Steel Magnolias
Six extraordinary friends. They share each other's laughter. They dry each other's tears.
Overview
A young beautician, newly arrived in a small Louisiana town, finds work at the local salon, where a small group of women share a close bond of friendship and welcome her into the fold.
Backdrop
What makes this movie Worth Watching
Set in the small town of Chinquapin, Louisiana during the 1980s, Steel Magnolias offers a poignant portrayal of Southern life and culture, emphasizing traditions like church gatherings, beauty pageants, and family dynamics.
- Exceptional ensemble cast featuring Oscar-winning performances by Julia Roberts and Sally Field.
- Engaging and emotional storyline revolving around female friendship, love, loss, and resilience.
- Exploration of Southern culture and traditions, providing a unique and authentic setting.
- Rich thematic elements such as strength, vulnerability, and the enduring power of community.
Fun Facts
- The original play on which the movie is based was written by Robert Harling, inspired by his real-life sister's battle with diabetes and her friends' support.
- Olivia Walton (Mary Badham), who played the matriarch in the iconic TV show 'The Waltons', plays Annelle, a character central to the story in Steel Magnolias.
- Julia Roberts, who was relatively unknown at the time, delivered her breakout role as Shelby Eatenton Latcherie, earning a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress.
Available Languages
English
US
Title:
"Six extraordinary friends. They share each other's laughter. They dry each other's tears."
Deutsch
DE
Title: Magnolien aus Stahl
"Die Stärke der Frauen"
Italiano
IT
Title: Fiori d'acciaio
"Sei amiche straordinarie. Condividono le risate l'una dell'altra. Si asciugano le lacrime a vicenda."
Español
ES
Title: Magnolias de acero
"La película más divertida que jamás te haya hecho llorar"
Magyar
HU
Title: Acélmagnóliák
""
Pусский
RU
Title: Стальные магнолии
""
Where to Watch
Cast
Crew
Reviews
You can tell from the start that this was adapted from the stage. The dialogue--for the most part--has the same earnest theatrics as your average play, and honestly it works fairly well in a knock-off Tennessee Williams kind of way.
And the stage adaptation becomes even more evident when it shows itself to be a comedy tear-jerker.
And, as I said, that's fine. It has pro-talent and it's always nice to bring the stage into your living room from time to time.
"Steel Magnolias" is an emotionally barren experience throughout as it attempts to emulate the feeble "Beaches" (1988) and it largely accomplishes the same startling underachievement as that memorably lacklustre film. This time around we are introduced (or perhaps that should be we are subjected) to an assortment of constantly wittering women warbling on about a wealth of risible nonsense we are supposed to care about (or perhaps that should be find entertaining and funny), but in the main it is none of these things which is hardly surprising since much of it is aimed squarely at what will probably be a more appreciative female audience while the rest of us merely endure it - while wishing we were watching "Die Hard" instead - and we are never rewarded with anything of thought provoking consequence which might make any of it seem worthwhile.
Oscar Awards
Wins
Haven't Won A Oscar
Nominations
ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE - 1989
Julia Roberts
Media
Trailer
Official Trailer
Teaser
Fathom's Big Screen Classics: 35th Anniversary Spot
Featurette
Dakota Fanning announces STEEL MAGNOLIAS for AFI Movie Club