used to say that he phoned them at one or two o'clock at night to discuss something or to show something. To sum up, I think that Bruce Lee's death secret could be a mystery long, long time ago, but not today. As for me, Bruce was the most charismatic martial artist, and a wonderful man who changed my youth ( Enter the Dragon made me become interested in martial arts, martial arts movies and made me train Taekwondo ), but the truth is truth. All the best !👋🙂

[@ironpupil4595]

Love this review it’s honest and unbiased. I also read the book in 1996 and reread it this year. I thought it was a beautiful read. It’s always nice to get a viewpoint of someone who knew Bruce. And I can imagine, like stripey mentioned, the amount ‘private’ information he had access to being so close to Bruce’s wife Linda after Bruce’s death. Yes they are inaccuracies; Bruce’s amazing physique still visible even in Game of Death and Bruce’s presumable steroid use. Although being so far forward in his approach to optimizing the human body and his apparently openness to using drugs, he just might have experimented with certain performance enhancing drugs. Anyway I didn’t find Bleeker’s book bitter at all. And I wouldn’t know if there was jealousy involved in writing it. All assumptions in my opinion. I liked the book because it is one of the rare books portraying Bruce as human. Discussing his talents and his flauws. Still and always will be a big fan of Bruce the man, the husband, the father and amazing martial artist what ever comes out about his past. What the man achieved in his short time on earth is simply something to look up to. Thanks Stripey for the great content on Bruce. Looking forward to enjoying more of it.

[@davidtaylor2152]

I never believed in the headache tablet story as made no sense at all, as if that was created as a cover story for his drug use.

[@Tony-59-films]

Hi stripey. Great video 👍🏻I read the book when it came out. I believe he wrote the book to get back on Linda. Like you, I was a bit confused with some chapters. The book is okay . Enjoy your week my friend .

[@StripeyR]

Thank you, bud. Like I said, I enjoyed the read, but is it 100% facts? I don't think so. Take care, mate 👍

[@Tony-59-films]

I totally agree that it is not 100% true. Enjoy your day, my friend .

[@stephensmith.fatherguide1518]

I read if Bruce had lived Clint Eastwood and John Wayne were ,if this Chinese guy , becomes successful with Hollywood, to me jesulous l of Bruce, if Bruce had lived , these stars , would have competition, Bruce would win

[@nutmeister]

I enjoyed the book and It's the first time we got a insight into his real life. After the book It made me love and respect him even more. Of course, we know a lot more now than what we did in the 90's. This book gets a lot of hate, but I enjoyed it overall.

[@felipeescamilla3092]

Don't have that book,but will get it ,thanks for sharing.

[@Laurn-w8i]

Why Do they say same thing about them being there....or.....Going on about a 📚 BOOKS?........... Bruce Lee have more video to Towers of Death 📽️ films.

[@jordancorey]

Another great video mate, have a great weekend 😀

[@StripeyR]

Thank you, mate, you too 👍

[@BRUCEJJ66]

I'd say I appreciate this book at least as much as I like it, it was the first Bruce bio I read that explored his "dark side" in any depth (Linda certainly didn't want to do that in her books). That being said, like you, Stripey, I found the evidence supporting the claim that Bruce used steroids insufficient, sometimes being a fan who's seen way to many pictures of Bruce on the set of GOD has it's advantages! If Mr. Bleecker had hard evidence for that claim he didn't present it in Unsettled Matters. Also, when it came to the cause of Bruce's death as I recall Mr. Bleecker presented at least a couple possibilities (too many cortisone shots & murder) but didn't come to a definitive conclusion of his own. Interestingly, though, Tom's idea about cortisone being a likely suspect made it's way onto a cable TV show called Autopsy: The Last Days Of ... in this case, Bruce Lee, the host concluded it was too many cortisone shots that caused Bruce's demise. Of course, that was years before the Bob Baker letters, who knows what he'd say now. Anyway, yeah, Unsettled Matters is recommended reading material for anyone interested in Bruce Lee's life.

[@CGS4073]

Great Video Stripey..👌As for Openreach, more like no reach. Still waiting to get an issue sorted from the 24th of July, the most atrocious service and the fact that you can not speak to a Human being, its the future, hope you get sorted soon, I'm off to contact Openreach, again...and again.👍

[@StripeyR]

Thanks, Pal. Yes, OpenReach are dreadful, hopefully, the issue will get sorted soon, but so far they are S**T Thanks 👍

[@markus1a1]

Hey Stripey. I also read this book and I agree with you. It is a good interesting read. I think it will offend people that love Bruce Lee and want to hold on that a certain image of him. I want to find out everything about the "real" Bruce and this book delivers.

