Steel Magnolias Movie
Storyline
TAGLINES
The funniest movie ever to make you cry.
Sometimes laughter is a matter of life and death.
Revolving around Truvy's Beauty Parlor in a small parish in modern-day Louisiana, STEEL MAGNOLIAS is the story of a close-knit circle of friends whose lives come together there. As the picture opens, we find Drum Eatenton shooting birds in the trees of his back yard in preparation for his daughter's wedding reception that afternoon. Shortly thereafter, M'Lynn and Shelby (Drum's wife and daughter) depart for Truvy's to get their hair done for the wedding. "Just the sweetest thing," Annelle Depuy Desoto (who may or may not be married because her marriage may not be legal) is introduced to Truvy's customers as her new "glamour technician." While in the chairs, the sour-tempered Ouiser Boudreaux shows up and entertains the assemblage with her barbs. It seems that the only one of the group who truly understands Ouiser is Clairee who is recently widowed and looking for a diversion. As she says, later in the picture, "If you can't find anything good to say about anybody, come sit by me." Filled with humor and heartbreak, these "Steel Magnolias" make us laugh and cry as the realities of their lives in tiny Chiquapin Parish unfolds.
| Sally Field | M'Lynn Eatenton |
| Dolly Parton | Truvy Jones |
| Shirley MacLaine | Ouiser Boudreaux |
| Daryl Hannah | Annelle Dupuy Desoto |
| Olympia Dukakis | Clairee Belcher |
| Julia Roberts | Shelby Eatenton Latcherie |
| Tom Skerritt | Drum Eatenton |
| Sam Shepard | Spud Jones |
| Dylan McDermott | Jackson Latcherie |
| Kevin J. O'Connor | Sammy Desoto |
| Bill McCutcheon | Owen Jenkins |
| Ann Wedgeworth | Aunt Fern |
| Knowl Johnson | Tommy Eatenton |
| Jonathan Ward | Jonathan Eatenton |
| Bibi Besch | Belle Marmillion |
| Herbert Ross |
6.80 out of 10 (12265 votes)
Visitor Reviews
Chronology confusions...
posted on 18 Mar 2009I really enjoy watching this movie for so many reasons, but here's a nagging question: Is anyone else confused about the timing of Annelle's pregnancy? My mother and I have obsessed about this for years, and we chase around and around and never solve it.The movie starts at Easter time, let's say in 1980. At Christmas 1980, Shelby announces her pregnancy. Jack Jr. is "born on the 3rd of July", 1981, and his 1st birthday is celebrated in the movie in July 1982, in the days before Shelby's kidney transplant. Annelle is not visibly pregnant when she comes running out with the pot of beans for Shelby's family. Then Shelby has her rejection scene at Halloween, when Annelle has her wedding shower (we can't see her well enough to know if she's already visibly pregnant); Jack looks like he's no more than 15 months old, so it's probably still 1982. At Shelby's funeral, it's autumn and Annelle suddenly looks pregnant and talks about the baby (she'd be 3-4 months along at this point), and Jack Jr. still looks really little when M'Lynn picks him up from Aunt Fern's. Annelle's baby is then born at Easter time, at most 6 months after the funeral; in those final scenes, Jack Jr. looks a LOT older than 22 months, which is what he would have to be at that point. I think in the credits it even refers to him as "Jack Jr. (age 3)" or something.So, one of two things could be true: A. Shelby stayed in her coma for an entire year and died at Halloween in 1983, and Annelle's baby was born at Easter in 1984, in which case Jack Jr. should have been a lot bigger when M'Lynn went to pick him up but would fit his appearance in the final Easter scene.OR B. Annelle was already pregnant when she got married. Given that she was so religious that she wouldn't let Sammy keep beer in the fridge and got really embarrassed over the kinky underwear from Ouiser, I have a hard time believing that. It's also not as if seriously religious people don't get pregnant before getting married, but it is not really consistent with her character, and they don't say anything about it, leading me to believe that it was just an oversight.Clearly I've thought about this more than the people who made the movie, which is to say I've thought about it way too much! The movie is not about Annelle, so it doesn't really matter, but the inconsistencies bugged me.I saw the stage play, and I don't think Annelle even gets pregnant in that script, so no resolution there. Any theories?
