They Don't Make 'em Like They Used To - Movie Nostalgia

On the 24th of December 2016, news outlets around the world reported that Carrie Fisher, movie star and cultural icon had suffered a heart attack on a flight from London to LosAngeles, a few days later on the 27th of December she died. Her mother, the golden age movie star and cultural icon Debbie Reynolds died the next day from a stroke. Reportedly, in the wake of Carrie Fisher's death, she had said 'I want to be with Carrie' who she also named as her best friend. Tonight on they don't make 'em like they used to we dedicate our entire show (format and everything) to two ladies from one family who indelibly left their mark on the world.In this poignant episode of They Don't Make 'Em Like They Used To, recorded at St Mary's Hospital on the Isle of Wight, hosts Tosin Ajayi, Sharon Bollen, and Shaun Harris dedicate the entire show to the memory of Hollywood royalty: Debbie Reynolds and Carrie Fisher. Following the heartbreaking loss of both mother and daughter just one day apart in December 2016, the team reflects on the indelible mark they left on cinema.Bonafide Classic: Singin’ in the Rain (1952)We begin with the film that launched Debbie Reynolds into stardom. The team discusses her incredible energy, the iconic "Good Morning" sequence, and how she held her own alongside dance legends Gene Kelly and Donald O'Connor.Hidden Gem: How the West Was Won (1962)Sharon selects this sprawling epic as a showcase for Reynolds' versatility. We explore the film’s unique Cinerama three-camera process and follow Debbie's character, Lilith Prescott, through multiple generations of the American frontier.Carrie Fisher’s Breakout: Shampoo (1975)Moving to Carrie Fisher, we look at her sharp screen debut in this 1970s satire. The hosts discuss how her "fiesty" and "hard-edged" presence was evident even at the age of 20, long before she became a cultural icon in Star Wars.Exception to the Rule: When Harry Met Sally... (1989)To round out the tribute, we look at Fisher’s brilliant supporting role in what Tosin calls the "best romantic comedy ever made". We highlight her scene-stealing performance as Marie and her enduring wit both on and off-screen.Note: Due to licensing restrictions, the iconic musical tracks featured in this episode—including "Good Morning" and the Star Wars theme—have been edited out of this recording.Join us as we celebrate the legacy of two of cinema’s most beloved stars.

20 movies in 90 minutes ... and breathe. Welcome to They Don't Make 'Em Like They Used To. We decided to give in to the Christmas Spirit and tonight, we're talking FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS MOVIES on the Podcast. People dropped us a few lines as to what their Favourite Christmas movie was and why. We tried to get through them all (in 90 minutes). Great Christmas celebration.Merry Christmas and welcome to a festive edition of They Don’t Make ‘Em Like They Used To, broadcast from Sunshine Radio at St Mary's Hospital. In this supersized holiday episode, host Tosin Ajayi is joined by resident experts Sharon Bollen and Shaun Harris to explore the films that define the Christmas spirit.The team dives deep into the "rules" of what makes a true Christmas classic—from the essential character arc of redemption to the nostalgic quality of films we grow up watching year after year.The Rom-Com Staple: The Holiday (2006)Tosin highlights this modern favourite, focusing on the lush Hans Zimmer score and the themes of friendship and new beginnings.The Quintessential Classic: It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)We explore why Frank Capra’s masterpiece remains the ultimate Christmas film. The team discusses its realistic (and sometimes bleak) portrayal of life’s struggles and George Bailey's heartwarming journey toward gratitude.Musical Joy: White Christmas (1954)Sharon defends this "slice of joy in celluloid," praising its spectacular dance routines, vivid color, and the legendary Bing Crosby.The "Is it a Christmas Movie?" Debate: Die Hard (1988)The hosts tackle the long-standing debate, firmly siding with those who call it a Christmas essential. They break down the film's festive setting, its hidden message of family reconciliation, and Alan Rickman's "pantomime villain" performance.Darker Delights: The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) & Gremlins (1984)From the unique stop-motion world of Jack Skellington to the chaotic, dark humor of Mogwais gone wrong, we look at the films that add a touch of the uncanny to the holidays.Please note that while the team discusses the impact of iconic holiday scores—such as the works of Hans Zimmer, Danny Elfman, and the timeless vocals of Bing Crosby—the full music tracks have been edited out of this podcast version due to licensing restrictions.Join Tosin, Sharon, and Shaun as they unwrap the best of holiday cinema and wish you a very Merry Christmas!

The section of the show where we give the old movies a rest for a bit and focus on films you can watch in the cinemas right now.