[@klavier1us]

I have a copy of the book and I agree with your review. Are you as intrigued as so many of us are as to why the KFG has a theory concerning July 20, 1973 that he can’t discuss. It is intriguing to me bc: 1. We are 51 years after the fact now. 2. Every conceivable theory this side of the absurd is already out there. Unless anyone has an unsupported theory that involves alien ninjas it’s hard to imagine what could be more shocking than everything that’s already out there. Based on everything that is out there, I lean toward a blood brain barrier problem that resulted from too many envelopes from a certain “Mr Petrov” and the recent KFG series seemed almost poised to “go there”. I’m sure you know the portions of it that I reference. Intrigued and puzzled. Cheers - your posts are always informative and insightful.

[@instone22]

A nice honest review. I remember reading this and it being all things negative about Bruce put into a book, I wasn’t a fan of it but I do plan on giving it another chance soon. Thanks stripey

[@StripeyR]

Thank you 👍

[@kriskaos1981]

I read the book a few years ago, then had the misfortune to cross paths with Tom Bleecker, he made a pretty big whoopsie on Facebook about Bruce Lee, and I pointed out his mistake and he got really weird and creepy, I have screenshots of everything.

[@grahamshouse1937]

Bruce in good health , -game of death final cut and edit - would have been a colourfull movie and very enjoyble to the audience, not sure about the soundtrak. But im pretty sure the story would have come together. Puma vs addidas.

[@stevemaddox-y9b]

I meant to say he had Hash in the body the first time, he all most died & no Eqshic pill, but had Hash in his body the time he did Die, He had taken the pill before with no problem, ?

[@AmandeepSahota-i5k]

I'm sure bruce lee wanted Betty Ting pei in Game of Death 🤔

[@StripeyR]

Maybe, mate. There are photo's of her on the set of Way of the Dragon too. 👍

[@davidtaylor2152]

George Lazenby made a point about the $10K that Bruce gave him as an early contribution payment for the role in GOD, when GL was in HK during 1974 Raymond Chow said to GL you owe me $10K? GL said, that was Bruce's money, RC said, No its my money, for you to pay it back, please be in two movie productions and that will settle the debt.

[@postersandstuff]

III-films-actually

[@davidtaylor2152]

@@postersandstuff Yes, 3.

[@TomBleecker]

To clarify, the money was HK$10,000 not US dollars.

[@davidtaylor2152]

@@TomBleecker I'm aware of that thanks.

[@Iceman091958]

I have just read the book, so thanks a lot for your review. Unfortunately there are so many obvious faults in the book that it is hard to take it serious. Just a small example: Bruce had to film "Way" in Rome because of troubles with the Triads. The movie is about a Japanese gang that tries to take over the restaurant. The movie also features a lot of anti-Japanese slurs. And according to Bleeker, Betty Ting-Pei shows up in Rome, even though she has nothing to do with the movie ( see chaper 5). This is such utter nonsense! It seems like Bleeker hasn't seen the movie at all and has never paid attention to reports of the making of the movie. Of course Betty hasn't been in Rome wirh the crew. The pictures have been taken on the set in HK, where they recreated the Colosseum set. If Bleeker doesn't know this known facts, what else is it that eludes him?..

[@StripeyR]

I know, mate. it's like he hadn't seen TWOTD. This was a brief review of the book, the KFG is going to do a complete breakdown in forthcoming videos. I just pointed out a couple. Cheers bud 👍

[@Iceman091958]

@@StripeyR I'm looking forward to KFGs take on tje book. In the meantime let me tell you that I really enjoy your postings. Keep 'em coming👍👍👍

[@TheSuburbiaJonesEffect-wn4so]

Good luck with your Internet.

[@topcats78]

Hi Stripey. I really enjoyed your balanced review on the Tom Bleeker book. You know my thoughts on it already. Which I admit are quite scathing. Tom does seem to bash Bruce a lot. I will say however, there is stuff in there that now seems to have been correct as in Bob Baker supplying Bruce with drugs for instance. Incidentally on the subject of Wu Ngan. Its said that Wu Ngan left Hong Kong within weeks of Bruce's death and moved to London England. To leave Hong Kong so quickly is strange in itself don't you think? Page 79 and Tom reviews ' The Way Of The Dragon' and it makes you wonder if he actually had seen the film, as he calls the villains Japanese. He then says, I qoute, " the end result was 2 hours of episodic violence ( 5% of the of the films $100,000 budget went to buy artificial blood) fueled by more racial slurs aimed at Japanese bashing" unqoute. The actual budget was $130,000 and there is very little blood seen in the film. Tom ends his review saying that "apart from the fight with Chuck Norris the film has little redeeming value". He also quite wrongly says the film didn't do very well in Hong Kong. In fact Bruce predicted it would break the box office records of his previous two films and make five million dollars in Hong Kong alone - and it did! Its considered by many Hong Kong fans to be their favourite Bruce Lee film. All in all, yes I agree Stripey it is a facinating book (for its time) but also needs a lot of fact checking as we have better researched books by Steve Kerridge and Matthew Polly.