Heartwarming
posted on 03 Mar 2009Steel Magnolias piqued my interest,because I heard of all the people who was in it.When I began watching it I thought it was going to be boring the whole way through,but after a few minutes into the film it picked up pace and before long the film was over and I was left astonished at how great it was.I thought it was wonderful just because it combined so many powerful feelings into one movie,such as comedy and sadness.This was a really great film,and it is one of my favorite "Chick Flicks" that I have seen.It was not that much of a crier film,but there was some parts that were extremely sad.They did a good job of equalizing the sadness and laughter,because if they didn't when you were through watching it you would've either thought it was a sad movie which they tried to make funny,or a funny movie which they tried to make sad.This is a really great film and I don't see why it's rating is at least around a 7.6!(Yeah,it was that good.)
A testosterone infused thrill ride.
posted on 17 Jan 2009The high anxiety action sequences were like none other I have ever witnessed which is saying a lot. The adrenaline! oh oh I can't take it anymore! This is definitely not for the squeamish. STEEL MAGNOLIAS offers the viewer a strong social commentary on the grisly violence we face in today's dog-eat-dog society. Will we choose to pick up the sword and fight or will we stand back and allow nature to take its course? I was disappointed it wasn't ten hours long. Daryl Hannah never looked more attractive. I only wish this movie will continue to play in heavy televised rotation since my ex live-in girlfriend took the VCR when she left.
Definitely one for the tissues
posted on 22 Oct 2008I love chick flicks! The bonding, the bitching, the laughing, the crying... definitely one to watch with the girls, and the guys too if you can get them (if only to hear the classic line: No, I got popcorn in my eye)! The performances are all great, and I love Julia Roberts in this, so natural and effervescent (I think she's getting too Hollywood now). This is a movie about the characters, that sounds stupid-probably is- but every one of them is so engaging, each story gets you- you even feel for the grumpy ones! I love movies where you don't have to think too deeply whilst the emotions speak for themselves. I'm not saying this is mindless and inane, on the contrary it's the definition of 'touching'! It's a very well portrayed, natural and realistic insight into the lives of a group seemingly ordinary women- behind the obvious differences and conflicts, the relationships and situations are complex. Just looking at the women in my family confirms this; the discord runs deep, but the loyalty runs deeper. This is the original home-town girl movie; bring the tissues, bring it on!
Scary
posted on 22 Oct 2008This film is very scary and not suitable for everybody, there are certain scenes in the film that makes you want to look away in disgust and there are other scenes that may give you nightmares. Especially the scene were Dolly Parton has cut all of Julia Roberts hair and Julia is so sad because her hair is short even though she wanted it and she is almost going to cry but her mother and her friends keep telling her it is allright Shelby it is allright. Scary. If that is not enough for you then you have this. Darryl Hannah plays a girl who comes to this town somewhere in Louisiana and gets a job assisting a hair dresser played by Dolly Parton. Hannah´s caracter is really a dumb one in the film and is very poor in the beginning but then meets a man and becomes so religious. Dolly Parton has few friends one played by Sally Field who in the beginning of the film is planning her daughters Wedding. Her daughter is named Shelby and is played by Julia Roberts. Shelby is diabetic and is sometimes very sick in the film. Then there is Olympia Dukakis character which is supposed to make everybody feel good because she is so free spirited and happy woman who smiles a lot. Shirley McLaine obviously was paid a lot to be in this film because she wasn´t having much fun played an old hag who hated everybody in the movie and never smiled. You get to know these women and what is going on in their lives etc. This film is great when you are watching television while you are doing something else or want to be really scared one night and have nightmares.
laughed a lot
posted on 28 Sep 2008I am a fan of Tom Skerritt. Until that movie I saw him only in serious roles and I couldn't believe that he can be so fun. Ouiser Boudreaux is also a great character. This movie is a firework of interaction between the persons, never boring, you feel with the characters, especially, as Shelby died. But her mother has really good friends, who help her. This movie shows some years out of the life of a family in Louisiana, but without too much stereotypes and I like the way, how they tell. Yes, I wish I would have seen this film ten years earlier.
Solid story telling!
posted on 04 Sep 2008Steel Magnolias has a wonderful cast, and the script Robert Harling ( First Wives Club), is great! He is a solid story teller. The story has humor, conflict, tragedy, and is very educational, showing the different aspects of diabetes. The filmography by Oscar nominee and Golden Globe winner,
among others awards, Herbert Ross (Undercover Blues, The Goodbye Girl, The Turning Point) is impressive, worth a look.
One of the most interesting aspects of this movie is that they manage to turn beautiful and extremely elegant, Daryl Hannah (Grumpy Old Men, Legal Eagles) into an ugly and off beat character. She is very flaky and weird in this movie. It shows that she has talent.
