Call Me Stormy

From Russia With Love

America First radio host Sebastian Gorka and Chris Kohls, better known as the creator behind the Mr. Reagan videos, debate which is the best of the James Bond movies. That’s a tough assignment, considering this is one of the longest-lasting film franchises of all time, continuing uninterrupted for nearly 60 years. All told, the series encompasses 25 different action adventures.

While there’s certainly plenty of room to debate, Gorka and Kohls both favor From Russia With Love, from 1963, as the crowning achievement of the series. Here, you can revisit the highlights as Sean Connery’s James Bond, British M16 Agent  007, travels to Turkey to help a Soviet consulate clerk to defect.

Along the way, he must battle the villains from Spectre at every turn. Lotte Lenya plays one of the adversaries, but this second Bond picture — following the debut film Dr. No — really began to exhibit the amazing stuntwork, stunning sights and spectacular cinematography that became hallmarks of the entire series.

Our only complaint: The opening song, credited to Matt Monro, isn’t as memorable or catchy as Bond hits that came later. Shirley Bassey’s torchy songs — Goldfinger and Diamonds Are Forever — defined James Bond. Forever.