[@StripeyR]

Thanks bud. I do find Wu Ngan leaving HK so quickly very odd (and stayed so quiet over the years) Tom's take on The Way of the Dragon is a little wonky, mate. I enjoyed the book & in fairness, Tom has commented on this video (pinned at the top) Matt Polly & Steve Kerridge (who I'm meeting this week) are in my opinion, the best, when it comes to Bruce biographers. Cheers Pal 👍

[@matthewmorgan748]

Controversial book....he got alot of hate for claims he made then. Alot have come true now.. drug claims etc. Believe bruce was murdered...alot of people had alot to gain from his death. As people knew...bruce was head strong and had quick temper. He wouldn't be controlled. Think Ray had him bumped off.

[@silverfoxsilverfox6932]

Hi Stripey lets have a conversation about Bruce Lee's martial arts.

[@StripeyR]

@@silverfoxsilverfox6932 Hello mate, please explain. I'm interested in hearing your theory.

[@silverfoxsilverfox6932]

@@StripeyR What I wanted to explain is that Bruce Lee was not a real fighter, and he wouldn't have made a good fighter in reality. Before I begin, I just want to say that Bruce Lee's accomplishments were amazing, and he is an icon in martial arts movies, I have total respect for what he did during his time. I also want to explain a bit about my own background, I trained in kempo jujitsu and taekwondo for a while, I am also a former hk film expert and I have met a number of movie stars and martial arts masters in my time. I met Jackie chan a few years ago, and I have also met Master Hwang jung Lee a number of times whilst I was in Korea on two separate occasions. I want to start from the beginning, and this is going to take quite a few posts. You have already read unsettled matters, so I will start with Bruce Lee's martial arts training in hk. Bruce started his training in wing chun at the age of 16 or 17. This was his age at the time. It is widely reported that he started at 13 this is incorrect and here is the evidence why that's incorrect, firstly wong shung leung Bruce Lee's teacher stated on video that Bruce Lee was around 16 or 17. During Bruce Lee's teenage years he went to a school called st francis xavier school, whilst he was there he had a fight with a guy called Francis lay, Francis wins the fight, nobody really got hurt or anything but Bruce lost the fight. Francis and Bruce Lee became friends, and what he said was that Bruce Lee did not know any kungfu during his teen age years. There was an interview with Francis lay on KZbin he was an old guy that had one eye. You might find info on him with a Google search. Secondly, Hawkins cheung is the one that took Bruce Lee to ip mans school. So , I established when Bruce started his wing chun training with credible evidence from his teacher and school friend. Bruce's training only lasted for around a year and a half before he left hk for America and according to wong shung leung in interviews he stated that he was not an exceptional student but that he was a bit more diligent than most. Bruce had one roof top fight which he won but he was being beaten in the fight, he stated to wong shung leung that he wanted the fight stopped and called as a draw even though Lee was losing the fight, wong refused to do that and instructed Bruce to time his attacks Bruce did this and actually won the fight. There was no beating up triad gang members or anything like that. I think this is enough for now. Next post, I will cover where and when bruce Lee learnt his kicking and why Chuck norris did actually teach Bruce Lee kicks as well. I will also go into detail about Bruce Lee's martial arts training and his development when he moved to America. Source material for this post, wong shung leungs journals and video interviews. Hawkins cheung and Francis lay interviews.

