As I delved into the rich tapestry of stories that surround Steel Magnolias, I found myself profoundly moved by the extraordinary lives and experiences of these remarkable women. It is clear that each of them brought their unique talents, grit, and grace to the table, creating a cinematic masterpiece that continues to resonate with audiences today.
What bride, when planning her vows, hasn’t declared, “My colors are blush and bashful”?
No? Just us?
35 years ago, those words were spoken by an aspiring actress named Julia Roberts, who was just 21 years old at the time and had only seven acting credits under her belt when she started filming “Steel Magnolias.” Born in Georgia, this young talent managed to keep pace with established stars like Dolly Parton, Sally Field, Olympia Dukakis, Daryl Hannah, and Shirley MacLaine. In this movie about a group of women in a small Southern town dealing with the loss of one of their own, she proved her mettle.
The 1989 heart-wrenching movie was intended as a touching homage, as it was inspired by the real-life story of playwright Robert Harling’s late sister Susan, who tragically lost her life due to complications from diabetes.
After the 1987 stage play achieved great success, director Herbert Ross transformed it into a blockbuster film, captivating the small town of Natchitoches, Louisiana with its A-list cast.
According to Harling, in his 2017 reflection for Garden and Gun, the people from L.A. needed items that weren’t available at their local Piggly Wiggly. He remembered a store manager telling a local reporter, “Indeed, without Herbert Ross, no one around here would understand the difference between oysters and beluga.
As a devoted admirer, I’d like to emphasize my perspective on a movie that, despite its lack of male characters in the stage version (with critics from The New York Times noting that even in the film adaptation, the male characters were as insubstantial as when they were unseen), managed to rank among the highest-grossing films in 1989.
Among the cast members, it was Roberts who was less well-known, yet she garnered her initial Oscar nomination for her portrayal of Shelby, a character with delicate health, but determined to take on the challenge of motherhood despite potentially sacrificing her life for just a few short years.
Behind the scenes, their success stories mirrored those on camera, with MacLaine expressing that the summer camp-like filming environment created an unbreakable bond among them. Let me share some details with you all.
The movie almost didn’t materialize as Robert Harling initially had no plans to be a playwright. Interestingly, he pursued a law degree at Tulane University before chasing his acting aspirations in New York City. However, the illness and subsequent passing of his younger sister sparked inspiration within him. “I wrote it to find a way to share this true story and honor my sister in the process,” he shared with The Huffington Post in 2014.
Similar to Shelby from “Steel Magnolias”, he shared with Garden and Gun, Susan’s diabetes posed a serious risk when it came to having children: “However, she desired a child, so she went ahead and had one. And just as expected, her metabolism began to deteriorate – circulation, kidneys, the entire system. It was far more perilous than I depicted in the play.
At first, he planned to compose a brief story, with the intention of sharing it with his nephew someday as a way to tell him about his mother’s experiences. However, when he began writing, he felt that he wasn’t doing justice to the dialogue between the women, so he decided to change direction. Within just ten days, he had written an entire play instead.
2. The characters were also inspired by real-life events. Shelby’s mother, M’Lynn (portrayed by Sally Field), was modeled after a close friend. Shelby (Julia Roberts) was named after one of her mother’s cousins. Clairee (Olympia Dukakis) was based on a beloved aunt, and Ouiser (Shirley MacLaine) was derived from the name of his sister’s best friend. He noted that she didn’t resemble the character at all, but the name seemed fitting nonetheless for the town’s curmudgeon.
He drew the characters from the individuals he knew while growing up in Louisiana. However, he’s never revealed who the character Ouiser is modeled after, expressing concern about potential offense. Yet, when people watched it, they were amazed to find out that “every woman in town” believed he based Ouiser on them.
3. Margo Martindale, who portrayed the character Truvy in the play mainly set in a town salon (later played by Dolly Parton), said, “We approached it as a drama,” but when it came to performing in front of an audience for the first time, we were taken aback. It turned out to be incredibly humorous and was played without a hint of humor.
