About This Quiz
The 1989 film Steel Magnolias doesn't sound as hard nor as soft as the title's words may suggest -- because it is both! And this special quiz is no different. Directed by Herbert Ross, the film boasts of an ensemble cast of some of the most formidable women Hollywood has ever presented. There are also a few good and dapper men in the cast to support the fierce and funny women. Yes, this is indeed a drama as well as a comedy film, but the comedy is more about finding the humor in the situations that befall these female characters. While some may not have gotten the luck of the draw in life, some did, as all of them try their best to overcome the obstacles put in their way. Do you think you can identify some of these situations? We'll mention the important plot points for you to guess in the quiz! Perhaps what's more poignant than having these great female leads from different generations in one film is that they are all acting out a truly heartfelt story that really happened in, well, real life. See, the film is based on the play that carries the same title, authored by playwright Robert Harling. The material is actually his ode of sorts to his sister who died. The film is a dramatization of how his family's life was affected by this situation, before and after her death. So, without further delay, head on down South and take a stroll through this town where you can pick up some of these beautifully sturdy Steel Magnolias. Have fun with the quiz!
"Whitey Black says that all this noise that you've been making around here for the last few days has been causing a nervous condition in my dog. Look at this: All his hair is falling out."
On stage, the play took place entirely in the beauty parlor. There were no men in the original stage production.
They filmed most scenes on location in local homes, including the one where Jackson climbed into Shelby's room to see if she was going to marry him or not. The beauty shop was the only set they had to build because of its size.
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Daryl Hannah (born December 3, 1960) was raised in Chicago, IL, but received her degree in theater from the University of Southern California. "Blade Runner," "Splash," "Roxanne" and "Grumpy Old Men" are just a few of the many movies in which she has appeared.
The hospital scenes were filmed using real hospital crews. The extras were all nurses and doctors who had worked with Harling's sister in Natchitoches .
"They're Blush and Bashful." "Her colors are pink and pink."
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The armadillo cake was purchased from a local baker. A groom's cake has been a tradition since the Victorian era. It was originally a fruit cake.
"Today is a very special day, and my work tends to be too pouffy when I'm nervous… Does your dress have to go over your head?"
The person on which based the character of Ouiser owned the house where they filmed the Christmas party. The woman is an extra in the scene where Drum announced he was going to be a grandfather.
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Julia Roberts (born October 28, 1967) was a relatively new actress at the time the film was released. Herbert, Ross, the director, was difficult to work with and was reportedly hard on Roberts.
Ouiser's dog was not well-trained, and throughout the film, she struggled with controlling it.
"The sanctuary looks like it's been hosed down with Pepto-Bismol."
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"He's a real gentleman. I'll bet he takes the dishes out of the sink before he pees in it."
Bill McCutcheon (1924-2002), who played Owen Jenkins in Steel Magnolias, started on the "Howdy Doody Show" as Leo the Leprechaun. He had a long career as a character actor, primarily on television, and won an Emmy for his work as Uncle Wally on "Sesame Street."
"I don't have to wait anymore. Mama's going to give me one of her kidneys."
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"I'm Sammy, and this here is the best cherry Coke in the history of the world."
"Get out of them trees… Migrate south, will you?"
"I think I'll come with you. I want to get my hair cut—short—and I want Truvy to do it."
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On average, it takes five to ten years to find a kidney for a transplant. The dialysis machine frequently causes bruises and welts, especially when people first start using it. In most cases, patients are hooked up to the machine three times a week for four hours each.
Olympia Dukakis (who played Clairee) spent days with a mayonnaise and egg mixture on her head. The local beauty shop used the homemade concoction to condition hair deeply, and it was used on her during the summer beauty shop scene.
"Mama, no judge is going to give a baby to someone with my medical record. Jackson even put out feelers about buying one."
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"I'm not crazy; I've just been in a very bad mood 40 years."
The director lost his wife just before filming "Steel Magnolias." It was very heart-wrenching for him to shoot the scenes in the hospital.
"Here… hit her… We'll sell T-shirts saying, 'I slapped Ouiser Boudreaux!'"
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Daryl Hannah begged for the role of Annelle to stretch her acting career. Prior to this movie, she had not done any character acting.
To sate, Sally Field (born November 6, 1946) has won two Academy Awards: one for "Places in the Heart" (1984) and one for "Norma Rae" (1980). Although nominated for a Golden Globe for her performance in Steel Magnolias, she did not win.
In real life, Susan Harling died when she was given general anesthesia for minor surgery and had a heart attack. Much of the plot during her final illness—such as her husband coming home and finding her on the floor with the baby crying—was added for dramatic effect.
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Robert Harling wrote the play so his nephew would not forget who his mother was after she died from complications of diabetes. The movie was filmed in Natchitoches, LA where the events had taken place in real life.
"Furniture, well my, must be nice to be married to a rich lawyer. What's it for, the living room?"
"I can report that the Sherwood Florist delivery truck stops by her house at least twice a week." "He knows I like fresh flowers."
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"…rejection of her kidney… The coma may be irreversible."
"Spud, turn off that stupid television. Spud, get in here and finish dyeing these Easter eggs."
"…she just wanted to take care of that little baby, and of you, of everybody she knew, and her poor little body was just worn out… It just wouldn't let her do all the things she wanted to, so she went on to a place where she could be a guardian angel.
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"Well, that's why God invented the A & P… You gotta get the lead out."