ALS signed “Bruce,” one page both sides, 8 x 11, Jeet Kun Do emblem letterhead, no date [envelope postmarked June 15, 1967]. Lee writes to Taky Kimura, his top student and confidant. In part: “It looks like a 99% chance of my coming to Seattle on the 27th of this month. I’ll come by way of New York after my demonstration at the All American Open Karate Championship sponsored by Henry Cho. The C.B.S. deal is pushed back to November and the one hr. fantasy they try to sell now as a one hr. special to Fox as a test like pilot to see reception (if it sells to Fox). This season they are very star conscious, they want big name [sic], thus this turning into a special to see if my name can carry the show. That is, the first test is if Fox is interested at all, since no one makes money on a special. All in all the whole picture is as usual, one of waiting, waiting and waiting. Did you find out about uniforms? Let me know on that. I’ll be leaving for Oakland first (probably this coming Monday nite) to bring my dog down to a vet (James’ student) to keep while I am away. See you soon (I’ll stay three days this time).” After signing, Lee adds a postscript on the reverse: “By the way, Linda's mother is planning on renting a hall to invite all her friends to come so I can do a demonstration before them—she is carrying away so I need your help, if and when she does rent it. Linda is in Seattle right now, probably you can call her to find out more about it. Call her next week because by then I should know definite when I’m coming.” Inspired by the success of the Batman series, ABC brought an adaptation of the popular comic book The Green Hornet to television in 1966-67. It was through this series, which starred Van Williams in the title role, that Lee (as “Kato”) first came to the widespread attention of American audiences. In contrast to the obvious campiness of the TV Batman, the producers of the Green Hornet decided to play the series as “straight” action/adventure entertainment. In spite of the considerable interest in Lee, the series was cancelled after only one season. The CBS project Lee alludes to evidently never came to pass. Accompanied by an undated TLS of provenance from Kimura. Matted and framed (so that both sides of the letter are visible) with a photo and the original mailing envelope to an overall size of 23.5 x 17. In very good condition, with scattered staining and soiling, slight running of ink to a few words, and show-through of writing on reverse (rendering several lines of text somewhat difficult to read but fully legible; show-through only slightly visible behind signature). PSA/DNA Auction LOA and R&R COA.
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