73. Bio-Pics: Patton, The Sound of Music AGAIN, Lady Sings the Blues, Selma

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.