11 Things You Learn Rewatching From Russia With Love
2. Ali Kerim Bey Is An Underrated Bond Sidekick
In the history of Bond allies and sidekicks, Instanbul Station T chief Ali Kerim Bey rarely gets his due as a reliable, likeable and tragically doomed hero, even though he's one of the series' best early examples.
With his firm commitment to his job, pithy sense of humour and devotion to his family, Kerim was both a crucial ally and fast friend of Bond's, helping carry out their mission until he was unceremoniously killed by Red on-board the Orient Express.
Though the scene where Bond coldly breaks the news of Kerim's death to one of his sons feels oddly lacking in emotion, Kerim is one of the more fleshed-out and intriguing early Bond pals, even if he's sadly not one of the best-remembered.
Tragically, actor Pedro Armendáriz was terminally ill with cancer during shooting, and committed suicide several months before From Russia with Love premiered.