[@StripeyR]

@@silverfoxsilverfox6932 I enjoyed this very much. Jackie Chan & Hwang Jung Lee, are two other martial arts stars that I admire very much. I had a quick search for Francis Lay but couldn't find anything (my internet is down at the mo) but I will look further into this. I found Hawkins Cheung though (who sadly passed in 2019) I have said many times on this channel, I'm no Bruce Lee expert (I know a fair amount) but I'm learning loads in the comment section, and my own research. I look forward to reading your forthcoming comments. Have you ever thought about making videos on YT? I think a lot of people would enjoy what you have to say. Cheers 👍

[@silverfoxsilverfox6932]

@@StripeyR Hi to do videos takes a great deal of research? I did do some videos a few years back but it seriously took up a lot of my time so I ended up not continuing. Hwang jung Lee is a wonderful guy, I did ask Hwang about Bruce Lee's kicking abilities which I will go into in a later post, I will also detail more about what makes Hwang jung Lee very special. I spent a couple of days with the Master whilst I was in Korea in 2007 and 2017. I am just at an appointment right now, once I am done I will post the next part of Bruce Lee's history? I will also discuss the screen test, Bruce Lee's standing in wing chun and the various confrontations Bruce Lee had with the hung sing school students. In a later post I will describe the wong jak man fight and lay to rest the various misconceptions about it.

[@silverfoxsilverfox6932]

@@StripeyR Whilst you wait for my next Bruce Lee post, have a watch of a video by laurence kenshin called Bruce Lee's fighting abilities, it's on KZbin and his skills are analysed by an expert.

[@karlplayford7345]

I first read unsettled matters last year. It did have a lot of info regarding the legalities and business side of Bruce's life, but i didn’t take much more from it. Bleeker does get his steroids mixed up, which im sure the KFG will go into. All i will say is, if Bruce was using anabolic steroids and losing weight, they were not working. I think he was using Corticosteroids for his back, which is not the same type as a bodybuilder would use to gain mass. In fact i beleive they are used to bring inflammation and swelling (for his back) down. (I could easily be wrong about this though) I can't see any evidence of Bruce using performance enhancing drugs or substances, just sheer hard work and somewhat obsessive dedication to his body mechanics.

[@StripeyR]

I agree, I also think, He's got Anabolic Steroids & Corticosteroids (which are an anti-inflammatory drug) mixed up. I enjoyed reading the book, but there were a few things that bugged me (liked the yellow jumpsuit) He has commented on this video & stands corrected on a couple of things I mentioned. Cheers Mate 👍

[@TheSuburbiaJonesEffect-wn4so]

I also thought Bruce Lee was in great shape when wearing that yellow tracksuit.

[@MERVILLE3]

Stripey, you're about my age so you must recall all the bollix everyone said and believed about Bruce and his death. Why not do a video on it.

[@StripeyR]

I do remember hearing all the different "FACTS" about Bruce's demise. it could make an interesting topic at some stage 👍

[@mattk5020]

Tom Bleacher mentioned to me he would be happy to do an interview with you. He's on social media 😉​@@StripeyR

[@StripeyR]

@mattk5020 that's really cool. I'm kinda snowed under with projects, but I'd be honoured to have a chat with Tom at some point. Does he have X (twitter) ? Cheers 👍

[@demontebrown9294]

It’s hard to trust Bleecker he seems bitter as he wrote that book. A bit jealous. And a lot of his claims can’t be proven. Almost as if he put his own personal twist to things based on his personal bias. For instance, can you trust a man that is writing a book about his wife’s husband that died and she was probably still in love and haven’t gotten over his death because he died young and unexpectedly.

[@StripeyR]

You make a fair point, mate. 👍

[@CharlesDamianoBLC]

Enjoyed the read! Got my copy when it came out and read it cover to cover! Was fascinated with the information at that time being none of it was conveyed before! Nice reveiw brother! 👍

[@StripeyR]

Thanks, mate. I was very late getting round to reading this. I enjoyed the book, but is it 100% accurate? I dunno. Have a great weekend, bud 👍

[@CharlesDamianoBLC]

@@StripeyRyeah not sure myself how accurate it is but was a-fascinating read!

[@thomaswillans4085]

1 legged man..qoute = copyright Symon Stallone

[@MarcAntomattei]

You got an excuse not to upload because you got no internet, but on the contrary, while you have no internet you need to keep making videos in the background. Once you do get internet back, I want a video everyday for a week. I’m going to have you making Bruce Lee videos until you’re 90!

[@StripeyR]

Thanks Pal, i enjoyed the comments 😆"every day for a week". "Until I'm 90" 😆 Cheers bud 👍

[@mattk5020]

​@@StripeyRI'd love to see Tom do some podcasts talking about the book and he mentioned that he would be up for it. I've read the book many times and one of the best books if not the best. I believe Betty was behind Bruce Lee's death and Raymond Chow.

