In this feature we follow up on Bruce Lee’s role in the 1969 neo-noir film Marlowe, where he played the role of Winslow Wong, a hired Kung Fu thug to keep detective Philip Marlowe (played by James Garner) off of a high profile murder case.

After decimating Detective Marlowe’s office with his bare hands as a warning to stay out of the case, Marlowe not to be deterred finds himself confronted by Winslow Wong once again at a restaurant owned by the suspect in the case and is promptly escorted outside.

With the both of them standing outside on the top of the skyscraper, Winslow Wong gives Detective Marlowe one last warning.

Take the money Marlowe.

Not a chance, any more messages?

You can hardly refuse him this time.

From here Winslow Wong starts throwing sidekicks toward Detective Marlowe, which quickly back him up to the edge of the skyscraper and certain doom. Mr Marlowe I have my instructions. Warning him one last time.

With nowhere to go Detective Marlowe’s options look slim and he looks thoroughly outmatched by the Kung Fu of Winslow Wong. But in a clear example of dated script writing Detective Marlowe figures what to say to get under Winslow Wong’s skin.

You’re a little light on your feet Winslow, are you just a little gay huh?
This enrages Winslow who proceeds to scream at the detective and throw a flying kick in his direction. Marlowe gets out of the way just in time and Winslow Wong to fall to his death.

Though his combined screen time in the film was only five minutes, Bruce Lee is by far the polarizing part of the movie. This would also mark his last role in an American film until his 1973 critically acclaimed hit ‘Enter the Dragon’.