This evening, we’re in the North of England, it’s realism on screen, it’s social commentary on screen, its dank and it’s a little bit grim. It can only be Ken Loach. We also look at the Far east meeting the wild west waaaaayy before anyone ever heard of Jackie Chan or Owen Wilson. And we end up with a film that briefly threatened to make Swords and sandals a viable genre again. Welcome to They Don’t Make ‘em Like They Used To.Regular host Tosin Ajayi and Shaun Harris lead the discussion for this episode, noting that their fellow host, Sharon Bollen, was unable to join them for the recording.Bonafide Classic: The team reviews Ken Loach's 1969 masterpiece, Kes. The conversation highlights the film's gritty realism, its status as a landmark of British cinema, and its poignant look at the 1960s education system.Hidden Gem: The episode features a deep dive into the 1971 Western Red Sun. The hosts examine its unique international cast—including Charles Bronson, Toshiro Mifune, Alain Delon, and Ursula Andress—and its blend of Western and Samurai film tropes.Exception to the Rule: The discussion concludes with the Ridley Scott epic Gladiator (2000). They reflect on the film's success in reviving the "swords and sandals" genre and its lasting impact on modern cinema.Note: Due to licensing restrictions, the music tracks featured in this broadcast have been edited out.The show was originally broadcast on Sunshine Radio at St Mary's Hospital.

This evening, we discuss the odyssey of a guy who was born a poor black Child, we drag a slightly forgotten movie from one of englands screen sweethearts into the sunlight, spend time watching movies for free with a 1950s cinema usher, and sticking with the 1950s, we defy the Governmental powers that be and bid you Good Night & Good Luck. Welcome to They Don’t Make ‘em Like They Used To.In this episode of "They Don't Make 'Em Like They Used To" on Sunshine Radio, host Tosin Ajayi and studio guest Sharon Bollen take listeners on a cinematic journey through Hollywood history, focusing on films made before 1980 that remain timeless classics.Bonafide Classic: The show opens with a tribute to Steve Martin’s 1979 debut, The Jerk. Tosin and Sharon discuss Martin’s transition from a stand-up comedian to a film star and the enduring, innocent charm of his character, Navin Johnson.Patient’s Choice: Tosin visits the Alverston Ward at St Mary’s Hospital to speak with Kathleen Snow. Kathleen reminisces about her days as a cinema usher in the 1940s and her love for the dance films of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.Hidden Gem: Sharon selects the 1966 coming-of-age drama Sky West and Crooked, starring Hayley Mills and Ian McShane. The team discusses the film’s atmospheric portrayal of the English countryside and its themes of lost innocence.Exception to the Rule: The episode concludes with George Clooney’s 2005 black-and-white masterpiece, Good Night, and Good Luck. The hosts explore its historical significance regarding the McCarthy era and its stunning cinematography and jazz score.Note: Please be aware that while various music tracks were discussed and played during the original broadcast, they have been edited out of this podcast version due to licensing issues.Episode HighlightsFilm and Music ChoicesContributorFilm ChoiceSong ChoiceGlenn (via Facebook)The Jerk (1979)N/AKathleen Snow (Patient)Top Hat (1935)"Cheek to Cheek" (Heaven)Sharon Bollen (Guest)Sky West and Crooked (1966)N/ATosin Ajayi (Host)Good Night, and Good Luck (2005)"One for My Baby" (Dianne Reeves)

Shaun gives three/four clues to a movie acting legend. See if you can guess the star before Tosin does in the studio. extracted from our 30th of September 2016 show. https://soundcloud.com/tajayimedia/76-network-dodge-city-the-big-short

On the show tonight, Marlon Brando Sings!!! That one clue is enough for many to figure out what film we are talking about, also Mario Lanza Sings!!! although we never get to see the poor bloke in the film and finally David Bowie Sings!!! along with a package that you would have thought many people would have been uncomfortable with having in a Children’s film. Welcome to They Don’t Make ‘em Like They Used To.