[@cowboybill1978]

Hey stripey I was wondering if you have the I am Bruce Lee DVD or Blu Ray and wondered what you thought about it

[@StripeyR]

I have "I Am Bruce Lee" on Blu Ray, mate, and I saw it at the cinema when it was first released. I expressed my views on it on the KFG podcast 👍

[@086stevieb]

if its not 100% accurate i'm not interested too many people have too much to say after his death

[@leedaley3404]

I'm surprised you think being allergic to the equagesic pill is far fetched, Stripey. I doubt it's uncommon to have such reactions to prescription tablets. As for Unsettled Matters, I like the book but I didn't like that Bleecker mentioned several times how few minutes Bruce fought on screen in his films. It was written like he had something against Bruce. And yeah, the claim that Bruce wore the yellow suit to hide his supposedly poor physique has now been disproven with the various pictures that clearly show the opposite.

[@Rob-z7k]

The pill did him in

[@StripeyR]

What I was trying to say was I think Bruce had already took equagesic for his back pain, so why on that day would he become hypersensitive to something he took many times before. I totally understand people can react (quite bad sometimes) to all kinds of medication. The Yellow jumpsuit claim, bugged me too. Bruce looks so cool & iconic in it. Cheers 👍

[@leedaley3404]

@@StripeyR I see what you're saying. But wasn't it a prescription pill that Betty offered him? I know I wouldn't take something if it wasn't prescribed to me.

[@TomBleecker]

My comment about Bruce Lee's fight scenes in ETD amounting to 11 minutes was a compliment and what made that film a smash hit.

[@stevekerridge5159]

Tom Bleeker had two agendas: Cashing in regarding his former 'scorned' marriage with Linda, and secondly, the chance to throw us all a 'shit sandwich' regarding Bruce Lee. I think your comment of Bleeker stating in his book how Lee wearing the yellow jumpsuit fitted like a wet rag, kinda proves that.

[@StripeyR]

This book has been on my "need to read list" for a while. I've heard very mixed reviews. I enjoyed the read, but like I mentioned in the video. Is this stuff 100% accurate? I don't think so. I'm looking forward to the KFG's take on the book. Cheers mate 👍

[@pcblu1]

STOP SPECULATING,,, LEAVE THE MAN ALONE , HE IS AN ICON TO ALL PEOPLE JUST LIKE MUHAMMAD ALI .

[@wayne5508]

They were both icons, but neither of them was perfect, which makes their stories all the more interesting, they are human beings, no matter what they achieved, neither of them were invincible...

[@leedaley3404]

Speculation is an inherently human trait. Without estimating things, we wouldn't have gotten as far as we have now as a species.

[@Jes-m6l]

​​@@leedaley3404exactly kfgenius didn't seem to get that when I commented about Bruce on his channel like he got offended despite me being a massive fan myself it's takes some getting used to when finding out something you didn't expect to Bruce to do i.e the substance we all found out last year.He states his opinion all the time but if someone says anything that could have he just turns childish that's why I love stripey and golden bells so much more they are more humble in my opinion

[@anthonyharty1732]

I bought that book when it first come out in 1996. I’ve still got it.

[@roysareen]

I Have not read the book but saw ALL of Mr Bleekers KZbin Videos on Bruce Lee, his Videos Grabbed my attention right away , they were interesting to Watch! Thanks as always Stripey 🙏🏽

[@scottishbanjo]

Just one more thing … I don’t think anyone else has pulled off the yellow and black tracksuit like Bruce Lee … I mean cmon … really ? It’s iconic

[@ericstew5086]

The truth

[@silverfoxsilverfox6932]

@@ericstew5086 ?

[@sjay2985]

The butler and people round him were all shady. Who knows what went down.

[@pcblu1]

BRUCE WENT THE WAY OF HENDRIX , JACKSON , PRINCE , ELVIS, JOPLIN, and many others ........NUFF SAID

[@Jes-m6l]

Exactly this. It's like a wave of special spirits came for us to enjoy and learn from and left and because they appeared in human form they had to do Human things

[@ericstew5086]

Something to think about.now I know I gotta get this book

[@weesupersteve]

i bought the book when it came out , I've read it a few times, i always felt like it was like getting to know a little of what Bruce Lee was really like , made him feel more human , rather than the God llke LEGEND that he is . loved all toms vids on him too

[@stephensmith.fatherguide1518]

Why would Bruce, early books, on ,he could see through the stupidity of the marital arts, write early books on the subject , Stephen Scotland , you take care 😊

[@vintagevinylvets1187]

You’re a class act Stripey. Thank you for your unbiased opinion. We can always depend on your honor and you don’t seem to put up with the “nonsense.” You’re a good man and peace be with you.🙏🏻👊

[@StripeyR]

Thank you, mate. I apprecite it 👍

[@silverfoxsilverfox6932]

​@@StripeyRHi Stripey my invitation to explain why Bruce Lee wasn't a real fighter is still open, just reply and let's have a conversation.

