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Steel Magnolias is Herbert Ross’s 1989 comedy-drama about six women whose lives intersect at a beauty salon in Chinquapin, Louisiana. Adapted by Robert Harling from his own play, it centers on Shelby’s diabetes and high-risk pregnancy—and on the humor, friendship and grief that shape the women’s response to illness and loss.
What is Steel Magnolias about?
Truvy’s salon is the gathering place for six women in a small Louisiana community. Their conversations move between everyday concerns, teasing and sharp humor, while Shelby’s health and pregnancy bring the family’s difficult choices into focus. The comedy does not erase the story’s serious subjects: illness, mortality and grief are central to the film.
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Steel Magnolias ? UHD + Digital - 4K + Digital | $27.99 | Buy on Amazon |
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Twilight Time Steel Magnolias Blu-ray edition (1989) | $48.99 | Buy on Amazon |
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Steel Magnolias (Import-Germany, Region Free Blu-ray) | $97.99 | Buy on Amazon |
The ensemble is the point. The salon gives the characters room to argue, joke and support one another, and their relationships carry the story through its hardest moments. The official synopsis of Harling’s play describes the women drawing together after tragedy and finding strength and love.
Who is in the 1989 cast?
| Performer | Character |
|---|---|
| Sally Field | M’Lynn |
| Dolly Parton | Truvy |
| Shirley MacLaine | Ouiser |
| Daryl Hannah | Annelle |
| Olympia Dukakis | Clairee |
| Julia Roberts | Shelby |
Is Steel Magnolias based on a play?
Yes. Robert Harling wrote the stage play and adapted it for the film. The play premiered Off-Broadway at WPA Theatre on March 22, 1987, and later made its Broadway debut at the Lyceum Theatre on April 4, 2005. Concord Theatricals describes the full-length play as a work for six women, with the salon as its central setting.
#1 Best Overall
- Six divas of the silver screen - Sally Field, Dolly Parton, Shirley MacLaine, Daryl Hannah, Olympia Dukakis and Julia Roberts - come together in this hilarious and heartwarming story in a small Louisiana parish. At the center of the group is Shelby Eatenton (Julia Roberts), newly married and joyfully pregnant, despite the fact that her diabetes could make childbirth life-threatening.
The story also has a personal origin. The American Film Institute reports that the film’s closing dedication reads “For Susan, from Bob,” referring to Harling’s sister, Susan Harling Robinson, who inspired Shelby. AFI notes that the play began as a short story honoring her.
How is the 2012 Steel Magnolias different?
The 2012 production is a separate television adaptation, not the 1989 film. Sony describes it as an updated version of the stage play and 1989 movie; it was directed by Kenny Leon and features a different cast. To distinguish them when searching or choosing a version, include the year: the 1989 feature was directed by Herbert Ross and stars Field, Parton, MacLaine, Hannah, Dukakis and Roberts.
Where can you watch or buy the 1989 film?
Availability depends on region and can change. A disc-catalog listing identifies a DVD bundle containing the 1989 film, but that does not establish that a standalone DVD is in stock. Prime Video’s regional catalog has listed the film for UHD rental or purchase. Check the listing in your region for the exact edition, format, price and current availability before buying or renting.
Can a theater license the play?
Concord Theatricals lists acting edition, large-print and stage-manager scripts, along with a route for requesting performance rights. Its accessed licensing page listed a minimum fee of $130 per performance; that figure and other terms may change, so confirm current fees and conditions directly with Concord before planning a production.
Film details and box office
The AFI Catalog identifies the film as a PG comedy-drama directed by Herbert Ross and written by Robert Harling. It gives the U.S. release date as November 15, 1989.
The Numbers’ listing reports $83,759,091 in domestic box office, $11,392,847 international and $95,151,938 worldwide. These are compiled figures from a secondary box-office database, not audited studio totals.
Quick Recap
Sources
- American Film Institute Catalog: Steel Magnolias
- Concord Theatricals: Steel Magnolias
- Concord Theatricals: scripts and licensing information
- Sony Pictures: 2012 Steel Magnolias
- The Numbers: box-office listing
- DVD bundle listing
- Prime Video regional listing
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
