Here’s where the legend of Bruce Lee all began (at least for American audiences). Back in 1964, Lee, only 24 years old, was invited to audition for The Green Hornet. And he nailed it, landing a starring role on the short-lived ABC television series. During these eight vintage minutes, Lee gives you, the viewer, the theory and practice of kung fu. It’s all rather enjoyable to watch, unless you’re the slow-reflexed man sharing the stage with him. The real action begins at the 4:05 minute mark.
Thanks to Maria Popova, aka @BrainPicker, for giving us a heads up on this…
If you would like to sign up for Open Culture’s free email newsletter, please find it here. It’s a great way to see our new posts, all bundled in one email, each day.
If you would like to support the mission of Open Culture, consider making a donation to our site. It’s hard to rely 100% on ads, and your contributions will help us continue providing the best free cultural and educational materials to learners everywhere. You can contribute through PayPal, Patreon, and Venmo (@openculture). Thanks!
This is wonderful footage of one of the most remarkable men to have lived. He is truly missed to this day. The world has been deprived of an incredible man and exponent of Kung Fu
Wonderful footage?!These arseholes cut every video off after 9 seconds!
Great clip. But this was a screen test for a tv series which was going to be called Charlie Chans No 1 Son. It was never made but after the sucess of Batman the producer wanted to make The Green Hornet and remembered Bruce for the role of Kato.
Sometimes ad-block extensions can mess with videos. You can try disabling AdBlock (or something like that) if you have it installed.
This was the audition for Charlie Chan’s Number One Son, not the Green Hornet. And it was done in February 1965, not 1964.
The late Bruce Lee was the epitome of water! His awesome kung-fu movements were so fluid , fast and furious like a waterfall.
Bruce is a man completely at one with who he is at that time. people are not allowed to be like that now.And he was not either. A sweet crystalline cry of the soul.