According to Harling, he simply knew many incredibly witty women who happen to have a great sense of humor. As he put it to Huffington Post, “They’re all fond of one-liners and their conversations are reminiscent of bumper stickers.” He added, “And they’re quick-witted, funny ladies.
4. For the family, the story served as an open venue for expressing their grief. As John Harling shared with Garden and Gun, “That play truly worked wonders,” he emphasized, using that term thoughtfully. Similarly, Bob Harling expressed, “I felt a mix of happiness and sadness, I couldn’t believe what was unfolding. But overall, I felt good, proud. It was a tribute to my daughter.
Initially, I had reservations when my father, uncle, and the neighbor next door decided to invest in the project, fearing potential financial losses. However, it soon became evident that their intentions were not driven by monetary gain: “They weren’t investing for profit; they were investing to ensure the story we started would continue.
5. The movie’s production moved along just as swiftly as the stage play. Producer Ray Stark was one of the individuals who approached Harling about bringing the play to Hollywood. (Paraphrased)
He floated the idea of shooting in his hometown and promised to “get the greatest cast you can imagine,” Harling told Huffington Post. “That’s how it came to me and then Ray got Herbert Ross to direct it and then it was this domino effect of superstar after superstar.”
6. Harling shared that “someone had mentioned Elizabeth Taylor was ideal for the role of M’Lynn,” and he remembered that when she attended the play performance, he thought, “Elizabeth Taylor would listen to the line, ‘When it comes to suffering, she’s on par with Elizabeth Taylor.’ No one laughed louder than she did.
7. Bette Davis aggressively proposed a project to Harling. In fact, he thought it was a prank when the film legend called, inviting him for tea at her hotel in New York City. Upon arrival, she persuasively presented herself as Ouiser, Elizabeth Taylor for M’Lynn, and Katharine Hepburn for Clairee.
Harling expressed to The Huffington Post, “It was amazing!” If I were to write a book, this moment would be an unforgettable, awe-inspiring chapter. She seemed determined to prove she was active and thriving, and she certainly did! There wasn’t anyone else around, and she looked fantastic.
Back in 1989, I had the immense pleasure of sharing a tale with The Morning Call, and among the stories I shared was one that showcased the unrivaled passion and determination of the legendary actress, Bette Davis. In our conversation, she left an indelible mark when she made it clear: “You can certainly cast another actress for the role of Ouiser. However, both you and she will undoubtedly hear from me!
8. It’s challenging to contradict Shirley MacLaine. Director Ross offered her any role in the script, with the exceptions of M’Lynn and Shelby being the only ones unavailable to her.
She shared with Garden and Gun magazine that she remarked, “‘I want to portray the sassy character,'” she said. “Perhaps I was preparing for my later years. I was testing if I could express my negative feelings humorously without consequences. And surprisingly enough, it seems to have worked out that way.
9. Meg Ryan declined the offer, a decision that now seems quite astute. As we look back, she explained, “The day you offered it to me, I replied, ‘I’ve just been offered a movie with Billy Crystal, When Harry Met Sally, which presents my opportunity to be a leading lady.’ In Steel Magnolias, I would have been part of an ensemble.
10. While producers had a roster of well-known actresses they were thinking about, such as Laura Dern and Winona Ryder, the casting director mentioned, “There’s this girl. She couldn’t try out because she was busy working on a pizza-themed movie,” said Harling. When the girl from Georgia arrived, having just finished filming Mystic Pizza, it was as if someone turned up the brightness. She flashed her smile. She embodied the quintessential Southern woman: spirited, quick-witted, intelligent, with a soft undercurrent of kindness beneath.
11. Nicole Kidman also gave it a try. One of Australia’s renowned actresses initially portrayed Shelby in a stage production of the play, which was held in Sydney.