[@stevemaddox-y9b]

I read the book a couple yrs ago, he did come up with some good questions, GOD was filmed , way before ETD so he wasn't that skinny in GOD. He lost all the weight in ETD & the beginning of ETD was filmed after the movie was done. What's funny to me is he did take the Eqshic pill the first time he all most died but had Hash in him time he did Die.? Hmmmm

[@sjay2985]

Thank you stripey. Mr Tom bleeckers account and run up and after math of Bruce lee. All what went down, it’s such a cover up.

[@stephenconn8661]

I got my copy when it first came out, read it immediately, but really cant remember. This vid has promted me to dig it out and give it another read. Oh, and yes, Stripey, Openreah are a first class pain in the arse 😅

[@stevenmorris4482]

his cocaine use explains so much sadly . IF you look into side effects from taking it . Tom's book was a good read and it raised a lot of questions more than answers.. but it certainly made one think and i liked it .

[@jeversonlucianolemeslopes9002]

❤❤❤❤😊😮BRUCE LEE ...😮😊😮❤❤❤

[@billywalsh5383]

Brilliant preview stripey, interesting about Lee's butler, as far as tom bleecker is concerned we'll i honestly think he's an odd ball,something eerie about him.

[@StripeyR]

Thank you 👍

[@massdestruction9909]

Love that enter the dragon poster you got back there 😎😎😎

[@StripeyR]

Thank you. It's a canvas 😉👍

[@thomaswillans4085]

Sylvester Stallone even 😂❤

[@mikeenglish1492]

Best Bruce Lee channel

[@wayne5508]

I think the review is spot on Stripey. The problem with Bruce, because of his level of Martial Arts and philosophical understanding and the chinese heritage, everything becomes mystical and mystified, where the simple truth is, he was human like the rest of us. Sometimes achievement comes with a burden and a cost...Thanks Stripey👍🏻👍🏻

[@DBZ5371]

I thought Bruce’s house and car were owned by Raymond Chow. Think KFG revealed that recently. Not sure how Bruce could leave the house to his butler when it wasn’t his property unless it was just the right to stay on the lease 🤷‍♂️

[@stejcool]

There’s a bit of a mystery around the Mercedes: I always thought it was Chow’s hand me down (especially as it looks like it’s got a few scrapes in the photos) but in one of Bruce’s letters to Bob Baker he refers to having the Merc on order and being bumped up the waiting list and getting it early…

[@ProfessorEchoMedia]

Your answer to the internet issues is hanging right behind you, mate. One word: Nunchucks. Head over to the internet offices and ask in a nice way to fix your issues. Then do the routine with the nunchucks. It will work! After that take them with you and go kick Tarantino’s ass!

[@StripeyR]

😆😅😂

[@noelsantiago5774]

The book by Linda Lee Cadwell Bruce Lee The Man Only I Knew is the book that the movie Dragon The Bruce Lee story was based on

[@TomBleecker]

To clarify, "The Bruce Lee Story," which is the book Linda asked me to coauthor with her, is a rewrite of "Bruce Lee, the Man Only I Knew." The two books are not two separate books.

[@punisherxs6654]

Bruce Lee's friend got left the house and a lot of money when Bruce Lee died, to me looks like hush money, because Bruce Lee's friend probably knew a lot of his secerts.

[@postersandstuff]

yup

[@mrclarenceboddicker6173]

I'm so glad you mentioned Tom's quote about the Game of Death tracksuit hanging off Bruce like a wet dish-rag. When i first read that, i thought 'what an earth is Tom on about'??? Tom's book is good but I did feel he was very biased against Bruce, this was probably due to the fact that Tom was married to Linda and divorced! I feel because of the divorce, rather than Tom create an unbiased book such as Marcos Ocana's brilliant book 'The Death of Bruce Lee' 2nd edition, Tom went full on biased against Bruce and I feel maybe he tried intentionally or unintentionally to use his book to hurt Linda and the family emotionally. I don't have the book on me, but I think i remember Tom 'big-ing up' and praising the white American martial artist of that time in one sentence, while saying Bruce got all his skill from stacking steroids in another, to then back track and say Bruce trained his kick to strike out like a Bull Whip and it was amazing.......... but he was on steroids. So yes, there were very true elements in the book such as Bob Baker being Bruce's dealer, but personally, i felt the book was hugely biased against Bruce and from my opinion, i don't think the top martial artist of the day such as Joe Lewis, Mike Stone, Dan Innosanto or Chuck Norris would've given Bruce the time of day or actually bothered to train with Bruce if his skills we're a bi-product of stacking steroids which is essentially what i felt Tom was saying. Despite Bruce's faults and Bob Baker addictions, the dude had some real bad a$$ skills 💪. Cheers Stripey mate.