I believe that Julia Roberts (Mystic Pizza, Notting Hill, Erin Brockovich) really knows how to pick her roles. She has a great personality, and I say this not only because she is cute because she is, but because Julia is always positive, smiling, and joking around. I have most of her movies on tape. She is also a great actress. Her accent in this movie is great. Many of the actresses in this movie are from the South. Dolly Parton (Nine to Five) is from Tennessee; Shirley MacLaine (Evening Star, Guarding Tess, Postcards from the Edge) is from Virginia; and Sally Field (Norma Rae, The Flying Nun) has been exposed to the South. They are all good in their accents and roles. My favorite role in this movie is Ouiser played by Shirley MacLaine. I might not agree with Shirley's ideas, but I watched her interview in "Inside the Actors Studio" and she is brilliant and witty. The movie also has the brilliant actors Tom Skerritt (A River Runs Through It) and Sam Shepard (Crimes of the Heart). If you haven't seen this movie, get it and watch it. You will laugh a lot, and get the chance to see Dylan McDermott (The Practice) in one of his first roles.
My favorite quotes: M'Lynn: "That church looks like it's been hosed down with Pepto-Bismol." Truvy: "When it comes to pain and suffering, she's right up there with Elizabeth Taylor." Truvy: "Oh, Sammy's so confused he don't know whether to scratch his watch or wind his butt." Ouiser: "I'm not crazy, I've just been a very bad mood for the last 40 years!" There are so many great lines that you must see the movie.
Favorite Scenes: The women's conversation in the beauty parlor are great and give a great insight into women. That is how they bond.
Excellent Players, Wonderful Story
posted on 06 Jun 2008STEEL MAGNOLIAS ****1/2 Everyone can fall in love with 'Steel Magnolias', the character-driven story that peaks into the lives of six women living in a small Southern town. It starts off with a humorous tone and slowly evolves into something more on the lines of drama before it reaches a tearjerker ending. The ladies frequently meet together at Dolly Parton's beauty salon where many subplots are planted: the typical madness and joyfulness Sally Field and Julia Roberts share in light of a wedding taking place, Daryl Hannah developing self-confidence amidst a trial, the apparent solidity in Shirley MacLaine and Olympia Dukakis's friendship.
The flavor of the South
posted on 13 May 2008Every time I see this movie, I want to eat a plateful of jambalaya and smell the sweet aroma of a magnolia. No other movie I've seen quite captures the essense of southern living like Steel Magnolias. This movie has everything, hysterical comedy and satisfying drama. Everyone was great: Sally Field as M'Lynn, a mother who still worries about her very grown up daughter; Julia Roberts as Shelby, a special young woman who feels that having a baby is worth risking everything; Dolly Parton as Truvy, a lonely beautician who brightens like a light bulb when her little shop is full of "hens" : ) ; Olympia Dukkakis as Clairee, the town bigwig who loves to gossip; Daryl Hannah as Annelle, a very religious young woman who drives her friends crazy with her sudden fits of prayer; and of course who can forget Shirley McLaine as Ouiser, the grouchy old wretch who tows her pathetic dog around and mercilessly cusses out the equally obnoxious Drum (Tom Skerrit)??? A very satisfying movie for comedy and drama lovers alike. A totally feel good, yet very real movie.
Come and Listen to My Story 'bout a Gal Named Shel(by)
posted on 13 May 2008We took a weekend trip from Baton Rouge, LA to Natchitoches, LA, where fifteen years earlier the filming of Steel Magnolias in 1989 remains about the biggest thing that ever happened. Having never seen the movie, we rented it as soon as we got back home. Everyone had a reason for watching it in two segments--mine was my sense that this was one of the "cutest" movies I'd ever seen, and I'd had quite enough "cute" lately, especially after sitting through Will Smith in "Hitch". The accents and the caricatures of the characters were all so thick that it reminded me of The Beverly Hillbillies, though more embarrassing than funny. One "Hillbillies-like" moment that pretty funny was the few non-female characters' effort to shoot some "crows" out of a tree so that they won't "sh*t all over the reception". Their creative use of a crossbow is a classic.Sad to say there isn't much else classic in a story that is at the same time saccharine and maudlin. I saw another review that noted the choppiness of some scenes (as the movie was adapted from a play that never left the beauty shop). I can think of two scenes in particular--one where the town-big wig Clairee (played by the noted-Southern belle Olympia Dukasis) buys the local radio station so that she can do the color commentary on the local football games (the scene features the same guy filmed bare from the back waist-and-lower view as he walks in front camera in the locker room three times.) In another scene, the Darryl Hannah (hard to recognize) committed Christian character argues with her boyfriend over his repeated taking of the Lord's name in vain. Neither scene has any impact on the rest of the story.Dolly Parton is her usual big hair, big smile, big **** self as the lead hairdresser. Shirley MacLaine has a very unsympathetic character as the Eatonton's (Julie and Sally, and family) ill-tempered neighbor. The male characters are more or less wasted, especially the estimable Sam Shepard, who spends most of the film underneath a car, or sitting lifelessly in front of a TV.The movie moved up from a 2 during the seemingly endless wedding prep and wedding of the first half to a 6 in the second half, which became more dramatic. Sally Field has a pretty good scene near the end, she and the story make you think a little about the motives of the main character (Julia Roberts as Shelby).Overall, I thought that Steel Magnolias was a relatively embarrassing depiction of life in the beautiful town of Natchitoches, LA. Given that the locals seemed not to mind too much, I may be overreacting. They even showed us where the truck made an illegal left turn in the final scene. I hope this is not a spoiler.I don't really understand the almost universal overwhelming praise by the reviewers here. I understand the overall rating under 7, as all the 10's from the reviewers are being offset by 4's and 5's by people who saw the movie as I did, but were too nice to submit a comment.