12. It turns out that Maclaine has a knack for spotting talent. In fact, when Julia entered the reading, she thought to herself, “That woman is destined for stardom.” She then contacted her agent, stating, “I’m not sure if she’s represented, but you should take care of her.” (Paraphrased from Garden and Gun)
13. Since Stark demanded they shoot on-site, the team traveled to Louisiana in a truck. Harling mentioned that Natchitoches was beautiful, adding that no matter where you aimed the camera, you’d capture an attractive image.
However, obtaining essential gear and securing lodgings for the renowned actors transformed the production into a grand spectacle, as Harling aptly described: “We’ve brought the carnival to our town.
14. Every evening, Parton along with her team (an assistant, bodyguard, and hairstylist) would dine consistently at a restaurant called Mariner’s on Sibley Lake, according to local resident Tom Whitehead who shared this with Garden and Gun. This routine resulted in the seafood restaurant being fully booked throughout the filming period as people flocked to catch a glimpse of Dolly Parton dining covertly in one corner.
15. During the summer in Louisiana posed certain difficulties. However, despite many members of the cast frequently grumbling about the high temperatures, Parton remained completely unfazed by it all.
The star commented, ‘Dolly was there, wearing a waist-cincher just 16 inches in circumference, towering heels approximately two feet tall, and a heavy wig estimated at 23 pounds.’ Yet, she was the only one who didn’t show signs of perspiration.
In a situation where a Christmas setting made Julia sweat in a cashmere sweater, she exclaimed, “Dolly, you never express discomfort despite us being so hot. Why don’t you loosen up?” Harling recalled. To which Dolly replied calmly with a smile, “When I was young and had nothing, I dreamed of being wealthy and famous. Now that I am, I won’t complain about anything.
16. Roberts earned her title as America’s darling by fulfilling expectations. According to Harling, the young actress was keen on gaining his parents’ approval to portray their daughter. He recalled that she often visited, while Daddy would grill hamburgers. They would converse, and she would compose poetry and read it aloud to them.
Quite frequently, he went on, Parton would attend the gathering, “she’d settle on the couch with her guitar, it felt almost unrealistic.
17. In the summer of 1988, Michael Dukakis, who was a cousin of Dukakis and also the governor of Massachusetts, was campaigning for president against George H. W. Bush. At that time, she played a significant role, even delivering speeches at the Democratic convention. Despite the town being predominantly Republican, as Harling put it, “some residents displayed Dukakis signs in their yards out of good neighborliness.
18. I, as an avid observer, immersed myself in Louisiana’s unique charm by closely observing its locals and integrating myself into their daily routines a bit. Wandering around town, I would frequent the ice cream shop, magazine stand, and video rental store. I was simply captivated by understanding their behaviors, how they embodied themselves. (Paraphrased from MacLaine’s statement to Garden and Gun)
19. Apart from that, she occasionally retorted appropriately at opportune moments. According to MacLaine, Director Ross had a tendency to be both stern and harsh at times, as she shared with Us Weekly at a 2013 screening. “My most vivid recollections of the film were the bond we formed after he told one or all of us that we couldn’t act,” she said. Seeing him criticize Roberts fiercely, she felt compelled to defend the young actress who resided next door and would visit her for nightly encouragement sessions.
One day, she candidly said to him something akin to, “You should take a long walk,” she shared with Garden and Gun. “The airing of this sentiment was heard by all, and subsequently, things improved.
20. In my recollection, one day, Herb allegedly suggested to Dolly Parton, “Perhaps you should consider taking some acting classes?” This was something I learned during our encounter at the same event in 2013, with Shirley MacLaine and Field nearby.
The field responded by saying, “Such comments aren’t made to Dolly Parton! She’s not just hilarious and clever, but also has a sharp wit that could reduce you to pieces.
21. On set for both the wedding and funeral scenes, director Ross proposed that Harling take on the role of the minister. He accepted, stipulating that he wouldn’t need to deliver many lines. “Some have commented, ‘You’re an idiot, you only have one line, what’s wrong with you?'” he explained to Huffington Post. “However, it wasn’t about me. The movie didn’t revolve around my character.