[@Rob-z7k]

Tom Bleeker was right all along. Years ago we thought he was full of it

[@Kapojos]

I see this book is quite expensive..!

[@StripeyR]

It's pretty cheap on Amazon, mate

[@brendanduffy2367]

Wu Ngan was payed off and shipped to the uk ,i believe he has passed away now he had a restaurant busines in Essex.

[@StripeyR]

Wu stayed very quite over the years 👍

[@Caithnessmusicman]

Stripey i really enjoyed this video. I haven't read the book but i have watched a few of Tom's videos, seems a very clever, down to earth fella, crazy to think he knew all these stars. Bruce had a phenomenal talent, i think personally he pushed himself way too hard, this in turn took a toll on his physical and mental well being, which may have led to his early death. For me though, nobody ever made kung fu look as good, on screen or off. Thanks for another amazing video.

[@scottishbanjo]

I kinda felt Tom has gone full circle … hanging out with those “ stars “ he seems to have “ come back to what’s real “

[@Caithnessmusicman]

Yep, possibly why he's still here to tell the tale..

[@Troy1g]

I have read this book. I also intend to re-read it. It is an interesting perspective on Brue Lee's matters.

[@rodneywilson8672]

I think this guy was jealous of Bruce lee and he knew he could never be the man Bruce was knowing Bruce was not here to defend himself and I think he was trying to make a pay day with this book about bruce

[@TomBleecker]

The problem is there has never been any money in Bruce Lee books. I have a very comfortable living provided to me by the money I made writing as a member of the WGA. Second, what are you referring to by "being the man Bruce was"? Be specific.

[@vinnyvincent2862]

​​@@TomBleeckerIf I may say so Sir Congratulations on your well deserved Kenpo Karate Hall of Fame Lifetime achievement Award ! 👏👍❤️🙏🇬🇧

[@TomBleecker]

@@vinnyvincent2862 Thank you for your thoughtfulness. Cheers

[@stejcool]

Thanks for the video Stripey. It’s a while since I read Tom’s book, and I know it got criticised on release for its portrayal of Saint Bruce (as he was to many fans at the time). You have to acknowledge Tom was “there at the time” but I did disagree with some of the book. The dishrag comment is what I remember best! ACTUAL FACT: Bruce Lee is the only person to have existed to look cool in that jumpsuit). I’d like Tom and Matt Polly to do revised versions of their books…

[@AndrewDownes-yb1bq]

Aup mate brought this up with kfg mentioned that ive seen tom on utube speaking about this book he goes on about some strange things he told me hes just finished recording episodes about this infamous book which will be interesting not read it yet because at the time i think he was looking for something out of it

[@itsgleneaton4883]

I had put a comment on Toms post about how Bruce was ripped off by so many to be the top star and he dies broke and the family gets nothing. And he sent a reply on how Bruce was paid well for his movies and had a list of what he got for his movies which I thought was nice for him to take the time. But how does he know for sure that nobody cheated him? He can’t. So stating things as facts that he couldn’t possibly know for sure doesn’t credit his word with me. I think he is a nice and logical man but a little off in some areas.

[@TomBleecker]

I recall our conversation. Given Bruce's credits in Hong Kong in the early 1970s when he agreed to make movies with Raymond Chow, the money he was paid was a fair amount. When Bruce made ETD with Warners, he was a member of SAG and represented by an attorney. I'm sure if the deal wasn't satisfactory to Bruce, then he would not have agreed to make the movie. Had Bruce lived, he would have become very wealthy. Whatever residuals may have been owed to him by Raymond based on their oral contracts would have amounted to peanuts.

[@itsgleneaton4883]

@@TomBleecker Thank you. Although in all honesty money to me has always been not nearly as important as doing the best I can in whatever I do and of course enjoying myself along the way. I can see you have that joy in what your doing and that’s the best feeling to which money can’t buy.

[@itsgleneaton4883]

@@TomBleecker And if I may add I know little to nothing about money matters so I thank you again for taking the time to let me know.

[@TomBleecker]

@@itsgleneaton4883 You're welcome.

[@safeashouses211]

I haven't read it, Stripey. Possibly one for the future. My most recent purchases were Mandarin Superstar and The Intercepting Fist which I was inspired to buy after your chat with the KFG!

