Film4 will air the beloved 1989 film 'Steel Magnolias' tonight at 6:40pm, featuring an all-star cast including Julia Roberts, Dolly Parton, Sally Field, Shirley MacLaine, Daryl Hannah, and Olympia Dukakis. The film, set in a small Louisiana town, explores the deep bonds between a group of women as they navigate love, loss, and friendship.
The story follows Shelby (Roberts) as she prepares for her wedding, supported by her mother M'Lynn (Field). Annelle (Hannah), a shy beauty school graduate, arrives in town after her husband abandons her and finds work at Truvy's (Parton) beauty salon, where the women gather to share gossip and personal struggles. Tragedy strikes after Shelby gives birth, and the women unite to support each other through grief.
Based on Robert Harling's screenplay, inspired by his sister's death, the film received mixed reviews but earned critical acclaim for its performances. Roberts received her first Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress and won a Golden Globe for the role. Field was nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Actress, while MacLaine and Dukakis also earned nominations. The film won Favorite Dramatic Motion Picture at the 1990 People's Choice Awards.
Fans continue to praise the film over 35 years after its release. One Rotten Tomatoes user described it as 'very nostalgic, happy, sad, entertaining & joyful,' while another called it a 'heartfelt five-star drama' that balances laughter and tears perfectly. The film holds a 73% positive score on the review aggregator.
Don't miss 'Steel Magnolias' on Film4 tonight at 6:40pm.