22. Roberts didn’t just receive an Oscar nomination from the experience; while filming, she started dating Liam Neeson. However, during production, the actress found herself deeply drawn to her costar Dylan McDermott, who played her onscreen spouse. The two got engaged before parting ways a year after the movie’s premiere.
23. The film’s minor aspects were remarkably authentic. Ross brought in Susan’s real-life doctors to portray Shelby’s medical team, and the nurse who ended Susan’s life support in the story also did so for Shelby on screen. During production, Harling’s mother decided to be present on set for that particular scene, having developed a bond with Roberts.
He remembered saying, “‘I can hardly believe you went through all that,’ referring to the shooting incident.” To which she responded, “Not at all, I just wanted to witness Julia getting back up and walking away.
24. In 2014, MacLain objected to the movie being categorized as a typical female-oriented film. She stated to Entertainment Tonight, “I don’t believe it’s accurate to call it a women’s film.” She suggested, “If you have women in your life, take them to see this movie and you’ll learn more about them when you return home.
25. Filming felt similar to attending a summer camp. Since there wasn’t much going on in the small town, he shared that they often spent their evenings enjoying games like Pictionary and Charades. “Everyone got along wonderfully,” Harling emphasized to The Morning Call. “Olympia would invite us over for some leftover pumpkin soup. Or Tom Skerritt would make homemade hot fudge sauce. We’d also gather on Shirley’s porch, which had a beautiful view of a lake. We always had a great time together.
26. The evening conversations served as the catalyst for the movie “Soapdish.” Harling revealed to Huffington Post that he penned the 1991 comedy script, featuring Field as a narcissistic soap opera star, following a night of discussions among the team about their ideal acting roles.
In Soapdish, the characters played by MacLaine and Roberts had contrasting motivations. MacLaine desired to portray an alcoholic character, while Roberts sought employment opportunities. Field, as he put it, often found himself cast as “honorable, serious women who wore shabby clothes.” His wish was to embody a character who is not only a ‘bitch,’ but also gets to wear stylish attire. This role turned out to be Celeste Talbert in Soapdish.
As an ardent admirer, I can wholly lose myself within the captivating world of the film. Just like Arlene Gould, executive director of the Natchitoches Convention and Tourism Bureau, shared with The Shreveport Times, this movie left an indelible mark on the tourism sector and our community. To this day, guided tours are accessible for enthusiasts, and the devoted can even spend a night at M’Lynn’s residence – The Steel Magnolia House, originally built in the 19th century as the Cook-Taylor House.
28. Susan’s son, who is also Harling’s nephew, gained significant popularity following Roberts portraying his mother in a movie. In a 2014 interview on the Today show, Harling shared an incident when the teenager was struggling academically. Upon inquiring about his well-being, he was taken aback by the reply. “Oh no, there’s no need to worry about me,” Harling said he was told. “Everyone seems to like me. They think I’m quite trendy.
Whcih hit Harling “like a ton of bricks,” he said. “He doesn’t remember his mother, but he does know as a teenager that his mother was so cool, it took the biggest star in the world to play her.”
29. MacLain predicted that the film would be successful. She had mentioned earlier about Roberts, the seasoned actress, that she felt there was something exceptional about Steel Magnolias. Dressed in parkas and sweaters to replicate the Christmas festival, Harling told Today, “I recall Shirley looking at me during one of those scenes and saying, ‘You know, I think this could be significant.’ And, as we all know, Shirley never makes a mistake.
30. Following Dukakis’ passing in 2021, the cast remained connected, with Field and Parton expressing their tributes. It seems the heartfelt storyline or the bond formed among camp companions might have been the reason. As MacLain shared with Garden and Gun, “We truly became fast friends, all of us,” and this connection has lasted since then. I can’t quite put my finger on it, but there’s something about the film’s theme that forges friendships for a lifetime.
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2024-11-15 11:20