Play probably better
posted on 16 Apr 2008I love this film, and always cry when Sally Field does, but would love to see the original play on stage. The film has opened up the play way too much. It shows us things we really don't need to see, and slows the whole thing down. I'm a long way from the Deep South here in Hackney, London, England, but only Dolly Parton's voice really convinces. The cast is wonderful, but they do overact. I feel the director didn't know how to treat Olympia's character. She's the wise-cracking one, which is telegraphed by constant close-ups of her smiling quizzically. Wisecracks are supposed to be thrown away! And sometimes the cast say funny lines as if they were wondering what they meant. Someone should put it back inside the hairdressing salon, move the location to Manchester and get Victoria Wood to direct it. Two things brand this film as a product of the 80s: all that female "bonding" and the idea that the best thing a woman can be is "strong". Strong - pah! Give me happy any day.
Wonderfully sad
posted on 13 Apr 2008This is one of the best ensemble casts ever assembled. It follows the lives of 6 women in a small town, showing us the fights, the feuds, and the friendships. We see them rejoice at weddings, and births, we worry with them when one of their own is sick, we cry with them when one dies.The best part about this movie is that it shows us two things.1. True friends are always there for us. That even when you don't like the person very much, you still love them and will stand by them.2. Even though they are considered the "weaker" sex, it's usually the woman who ends up dealing with life's trials and tribulations, while the men avoid the pain.It's a great movie to watch, just remember to have plenty of tissues available.
chick flick with excellent cast
posted on 11 Mar 2008"Steel Magnolias" has a fabulous cast of ladies taking the lead roles - Dolly Parton as the beautician/hairdresser who is friends with all and keeps the place going, Sally Field and Julia Roberts as mother and daughter, Daryl Hannah as Parton's assistant, Shirley MacLaine and Olympia Dukakis as two old broads in-fighting, and then some. In the cypher male roles are Sam Shepherd as Parton's husband, and Tom Skeritt as Field's husband.There is comedy and tragedy a-plenty in this little sleepy Southern village, especially when Roberts (as diabetic Shelby) gets married and the events that happen after. Perhaps the best individual performance comes from Sally Field, especially in the last few scenes. It is a film with a heart and one you'll need to bring your tissues for. Well-scripted and put-together, too.
It always never fails to make me cry
posted on 06 Dec 2007I dont know what it is about Sally Field in this movie. However her shpiel over you know who dying...(dont want to give it away) Is so heart breaking. My friends and I always watch it when we are all together, and everyone one of us are left in shambles by the end of the movie because it is so movie. The acting is what i think make it so strong, and of course the writing. I loved Sally Field, and Julia Roberts/ And Wheeza or however you spell her name...lol. So please those who haven't seen it, just rent it and get some kleenexs,
The ultimate chick flick
posted on 24 Nov 2007Steel Magnolias is one of the most moving movies I have ever seen. Based on a true story (written by one of Shelby's brothers), Steel Magnolias is set in a small southern town which is very realistically portrayed (I know I used to live in the town where it was filmed). Steel Magnolias is the ultimate, pardon my french, chick flick. The laughter, tears, weddings, funeral, births, parties, and deathbed scenes all come together to form this moving film.
