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10 movies that are the definition of “they don’t make ’em like they used to”
The article argues that modern Hollywood’s focus on a narrower range of genres and familiar properties has left some kinds of films less visible in cinemas. It recommends ten older films as examples of the crowd-pleasing dramas, romantic comedies and adventures that the writer believes are now made less often for theatrical release.
The examples in the supplied text include Frank Capra’s *Mr Smith Goes to Washington*, a political drama about public duty, and *His Girl Friday*, a fast-paced newsroom comedy starring Cary Grant and Rosalind Russell. It also highlights John Huston’s *The Treasure of the Sierra Madre*, an adventure film about the corrupting influence of gold; the article’s text ends before all ten films are listed.
In short
- The article says Hollywood has narrowed its range of theatrical films.
- Three older examples are *Mr Smith Goes to Washington*, *His Girl Friday* and *The Treasure of the Sierra Madre*.
- Streaming can help younger viewers discover classic films.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The article makes a case that cinema has become less varied: studios often favour familiar franchises and a narrower set of genres, leaving fewer theatrical opportunities for adult dramas, romantic comedies and original adventures. Older films such as Mr Smith Goes to Washington and His Girl Friday show how crowd-pleasing storytelling could also explore civic duty, journalism and relationships, and revisiting them can highlight what audiences may be missing.
The case against
A focus on older films can make changes in cinema look like simple decline, when they may reflect shifting audience tastes and the move of some genres to streaming or independent film. Contemporary cinema still includes varied stories, while familiar properties can fund theatrical releases and draw audiences; a list of ten older titles also cannot establish how often such films are made today.