When the beloved Southern story “Steel Magnolias” made its transition from stage to screen, it was only fitting that the premieres would be as grand as the film itself. This iconic movie, deeply rooted in Southern culture and set in Robert Harling’s hometown of Natchitoches, Louisiana, didn’t just have one premiere event—it had four.
A Southern Spectacle Across Four Cities “Steel Magnolias” may have been a Hollywood production, but its Southern soul was evident in every detail, including its multiple premieres. The celebrations kicked off on November 5, 1989, in New York City at the prestigious Ziegfield Theater. The night was nothing short of spectacular. After the screening, the cast and crew moved to the Hilton Hotel, where producer Ray Stark’s vision of an unforgettable party was realized. The event featured a recreated wedding set from the movie, adding a touch of Southern charm to the glitz and glamour of the Big Apple.
Robert Harling, reflecting on the night, described it as surreal. “Ray wanted the biggest premiere party since The Godfather, and he got it. Watching my dad in deep conversation with people like Walter Cronkite…I pinched myself a lot those days,” Harling shared with Garden & Gun.
Southern Glamour on the Red Carpet The late 1980s were known for bold fashion, and the “Steel Magnolias” premiere was no exception. Dolly Parton, a true Southern belle, dazzled in head-to-toe rhinestones with her signature big hair—an ensemble that perfectly embodied her character, Truvy. Sally Field chose a classic look with a simple black dress and pearls, while Daryl Hannah wowed in a white slip dress and an elaborate updo. Shirley MacLaine brought her usual flair, donning a sequined blazer with a black sheath dress, and Julia Roberts, in a beaded pantsuit, completed the ensemble with her understated elegance.
The photos from the event captured the joy and camaraderie among the cast. Dolly Parton’s words to the press echoed this sentiment, “I relate with women well…I love men, but they cause me more trouble than the women.”
A Cross-Country Celebration The excitement didn’t end in New York. The very next day, the cast flew to Atlanta for another celebration. The tour continued on November 9, 1989, with a screening at the Cineplex Odeon Cinema in Los Angeles, bringing the glitz of Hollywood to the film’s premiere circuit.
However, the grand finale was reserved for Natchitoches, Louisiana—the heart of “Steel Magnolias.” The local community, many of whom had appeared as extras in the film, were treated to two black-tie screenings. Dolly Parton, Daryl Hannah, and Robert Harling attended, adding star power to the Southern town. The university’s basketball pavilion was transformed for the occasion, with the production donating $40,000 for scholarships. The event remains one of the most memorable parties Natchitoches has ever seen.
A Film Worth Celebrating “Steel Magnolias” wasn’t just a film; it was a celebration of Southern culture, friendship, and resilience. The multiple premieres, each more glamorous than the last, reflected the film’s significance and the love that its cast and crew had for the story they brought to life. As Shirley MacLaine aptly put it, “If you’ve got women in your life, bring them to see this film, and you’ll know much more about them when you go home.”
Leave a Reply