Steel magnolias mlynn biography of rory

When it comes to classic Southern movies, there's no denying that "Steel Magnolias" is one of the all-time greats.

With a cast full of powerhouse women, it's no surprise the film became such a hit. Shot in Natchitoches, Louisiana – the hometown of writer Robert Harling — the film follows the lives, loves, and losses of a group of local women.

There's big-hearted Truvy Jones (Dolly Parton),  out-of-towner Annelle (Daryl Hannah), grumpy Ouiser (Shirley MacLaine), soon-to-be-married Shelby (Julia Roberts), and her protective mom, M'Lynn (Sally Field) — women who occasionally clash but ultimately all support each other.

"Steel Magnolias" could certainly be called a melodrama, but it's the heart-wrenching blend of comedy and tragedy that makes the film work.

In his (mostly) positive review of the film, Roger Ebert wrote wrote, "'Steel Magnolias' is essentially a series of comic one-liners leading up to a teary tr