Steel Magnolias

Directed by Herbert Ross, 1989
PG; 118 minutes

“This film is a true story and a brilliant depiction of friendship that manages to be witty, warm, uplifting, and, just when you thought you were safe, utterly heartbreaking. It’s also frequently laugh-out-loud funny.” —Sophie Zeldin-O'Neill, The Guardian

Set in the fictional town of Chinquapin Parish, Louisiana, Steel Magnolias features an all-star ensemble cast. As M'Lynn (Sally Field) prepares for her daughter Shelby’s (Julia Roberts) wedding, she and her friends (Olympia Dukakis and Shirley Maclaine) gather at the local beauty parlor where Truvy Jones (Dolly Parton), and her new assistant, aspiring beautician Annelle (Daryl Hannah), do their hair while sharing in the latest gossip. As time passes, the close-knit circle of women encounter both tragedy and good fortune, growing stronger and closer in the process.

The “My Favorite Films” series features tales of romance, humor, suspense, satire, and heroism with films since 1945. These films may hold special memories for you—no matter how many times you see them, they continue to draw you in once more. While many of these films are available through streaming, it's always more fun to see them in the theatre.

This December, the Modern invites you to gather for a month of films that honor the lives and screen legacies of Tim Curry, Catherine O’Hara, Robert Duvall, and Dolly Parton, this lineup reflects the range of performances that stay with us—warm, eccentric, deeply human, and unforgettable. From small-town salons and radio booths to Texas farms and snow-bright city streets, these stories remind us how humor, resilience, tenderness, and a little mischief can turn ordinary days into lasting cinematic memories.

Make a day of it at the Modern and include extra time to visit the galleries. Enjoy lunch in Café Modern and then settle in for an afternoon screening, or plan for a coffee break afterwards with fellow film enthusiasts.

Screenings are at 2 pm most Wednesdays in the auditorium. Tickets are $5 (free for Modern members) and are available at the Museum’s admission desk or online here.