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Against all odds, Independence Day was still a good time! This week, we're going with another all-star blockbuster… but this one is from the swinging sixties! From Russia with Love (1963) is James Bond's second big screen adventure and one that established a lot of the lore and tropes that continue to be associated with the character to this day. You can join us this Friday via Discord to watch along.
As large as Bond's cultural footprint is, our connection is a very minor one: Privateer 2 wingman Iuste Suttilis. Not his lore and history but the very distinctive picture included with his wingman bio! As you can see below, Suttilis is making Bond's famous pose in which he holds his Walther PPK pistol (here a beam pistol) across his chest. The pose originated with From Russia with Love's promotional photos, with photographer David Hurn capturing it. Suttilis' bio does seem to be based on the gun photo but not the Bond aspect; they make him an expert marksman! The actor used for the photo was EA Manchester's IT guy, Paul.
NAME Iuste Suttilis
RATING Reputable
SHIP Kalrechi
HIRE 325
QUOTE
'See that ship? Watch this...'
BACKGROUND
Being an escort pilot is not exactly what you'd call a vocation - the danger is too considerable - unless the calling you feel is an irresistible urge to acquire large sums of cash. The sums involved mean that many people drift into the profession through their possession of relevant abilities. Suttilis is a prime example; a medallist in the Inter-System Firearms Championship (he took Gold in Beam Weapon/Pistol and Beam Weapon/Rifle), he decided to apply his phenomenal accuracy to more practical purposes. The wisdom of his decision is clear; although an undistinguished pilot, his aim and vision is so good that he has often destroyed enemy vessels before other pilots have even seen them.Where can I find a copy of the movie for the watch party?
From Russia with Love is available for rent or purchase on all of the standard streaming services. If you would like a physical copy, it was released on UHD in the US in 2025 and remains in print around the world. It is currently streaming on MGM+ in the US. If you are not able to locate a copy please stop by the Discord and ping a CIC staff member before Friday's showing.
How do we watch the movie together?
It's pretty low tech! Simply join the Wing Commander CIC Discord on Friday and we will be chatting (in text) along with the film in the main channel. Everyone who wants to join in should bring their own copy and we will count down to play them together at 10 PM EST. Everyone is welcome and we encourage you to join in the conversation; sharing your thoughts helps make the experience better for everyone!
How can I help pick future movie club movies?
The movie club movies are voted on each week by the Wing Commander Discord. The poll is typically posted 24 hours before each week's screening and the next movie is announced at the end. The choices for the poll come from a master pool of Wing Commander-related movies. If you would like to suggest a film for inclusion in that pool you can post it to this thread.