This evening, we are keeping some illustrious company. I’m talking people who did stuff so momentous that someone threw millions of dollars into a pot to make a film about them, We have an Army General, a Blues Legend, and a civil rights trailblazer. All this and more to come on tonight’s They Don’t Make ‘em Like They Used To.In this episode of "They Don't Make 'Em Like They Used To," host Tosin Ajayi is joined in the studio by Sharon Bollen and Shaun Harris to explore the fascinating world of biopics (biographical pictures). The team delves into the lives of legendary figures through the lens of classic and modern cinema, sharing personal insights and behind-the-scenes trivia.The show features a diverse selection of films, from war dramas to civil rights milestones:The Patton Legacy: Shaun highlights George C. Scott's masterful portrayal of the controversial general, noting the film's impressive technical achievements despite the lack of period-accurate tanks in 1970.The Magic of Julie Andrews: Following Judith’s choice, the team discusses the enduring popularity of The Sound of Music and the vocal clarity of Dame Julie Andrews, even sharing a surprising fact about Maria von Trapp’s brief cameo in the film.Billie Holiday’s Struggles: Sharon leads a deep dive into the 1972 film Lady Sings the Blues, praising Diana Ross’s Oscar-nominated performance and how the movie effectively mirrors then-contemporary racial issues through a historical lens.Civil Rights and Cinema: The episode concludes with a look at Selma, discussing David Oyelowo's portrayal of Dr. King and the film's powerful depiction of non-violent protest.Throughout the show, Shaun provides clues to a mystery movie legend who turned down the role of Aragorn in Lord of the Rings and Vincent Vega in Pulp Fiction. The mystery actor is eventually revealed as Daniel Day-Lewis.Note: Please be aware that music tracks discussed during the interviews have been edited out due to licensing issues.Episode HighlightsContributor/Role/Film Choice/Subject MatterShaun Harris/Studio Guest/Patton (1970)/The World War II career of General George S. Patton.Judith/Alverston Ward /Patient/The Sound of MusicA fictionalized account of the Maria von Trapp and the Trapp Family singers.Sharon Bollen/Studio Guest/Lady Sings the BluesThe life and struggles of jazz icon Billie Holiday.Studio Team/Collective Choice/Selma (2014)Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s 1965 voting rights march from Selma to Montgomery.

This evening, we tackle a biopic of one of the most famous items of clothing in The Roman Empire, we stumble across two musical cinematic legends that have somehow been hiding their sole collaboration under a rock all these years, and we jump forward in time to tackle a new version of an old romp. Welcome to They Don’t Make ‘em Like They Used To.Get ready to go back in time as Tosin and Sharon take you on a journey through cinema's hidden treasures and legendary classics! From the sun-soaked Isle of Wight, they break down films with the precision of a fine-toothed comb. 🎬✨The Bone-Fide Classic: A look at the 1953 cinematic spectacle The Robe. Discover the story of a Roman Tribune's obsession with a sacred garment and how it changed cinema history as the first film in CinemaScope.The Hidden Gem: Ever heard of Young at Heart (1954)? Dive into this heartwarming tale starring Doris Day and Frank Sinatra as a musical family navigates love, cynicism, and destiny.The Modern Masterpiece: A breakdown of Steven Soderbergh's slick 2001 heist hit, Ocean's 11. Learn how star power and a "romp" through Vegas redefined the genre.⚠️ NOTE: Due to licensing restrictions, the music tracks featured in this broadcast have been edited out.Whether you're a film buff or just looking for your next movie night inspiration, join the "celluloid archaeologists" for an episode full of wit, history, and a touch of Hollywood magic! 🌟🍿#SunshineRadio #FilmHistory #TheRobe #YoungAtHeart #Oceans11

This week, we take a bit of a stroll through the back end of the 60s, stopping at some point in the 70's. And in another of our inadvertent themes, we look at Rock stars playing at being actors. Welcome to They Don't Make 'em Like They Used To.This week on They Don't Make 'Em Like They Used To, the team at Sunshine Radio explores the evolving persona of the rockstar on film, journeying from the gritty streets of 1960s London to the far reaches of a sci-fi future.The Bonafide Classic: We dive into the psychedelic 1970 crime drama Performance. The team discusses Mick Jagger's legendary performance as a reclusive rock star and the film's controversial, avant-garde production history.The Hidden Gem: We examine the 1969 film They Shoot Horses, Don’t They?, a brutal and emotional depiction of a Great Depression-era dance marathon starring Jane Fonda in a career-defining role.The Exception to the Rule: Breaking the pre-1980 rule, we look at the 2000 cult classic Pitch Black. The crew explores how this lean, muscular sci-fi thriller launched Vin Diesel’s career and successfully subverted genre stereotypes.A Special Patient’s Choice: In a special request for Carl on Alverstone Ward, we discuss the 1975 film Slade in Flame, featuring the band Slade. Carl reminisces about the film’s unvarnished and cynical take on the music industry.Note: All featured music tracks, including songs by Slade and Mick Jagger, have been edited out of this digital upload due to licensing restrictions.If you enjoyed these deep dives into cinematic history, what era or genre of classic film would you like to hear us explore in a future episode?

