Steel Magnolias is a timeless classic, beloved by fans for its unforgettable characters, emotional moments, and memorable lines. From the tender portrayal of Southern women to the unforgettable performances by Sally Field, Dolly Parton, and Julia Roberts, Steel Magnolias is etched in the hearts of movie lovers worldwide. The 1989 film is based on Robert Harling’s play, and its legacy has continued for decades, leaving an indelible mark on pop culture.
However, despite how much fans love and know about Steel Magnolias, there are some fascinating facts about the film that even the die-hard fans might not be aware of. From behind-the-scenes tidbits to unique casting decisions and unexpected moments, there’s so much more to this iconic film than meets the eye.
In this article, we’ll dive into 21 fascinating facts about Steel Magnolias that will surprise even the most devoted fans. Let’s get started!
1. It Was Based on a True Story
The heart-wrenching story of Shelby’s health struggle in Steel Magnolias is based on real-life events. Robert Harling, the screenwriter and playwright, wrote the play after the death of his sister, Susan Harling Robinson, who passed away from complications of Type 1 diabetes. The emotional experience of losing his sister was the inspiration for Shelby’s character, and many elements of the story reflect his family’s real-life experiences.
2. Julia Roberts Was a Relative Unknown When She Was Cast
By the time Julia Roberts was cast as Shelby, she wasn’t the big Hollywood star we know today. In fact, she was relatively unknown. Steel Magnolias was one of her first major roles, and it was her performance in this film that helped launch her career into superstardom. Roberts even received an Academy Award nomination for her role as Shelby.
3. Dolly Parton Was Initially Nervous About the Role
Dolly Parton, famous for her music career, was hesitant to take on the role of Truvy. She feared she wouldn’t be able to make the transition from music to acting successfully. But after reading the script, she was convinced that Truvy was a character she could relate to and play authentically. The rest, as they say, is history!
4. The Film Was Shot in Louisiana
While Steel Magnolias is set in the fictional town of Chinquapin, Louisiana, much of the film was shot in the real-life town of Natchitoches, Louisiana. The charming Southern town provided the perfect backdrop for the small-town, family-oriented atmosphere that was so important to the film’s setting.
5. Shelby’s Wedding Dress Was Custom-Made
One of the most iconic moments in the film is Shelby’s wedding. The beautiful wedding dress worn by Julia Roberts was custom-designed by the costume designer for the film, and it has since become an unforgettable part of the movie’s legacy. The design of the dress was meant to reflect Shelby’s personality—beautiful, youthful, and a little bit unconventional.
6. Sally Field Was Initially Uncertain About Her Role
Sally Field, who played M’Lynn, was hesitant to take on the role of Shelby’s mother. She felt a deep emotional connection to the character but worried about whether she could adequately portray such a complex role. Ultimately, Field took the role, and her performance earned her much praise from critics and audiences alike.
7. The Famous “Laughter Through Tears” Quote Was Improvised
The iconic line, “I’d rather have 30 minutes of wonderful than a lifetime of nothing special,” which M’Lynn says after Shelby’s passing, became one of the most memorable quotes in Steel Magnolias. Interestingly, this line wasn’t originally in the script. Sally Field improvised this emotional moment during filming, making it even more powerful and authentic.
8. Olympia Dukakis’s Performance Was Inspired by Her Mother
Olympia Dukakis, who played the role of Clairee, drew on her own experiences with her mother to shape her performance. She was inspired by the humor, strength, and wisdom of the women in her own life, which helped her bring a unique depth to Clairee’s character.
9. The Director Didn’t Want a Big Cast
Director Herbert Ross was known for his preference for smaller casts, and Steel Magnolias was no exception. Despite the film’s focus on strong female friendships, Ross decided to keep the core group of women relatively small, focusing on the personal dynamics between the characters rather than introducing too many secondary roles.
10. The Funeral Scene Was the Hardest to Film
The funeral scene, where M’Lynn mourns Shelby’s death, was one of the most emotionally intense moments in the film. It was also one of the hardest to film for the cast, particularly Sally Field. The grief and raw emotion felt by M’Lynn had to be portrayed so authentically that it took several takes to get it right.