[@StripeyR]

You've bought 2 of the best books on Bruce Lee, mate. i think you will love them. 👍

[@BruceLeeArt]

Hi Stripey, great video as usual. I have read this book and you commented on something that has puzzled me so I'm pleased you bought it up and that was Tom saying about the jumpsuit hanging off Bruce. I was practically shouting while reading the book! Bruce was bare chested in ETD which of course was filmed after the partly filmed GOD, so was I little annoyed at that particular part so wanted to ask you about it.😊 To me the book seemed to put Bruce down a lot which I found a bit irritating. The book is well written and like you said some bits were spot on (Mr Baker) and some parts ( the steroids) I'm not convinced about either. What is true is that Bruce had a lot going on in those last months and it's rather sad that it also seems he was not being paid what was owed to him. Thanks Stripey Have a great week and hopefully your internet will be up and running again soon. Take care 😊✌️

[@StripeyR]

Thank you, Elaine. Bruce looked cooler than anyone else in the yellow suit (including Uma Thurman & she looked pretty bad ass in it) I enjoyed the book, but there we're a few errors & I am sure when the KFG break this book down, we'll all learn some more. You too enjoy the weekend & take care 😄👍

[@martinschell4212]

I bought the book a few years ago, and really enjoyed it at the time. I'm going to have to read it again now though with a more critical eye 👍🏼

[@StripeyR]

It's worth a re-read, mate. 👍

[@michaelholmes4374]

Another saying as much use as a chocolate fire guard

[@StripeyR]

😅🤣

[@elvislourdes9291]

Love your rambles Stripey!! Keep up the great work,mate❤

[@StripeyR]

Thank you 👍

[@Thehumblecollectoruk]

I will look out for book .to get inside knowllege from someone who new him in person .i did have hard time when it came iut about drugs he took and performance drugs .i know he human but i looked up to him as child and adult .i thought he above all that .just cause people took it .dont mean he had too .i dont take drugs it a chose .i know he human .but i wouldnt have taken them even back then .ps where did you get your copy of book ?

[@StripeyR]

I bought the book on Amazon, mate. The link to the book is in the description 👍

[@Thehumblecollectoruk]

@@StripeyR i look it up ta

[@tapthatt2012]

One of my favorite books on Bruce. Have read it a few times. Jesse Glovers' book is another fave.

[@cheekster777]

As always, I hope you’re doing well Stripey? Thank you Bud.

[@StripeyR]

Straight back atcha Bud 👍

[@cheekster777]

@@StripeyR 🤩

[@db90990]

What were Bruce's activities the 5 days prior to his death 🤔

[@Rob-z7k]

Drugs and betty ping

[@StripeyR]

Check out the KFG's Bruce Lee's Final Months Part Four (July 1973) kzbin.info/www/bejne/nGbNYaCKh9uceq8

[@db90990]

@user-dk3up2nl1m I hope he was working out martial arts-wise & not just sexually

[@Chooch207]

funny how people are still making money off bruce lee after all these years.

[@TomBleecker]

I think you would be surprised, if not shocked, to learn just how much money writing have made writing Bruce Lee books.

[@pjtheory]

I purchased Unsettled Matters in the late 90's and found it to be a breath of fresh air. Tom's presentation of Bruce as a human being, a martial arts genius, and his repudiation of the official cause of death made his book unique. The major flaw in Tom's prose is his insistence that Lee's death was the result of abusing Cortisone. The Bob Baker letters coupled with an independent examination of Lee's autopsy results (e.g., death via drug intoxication) indicates that Bruce Lee's use/abuse of Cocaine was THE reason for his untimely death.

[@peterreynolds141]

Yet another cool I've had this book for years it was a good read but I take a few things Bleeker wrote with a pinch of salt.how he didn't know Jan Spears was Clouse I knew that from the 80s .enjoy your weekend mate all the best Pete

[@StripeyR]

Thank you, mate. It was a good read, but, is it 100% accurate? I don't think so. Have a great weekend too, mate 👍

[@Boards-dont-hit-back]

Stripey. I got rid of my broadband and bought a 4/5g router and antenna (which i just hang out the window). I got an unlimited sim only deal for £15 per month for the router and get 4 x the speed I used to get with BT openreach. I have never looked back and I am not limited to one provider and cannot be cut off, unless ALL the masts go down. I'm getting on average 200mbps and 400+ on a good day.

[@StripeyR]

That's pretty impressive, mate. We are all set up (finally) just needs..."SOMETHING TO HAPPEN". We're waiting for a call. 👍

[@Boards-dont-hit-back]

@@StripeyR I just corrceted 20mbps to 200mbps... type-o