Bruce Lee 'Lost' Interview

an unedited 25 minute interview with Bruce Lee (1940-1973) on the Pierre Berton Show. Recorded on 9th December 1971 in Hong Kong, Bruce Lee ... all » is seen being himself, speaking candidly and informally about his life, his martial art beliefs and philosophy. Through the programme Bruce's supreme confidence, charisma and focus provide a tremendous insight into the young Bruce Lee - the man behind the legend.

Pierre Berton: Let me ask you, however, about the problems that you face as a Chinese hero in an American series. Have people come up in the industry and said, "Well we don't know how the audiences are going to take a non-American?"

Bruce Lee: Well, such a question has been raised. In fact, it is, it is, it is being discussed and that is why the Warrior is probably, it's not going to be on.

Pierre Berton: I see.

Bruce Lee: you see? Because, um unfortunately, such thing does exist in this world, you see. Like, I don't know certain part of the country, right? Where like, they think that, business while, it's a risk. And I don't blame them, I don't blame them. I mean, in the same way, it's like in Hong Kong, if a foreigner came and became a star, if I were uh, the man with the money, I probably would have my own worry of whether or not the acceptance would be there. But that's all right because, if you honestly express yourself, it doesn't matter, you see? Because you're going to do it!

Pierre Berton: Are you, uh, how were the other side of the coin? Is it possible that you are, I mean you're fairly hip, and fairly Americanized, are you too western for our oriental audiences do you think?

Bruce Lee: I, oh man! like how..., I have been, I have been criticized for that!

Pierre Berton: you have, eh?

Bruce Lee: oh, definitely. Well, let me say this, when I do the Chinese film I'll try my best not to be as.....American as I, you know, I have been adjusted to for the last 12 years in the states. And but when I go back to the states, it seems to be the other way around, you know what I mean?

Pierre Berton: you're too exotic, eh?

Bruce Lee: yeah, man. I mean they're trying to get me to do too many things that are really for the sake of being exotic. You do understand what I'm trying to say?

Pierre Berton: oh sure.

Bruce Lee: so, it's really, I mean....it's...

Pierre Berton: when you live in both worlds, it brings its problems as well as its advantages, and you've got them both. Time to go to a commercial, be back in the moment with Bruce Lee

Pierre Berton: Let me ask you whether the change in attitude on the part of the Nixon administration towards China has helped your chances of starring in an American TV series?

Bruce Lee: Well, first of all, this happened before that. But I do think that things of Chinese will be quite interesting for the next few years--I mean not that I'm politically you know, inclining toward anything, you know, but...

Pierre Berton: I understand that, but I was just wondering....

Bruce Lee: but I mean once the opening of China /happens/, you know, I mean that it will bring more understanding, more things that are, hey, like different, you know? and maybe in the contrast of comparison some new thing might grow. So, therefore, I mean it's a very rich period to be in. I mean like, if I were born, let's say uh, 40 years ago /and/ if I thought in my mind and said, "boy, I'm going to star in a movie, or /going to/ star in a television series in America," well...that might be a vague dream. But I think, right now, it may be, man.

Pierre Berton: do you still think of yourself as Chinese or do you ever think of yourself as a North American?

Bruce Lee: you know what I want to think of myself? As a human being. Because, I mean I don't want to sound like ask Confucius, hey, but under the sky, under the heaven, man, there is but one family. It just so happen, man, that people are different.

Pierre Berton: ok, we've gotta go...thank you Bruce lee for coming here, and thank you for watching...

Bruce Lee: thank you, Pierre Berton, thank you.
You've been watching Bruce Lee on the Pierre Berton show, a half of hour of programme of conversation, opinion and debate.

This is Bernard Gowan speaking.