11. Dolly Parton’s Wig Was a Key Part of Her Look
Dolly Parton’s iconic blonde wig as Truvy became as recognizable as her personality. However, what fans might not know is that the wig was essential to creating the character. Parton, who has famously worn big hair throughout her career, was adamant about having the perfect wig for Truvy, and it became an integral part of her performance.
12. The Movie Was a Major Box Office Hit
Upon its release in 1989, Steel Magnolias was a major commercial success, grossing over $83 million worldwide against a relatively modest production budget of $15 million. The film’s success helped establish it as a staple of ‘80s and ‘90s cinema and solidified its place in pop culture.
13. The Southern Charm Was Authentic
Many of the cast members, including Sally Field and Dolly Parton, have roots in the South, which helped bring a sense of authenticity to their performances. Field, who grew up in California, embraced the Southern accent and mannerisms in a way that felt genuine and true to the character of M’Lynn.
14. It Was Shot in 30 Days
Despite its emotional depth and intricate plot, Steel Magnolias was shot relatively quickly, in just 30 days. The filmmakers had to work on a tight schedule, which meant that the cast and crew had to be efficient in their performances and filming.
15. The Character of Truvy Was Inspired by a Real Person
Truvy, the beauty salon owner, was inspired by a real-life person from Robert Harling’s life. Harling based the character on his own mother’s best friend, who ran a beauty salon and had a personality similar to Truvy’s.
16. The Final Scene Was So Emotional That It Made the Cast Cry
The final scene, which takes place at Shelby’s funeral, was so emotionally charged that it made the cast cry. Sally Field has stated that even the crew members were in tears during the scene, as the weight of the moment became too much to bear. It remains one of the most poignant scenes in film history.
17. Dolly Parton Almost Didn’t Do the Film Because of Her Music Schedule
At the time, Dolly Parton was a major figure in the country music industry and had a packed schedule. She initially hesitated to take on the role of Truvy due to her music commitments but ultimately found a way to make it work, ensuring that Steel Magnolias became one of her most beloved projects.
18. The Script Was a Play First
Before Steel Magnolias became a film, it was a stage play that premiered in 1987. The play was based on Robert Harling’s personal experience and was a critical success. Its transition to film was highly anticipated, and the cast and crew did an excellent job of capturing the spirit of the play while adding cinematic flair.
19. The Film’s Legacy Continues
Despite being released over three decades ago, Steel Magnolias continues to inspire new generations. The film is regularly shown on television, and its themes of friendship, love, and resilience resonate with audiences worldwide.
20. The Cast Stayed Close After Filming
The bond between the main actresses of Steel Magnolias was so strong that they continued to stay close after the film wrapped. They frequently reunited for special events, interviews, and behind-the-scenes gatherings, remaining lifelong friends.
21. The Movie’s Success Led to Several Reunions
Due to the overwhelming success of Steel Magnolias, there have been various reunions, including television appearances and interviews with the cast. One such reunion occurred in 2019, when several of the film’s original cast members got together to reflect on the film’s lasting impact.
Conclusion: Why Steel Magnolias Still Holds a Special Place in Our Hearts
Steel Magnolias is a film that has not only stood the test of time but continues to inspire and touch hearts all over the world. Whether it’s the emotional performances, unforgettable characters, or heartfelt moments, it remains a beloved classic. These 21 facts provide a deeper look into the film’s making, reminding us of the magic that went into creating this timeless masterpiece.
FAQs
1. Is Steel Magnolias based on a true story?
Yes, Steel Magnolias is based on Robert Harling’s personal experience with the loss of his sister, which inspired the creation of Shelby’s character and the overall story.
2. How much did Steel Magnolias gross at the box office?
The film grossed over $83 million worldwide, making it a commercial success.
3. Why was Dolly Parton nervous about her role as Truvy?
Dolly Parton was initially hesitant about transitioning from music to acting, fearing she might not succeed in a role like Truvy.
4. How long did it take to film Steel Magnolias?
The movie was filmed in just 30 days.
5. Was the movie ever adapted into a play?
Yes, Steel Magnolias started as a play before being adapted into the successful 1989 film.
