> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.scenemag.co.uk/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # REVIEW: Steel Magnolias - URL: https://www.scenemag.co.uk/review-steel-magnolias/ - Published: 2026-09-11T10:12:08.000Z - Updated: 2026-09-11T10:12:08.000Z - Description: With the very sad passing of LGBT icon Dolly Parton. It's the right time to look back on one of her most beloved movies. - Author: John Kennedy - Tags: Culture Hello, cinema lovers. With the very sad passing of LGBTQ+ icon **Dolly Parton**. It's the right time to look back on one of her most beloved movies. Let's shine a light on a classic that some readers may not be familiar with. Sit back and take in the full majestic glory of ***Steel Magnolias***. If you don't have anything nice to say about anybody, come sit by me. ![https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0098384/mediaviewer/rm1083014401/?ref_=ttmi_mi_10_1](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/content/images/2026/09/MV5BMDg3NjkzNzEtNWY4Mi00MmZiLWEyN2MtZTljMjE1YTAxNjUzXkEyXkFqcGc@._V1_QL75_UX621_.png) The movie opens with Anelle (the criminally underrated **Daryl Hannah**) slowly walking through a small Louisiana town. She's applying for a job at Truvy's (Dolly Parton) home salon. The same day, Shelby (**Julia Roberts**) is marrying her fiancé Jackson (the very handsome **Dylan McDermott**). Orbiting around them are Shelby's anxious mother M'Lynn (**Sally Field**), the sharp-tongued Ouiser (**Shirley MacLaine**) and the gossiping widow Clairee (**Olympia Dukakis**). Shelby's type 1 diabetes and the pregnancy her doctors warn against drive the film's dramatic plot along. The movie is also littered with scenes featuring heaps of southern US charm and female-centric comedy gold. ![https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0098384/mediaviewer/rm2942009089/?ref_=ttmi_mi_11_2](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/content/images/2026/09/MV5BNDRiNDk4NWYtMWE1YS00NzA1LTkxZmYtZjlmMGNlNDdiYjBlXkEyXkFqcGc@._V1_QL75_UX623_.png) This is definitely an ensemble movie. Field, however, is the quiet centre, holding back until the final scenes when she lets her rage against the world fly loose. She's a legendary actress who seems to be able to cry on demand. Another movie, 1992's *Soap Dish*, effectively parodied her performance here and is also worth checking out. MacLaine steals every scene she's in here. This is Shirley at her wackiest and most over-the-top. Parton plays the most tender character. Her Truvy is generous to a fault. She exudes a gentle, motherly energy towards several characters throughout the story. Even in a movie where Dolly shares the screen with much more experienced co-stars, her performance stands out. ![https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0098384/mediaviewer/rm794525441/?ref_=ttmi_mi_19_3](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/content/images/2026/09/MV5BNjc4NmRlYmItMDQ5OC00NTI0LTgyM2MtZGI1MDQzYWQ2MWY3XkEyXkFqcGc@._V1_QL75_UX582_.png) Director **Herbert Ross** worked with a soft, glossy aura that suited the material's theatrical roots. The film began life as a single-set play, and the expanded version leans on meet-ups over several holidays. Pink weddings and Christmas lights show the seasons pass by. The cinematography suggests a warm, idealised small-town atmosphere throughout. The script, adapted from the play by its original writer, is packed with quotable lines. Clairee's statement, "I bet you money she's paid five hundred dollars for that dress and don't even bother to wear a girdle. Looks like two pigs fighting under a blanket" sums up the film's comedic spirit and quotable script. ![https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0098384/mediaviewer/rm2654055937/?ref_=ttmi_mi_23_2](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/content/images/2026/09/MV5BYzUzZmNhZDQtZGYwMy00N2M5LWIxZTEtM2JhMjE1Yjk1ZWZkXkEyXkFqcGc@._V1_QL75_UX605_.png) There are no queer characters here, main or otherwise. The script gives a passing mention to Clairee's nephew, estranged from his father after coming out. And yet queer audiences have long loved the film, and the reasons are obvious. It shares similarities with *The First Wives Club* (1996) or *To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar* (1995). Women creating a found family stronger than blood, holding each other through crisis with dry wit. Queer audiences at the time would have clocked that. It's too prevalent in the movie to have been a happy accident. This movie is camp front and centre. Big hair, bigger speeches, and a cast of actresses playing to the back row signal a film with a distinct sensibility. However, the men who do appear on screen are mostly just set dressing. Not featuring **Sam Shepard** more is unforgivable. ![https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0098384/mediaviewer/rm1247510273/?ref_=ttmi_mi_13_3](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/content/images/2026/09/MV5BZDZlNjQxMjEtOWM3OS00YTlmLTlmY2EtODk4ZTE4OGM1MjdjXkEyXkFqcGc@._V1_QL75_UX605_.png) *Steel Magnolias* is a little heavy on the melodrama for such a warm comedy, but it earns it. It is not a subtle movie, nor does it need to be. Its depiction of men as either fools or clueless is a serious flaw. And its almost entirely white in cast, which has dated quite poorly and is problematic. Despite these issues, this is a film to watch and enjoy, ideally with tissues nearby. Worth seeking out if only to see Dolly Parton in what is surely the greatest role of her acting career. A fitting tribute to an amazing human being. *Steel Magnolias* is available to stream now on Amazon Prime and Apple TV.