This evening, in one of the most slam dunk casting decisions in movie history, David Bowie is an Alien. In the wild, wild west, it’s cowboys vs …. dinosaurs? We hear of one lady's early cinema going life in Barbados, Let’s just say the King travels well, and we talk a film that gives Shaun that childhood feeling all over again. Welcome to They Don’t Make ‘em Like They Used ToThis week, Tosin and the team at Sunshine Radio are broadcasting from St. Mary's Hospital on the Isle of Wight. We're exploring the intersection of sci-fi and reality with David Bowie's alien turn, witnessing the bizarre mash-up of cowboys and dinosaurs, and listening to a life story that spans decades of movie-going from Barbados to the UK.Note: music tracks edited out due to licensing issuesIn this EpisodeThe Man Who Fell to Earth (1976): We discuss Nicolas Roeg's cult classic starring David Bowie. The team delves into the film’s themes of corruption, the human condition, and Bowie’s perfect casting as an otherworldly being.Cinematic Memories from Barbados: Brenda and Mary from the Alverston Ward share their early cinema experiences. Brenda reminisces about watching films upside-down in Barbados while sitting on Coke boxes and her teenage love for Elvis Presley.Hidden Gem - The Valley of Gwangi (1969): Recommended by Dan Fraser, we explore this unique "Cowboys vs. Dinosaurs" flick featuring Ray Harryhausen’s legendary stop-motion animation.Modern Classic - Fury (2014): Sean explains why this gritty WWII tank drama, starring Brad Pitt, earned its place as an "exception to the rule" for great modern cinema.Featured Films & FiguresThe ClassicThe Man Who Fell to Earth (1976)Hidden GemThe Valley of Gwangi (1969)The ExceptionFury (2014)Island Guest Brenda and Mary from Alverstone Ward

This evening, we pretend to be anybody who is anybody with Fat Sam, sing an ode to that great servant of cinema, The Cowboy, Follow two rogue soldiers attempting to become Afghani royalty and have a blast on the french riviera chasing old women’s money. Welcome to They Don’t Make ‘em Like They Used To.In this episode of "They Don’t Make ‘Em Like They Used To," host Tosin and co-hosts Shaun and Sharon broadcast from the Alverstone Ward at St. Mary's Hospital on the Isle of Wight. The team takes a deep dive into the world of cinematic tricksters, rogues, and the enduring charm of the Western genre.Bonafide Classic: We explore the 1976 musical-gangster mashup Bugsy Malone. The group discusses the film’s unique cast of child actors, its iconic "splurge guns," and the breakout performance of a young Jodie Foster.Hospital Patient Choice: Tosin chats with Doug Watson in Alverstone Ward about his early childhood memories of Saturday afternoon Westerns. They discuss the "escapism" of the classic cowboy and how the genre’s themes have persisted through film history, from John Wayne to Star Wars.The Hidden Gem: Inspired by a fan suggestion from Giles, the team reviews the 1975 adventure The Man Who Would Be King. Starring Sean Connery and Michael Caine, the film is praised for its epic storytelling and the brilliant chemistry between its legendary leads.Exception to the Rule: Our modern masterpiece for the night is the 1988 comedy Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. Tosin highlights the effortlessly funny performances of Michael Caine and Steve Martin as rival con artists on the French Riviera and discusses the film’s clever construction and surprising twists.Please be aware that all music tracks discussed in this episode—including scores from Bugsy Malone and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels—have been edited out due to licensing issues.Join us as we celebrate the scoundrels and gunslingers that remind us why they just don't make 'em like they used to.

Tonight on our re-make special we shall be looking at classic films that have been re-made, re-used and re-cycled. We will be saying Good Morning to Baltimore, You must remember this to San Antonio and Good Grief, I wasn’t expecting that in the antarctic. Welcome to They don’t re-make em like they used to.In tonight's remake special of They Don’t Make ‘Em Like They Used To, host Sharon and co-hosts Shaun and Joe delve into the world of film remakes, reuses, and re-imaginings. Broadcasting from St. Mary’s Hospital on the Isle of Wight, the team brings a twist to their usual format by exploring how classic pre-1980s cinema compares to more recent adaptations.Hidden Gem – Hairspray: Sharon kicks off the show with her personal choice, comparing John Waters' 1988 cult classic with the 2007 musical remake. The group discusses the evolution of characters like Edna Turnblad, traditionally played by men in drag, from Divine to John Travolta. They also examine the film's deeper themes of racial integration and civil rights in 1962 America.Bonafide Classic – The Alamo: Shaun introduces the 1960 epic directed by and starring John Wayne. The team compares this legendary portrayal of the 1836 siege with the 2004 revisionist remake starring Billy Bob Thornton and Dennis Quaid. They discuss the historical accuracies, the legendary Davy Crockett, and the emotional resonance of the musical score "The Green Leaves of Summer".Sci-Fi/Horror Remakes – The Thing: Joe sets a chilling scene in the Antarctic with the 1982 version of The Thing, directed by John Carpenter. The discussion spans from the original 1951 film The Thing from Another World to Carpenter's masterpiece and the 2011 prequel/remake. They highlight the suspenseful "blood test" scene and the sheer mastery of Carpenter's atmospheric tension.The Quiz: Joe challenges the team with a cinematic trivia quiz centered around an Academy Award-winning legend whose career spanned six decades and who beat out icons like Frank Sinatra and James Dean for Best Actor.Note: Please be aware that all music tracks discussed during this episode have been edited out due to licensing restrictions.Join us as we explore why sometimes the classics are best, and other times, they don't remake 'em like they used to.