47. War of the Worlds, Star Wars, Somebody Up There Likes Me

This week, we wonder what the chances of anything ever coming from Mars are, we get in a filmic muddle involving Paul Newman, Don Ameche, David Niven and Warren Beatty with some Chris Rock thrown in for good measure, ... and it had to happen at some point. we finally address the massive Elephant that has overshadowed the entire cinematic year of 2015 in the shape of a little space opera being released in December. Welcome to They Don’t Make ‘em Like they Used To.Join Tosin Ajayi, Sharon Bollen, and Shaun Harris on Sunshine Radio as they take a nostalgic journey through cinematic history. This week, the team dives deep into the Martian landscape with the 1953 classic War of the Worlds, explores a "hidden gem" starring Paul Newman, and discusses the enduring appeal of the historical epic The Last of the Mohicans.Bonafide Classic: War of the Worlds (1953):The team discusses this groundbreaking adaptation of H.G. Wells' novel, focusing on its innovative (for the time) special effects and its shift from Victorian England to 1950s rural America.They explore the film's subtext, noting how it reflected the Cold War era's anxieties about "foreign invaders" and the rise of technological and nuclear power.Patient's Choice: Star Wars (1977):Tracy, a patient from Alverston Ward at St. Mary's Hospital, shares her memories of seeing the original Star Wars at age 16.The discussion touches upon the film's status as the quintessential "blockbuster" and George Lucas's long journey to getting it made.Hidden Gem: Somebody Up There Likes Me (1956):Suggested by a listener on Facebook, this biopic stars Paul Newman as boxing legend Rocky Graziano.The hosts examine Newman's transformative performance, his departure from his usual "confidently charming" persona, and the film's strong supporting cast, which includes early appearances by Robert Loggia and Steve McQueen.Exception to the Rule: The Last of the Mohicans (1992):Shaun highlights this 1992 historical epic as a film made after 1980 that still holds up as a masterpiece.The group praises the film's atmospheric direction by Michael Mann, Daniel Day-Lewis's immersive acting, and its powerful, wordless emotional sequences.Please be aware that while various music tracks—including themes from War of the Worlds and Star Wars—were featured in the original broadcast, they have been edited out of this podcast version due to licensing and copyright restrictions.Do you have a favourite old film or a "hidden gem" you think the team should discuss? Reach out on Facebook or visit us at Sunshine Radio at St. Mary's Hospital on the Isle of Wight!"They Don't Make 'Em Like They Used To" – Celebrating the magic of yesterday's cinema.