Steel Magnolias

Synopsis
Full of life and brimming with laughter, this smash hit comedy is a warm and witty tribute to the power of friendship. In a quaint Louisiana town, the local beauty parlor serves as the gathering spot for a group of eccentric women to gossip and giggle and survive the hardships and splendors of life. The movie features sparkling performances all around, including from Sally Field, Julia Roberts, Dolly Parton, Shirley Maclaine, Daryl Hannah, and Olympia Dukakis.

Production Notes
The original play on which the film was based was written as a play in two acts by Robert Harling and originally produced by New York's WPA Theatre. According to Variety, all staging was by Pamela Berlin and Don Newcomb. The play differs from the film in that it is situated entirely in the beauty parlor.
One of the ways Robert Harling expanded his play for the screen was by developing his male characters further.

Harling makes a cameo appearance as a minister.

"I'd rather have 30 minutes of wonderful than a lifetime of nothing."--Shelby (Julia Roberts)

"If you have something bad to say about somebody...sit down right here beside me!"--Clairee (Olympia Dukakis)

"He is a boil on the butt of humanity!"--Ouiser (Shirley MacLaine)

"My personal tragedies will not interfere with my ability to do good hair."--Annelle (Daryl Hannah)

Reviews
"...STEEL MAGNOLIAS is marvelously cast..." (USA Today)

"...Parton has a sweet, lilting presence..." (Los Angeles Times)