Southern Charm served on a Movie Reel
posted on 07 Oct 2007O.K. The film is labeled a "Chick Flick" and it is, but there is no reason a guy couldn't enjoy it. I'm a guy and I found it quite enjoyable. With strong performances by everyone and a wonderfully written script, both hilarious and heart wrenching. The cast is completely star studded. First Sally Field plays M'Lynn Eatenton a southern mom with a golden heart. Dolly Parton plays Truvy Jones owner of the local beauty salon and favorite gossip hang out for the women of the film. Shirley MacLaine plays Ouiser Boudreaux the woman you love to hate whom proclaims herself richer than God. Daryl Hannah plays Annelle Dupuy Desoto the shy girl hired by Truvy because of her wonderful work on hair. Olympia Dukakis plays Clairee Belcher a wonderful southern charmer and one of the thorns in Ouiser's side. Julia Roberts plays Shelby Eatenton Latcherie the central character of the film that is plagued with medical problems. Tom Skerritt plays Drum Eatenton, husband of M'Lynn Eatenton. Also there are a couple of smaller parts played by Sam Shepard and Dylan McDermott.One of the many funny moments in the film occurs when Drum (Skerritt) ask Ouiser for a slice of wedding cake that is shaped like an Armadillo. Drum asks: Ouiser, can we call a truce long enough for me to get a piece of cake? (Ouiser slices him off the tail section) to which Drum replies: Thanks Ouiser, nothing like a good piece of ass!Sally Feilds performance as the woman letting loose during the cemetery scene seems like Oscar material, but she does not even receive a nomination. Julia Roberts however does receive a nomination but does not win. She does manage to take home a Golden Globe for best actress in a supporting role. As I said before there were some great performances by all the ladies. So "Chick Flick" or not I think many guy's will also enjoy this film.
Overly sappy and predictable
posted on 16 Sep 2007Now, just because I'm a girl doesn't automatically mean that I'll like this film because I hated it. It was just far too predictable--you know what's going to happen before it does. The whole story centers around a bunch of crazy Southern women and their banter sounds like the clucking of chickens with Louisiana accents. Also, I get so sick of listening to Julia Roberts go on and on about how much she wants a baby, despite the fact that it'll kill her. Brilliant...sacrifice your husband's love and break your mother's heart just to get pregnant. The lines were clichéd and sappy and made me want to bang my head on a wall. Overall, a horrible flick and not really worth watching, unless you enjoy predictable plots, annoying characters and syrupy dialogue.
The Best Chick Flick for Men Ever Made
posted on 29 Aug 2007I have no idea how I came to see this movie in the first place, but, even though it has to be considered a movie for women, I'm glad I did. I believe that the term Steel Magnolias refers to this "thing" that southern women allegedly have that allows them to bend when need be but also to be strong in times of need. It really isn't a southern thing though; it's a woman thing.The interesting point about "Steel Magnolias" is that it plays up the strengths of women everywhere without making men look like idiots. In too many movies women can't be portrayed positively without men being made to look bad. The male characters are typically male, but they are also likeable. You see their faults, but the women show theirs as well. The movie, also gives an interesting look into friendships. The character development is fascinating because each of these women, even Ouiser Boudreaux, is someone I think I'd like to know and have as my friend. It's funny and sad and in the end you smile. It's full of hope. The dialogue is great and I think that some of the best one liners in movie history come from "Steel Magnolias".So guys, if you can get over the fact that this is a movie for women, you'll like it.
The play was better
posted on 13 May 2007I saw the off-Broadway production of "Steel Magnolias", and let me tell you, other than the title, the two had little in common. Hollywood screwed it up, as usual, with an over-acting cast who are cookie-cutter characters. All of Dukakis' lines were taken from t-shirts designed for gay men; Roberts' accent comes and goes, Skerritt and Sam Shepard are wasted. Only Sally Field, in the graveyard near the end, comes close to producing anything remotely memorable. She does terrific work in a predictable, fuzzy, movie.
Beautiful Comedy Drama
posted on 13 Jun 2009Six brilliant casted actresses brought this heartwarming Southern tale to life. Set in the South, the film is a study of a group of female friends' relationships with each other and their individual experiences in life, love and death.Sally Field, Dolly Parton, Shirley MacLaine, Olympia Dukakis, Darryl Hannah and Julia Roberts are beautiful and exceptional in their roles, playing off of each other like they were all best friends. Dukakis and MacLaine get most of the big laughs in the movie as a pair of wacky elderly women who share a love hate relationship, and Julia Roberts shines as Shelby.The musical score to this film is beautiful and each scene and story is as wonderful as the next. Although heartbreaking, the conclusion is beautiful and the film is clever, with strong performances and a wonderful, witty script.