The funniest movie ever to make you cry|Nov. 15, 1989|United States|119 Min.|PG
Genre: Comedy;Drama;Romance
Description: Steel Magnolias (1989) is a heartfelt drama that explores the lives of a group of women in a small Louisiana town. The story begins with Annelle Dupuy, a timid beauty school graduate, who is hired by Truvy Jones to work in her home-based beauty salon. Meanwhile, M’Lynn Eatenton and her daughter, Shelby, are busy preparing for Shelby’s wedding later that day. Along with Clairee Belcher, the cheerful widow of the former mayor, they visit Truvy’s salon for their hair. During their visit, Shelby, who suffers from type 1 diabetes, experiences a hypoglycemic attack but quickly recovers with the women’s support. M’Lynn shares that Shelby’s doctor advised against her having children due to her medical condition, leading Shelby to consider calling off her engagement to fiancé Jackson to spare him from a childless future.
The group is joined by the sharp-tongued Louisa “Ouiser” Boudreaux, who immediately questions Annelle about her past. Annelle tearfully confesses that her husband, Bunkie, has abandoned her, taken their money, and left her uncertain about the legality of their marriage. Sympathetic, Shelby invites Annelle to the wedding reception, where she meets bartender Sammy DeSoto. Shortly after, Annelle becomes devoutly religious, which irritates everyone, including Sammy.
During the Christmas season, Shelby reveals she is pregnant. While everyone celebrates, M’Lynn is deeply concerned about the risks to Shelby’s health. Truvy encourages M’Lynn to focus on the joy of welcoming a new baby. Shelby gives birth to a son, Jackson Jr., but soon develops kidney failure, requiring regular dialysis. Around Jackson Jr.’s first birthday, Shelby undergoes a successful kidney transplant with M’Lynn as the donor. Despite recovering, Shelby’s health takes a tragic turn four months later when Jackson finds her unconscious. Doctors discover she has contracted an infection in her central nervous system due to the immunosuppressive therapy needed for the transplant. When it becomes clear that Shelby’s condition is irreversible, the family makes the difficult decision to remove her from life support.
The film beautifully captures the strength, resilience, and deep bonds of friendship among the women, making it a timeless tale of love and loss.
Cast director: Herbert Ross
Cast actor: Sally Field, Dolly Parton, Shirley MacLaine, Julia Roberts, Daryl Hannah, Olympia Dukakis, Tom Skerritt, Sam Shepard, Dylan McDermott, Kevin J. O’Connor
Original name: Steel Magnolias