POD, May 15th 1969.
TV Star forms studio - New York Times May 15th 1969
Tired of receiving supporting roles, former Green Hornet star, Bruce Lee formed a film studio in San Fransisco; Lee received financial support from Phillips Electronics and a first look deal with Columbia Pictures, the name of Lee's company is Concord Productions.
Filming on The Silent Flute, Concord's first film, began September 18th, 1969; the film was being shot in California and Bruce was going to direct the film himself. The Silent Flute went through many production issues that ranged from re-writes, to actor changes, and Columbia cutting off funding after the film was 95% complete due to management changes; however the film was released on August 19th, 1973 to mixed to positive reception.
The plot to The Silent Flute is as follows: it runs mostly like OTL's Circle of Iron but without the comedic elements.
Cast:
Chuck Norris as Cord
James Coburn as Morthond
Roddy McDowell as White Robe
Bruce Lee as the Blind Man, The Monkey Man, Death, Chang-Sha
Peter Cushing as Zetan
The Silent Flute grossed $53,000,000 worldwide, and was released by CBS' 7Arts division.
CBS had bought Warner-7Arts in 1969 and kept 7Arts and Warner Bros.'s library but spun Warner Bros. off; Warner Bros. was then acquired by ABKCO Industries, the Animation and Television arms were bought by Apple (IOTL Apple Corps.).
The Silent Flute's success had brought hope to Lee; he began working on other projects afterward.