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Steel Magnolias
Presents the script of a 1988 play about a group of women in Chinquapin, Louisiana, who learn to draw upon their underlying strength and love to meet the challenges of life.
82 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1988
18 people are currently reading
4612 people want to read
About the author
Robert Harling
1 book2 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Robert M. Harling III is an American writer, producer and film director.
Robert M. Harling III is an American writer, producer and film director.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 214 reviews
August 11, 2019
This has to be one of my favorite movies of all time. I have many lines memorized from the movie. This is my first time reading the original play. Most of the lines in the movie come right out of the pages of the play, but the ending is very different. The ending takes place at the hair salon like every other scene and the woman talk about everything that happened to M’Lynn instead of us being at the hospital or funeral. I think seeing the characters as it happens in the movie is more powerful, but I still teared up at the end, even the way it was done here. That movie gets me every time.
I usually distance myself from my southern roots, but this is one of those things in life that make me feel some pride at my southern roots. These are some amazing ladies. The movie shows more of life outside the salon, but in this play it all takes place in this space for women. It becomes like the scared space woman collect and share their lives with one another. Life happens outside, but this is the safe space they support each other.
There are interesting things about religion that happen in here. I know they are in the movies, but you get the feel of the difference between the Presbyterians and more Fundamental religion that takes over the south.
This is such excellent story telling. I love the author’s note at the beginning: “the women in this play are witty, intelligent, and above all, real characters. They in no way, shape or form are meant to be portrayed as cartoons or caricatures” The movie obeyed this note to a T and I think that is why it is still such a classic. We need a steel Magnolia’s reunion, if you ask me. Some of them are getting very old, but I think they are all still with us as of now.
Anyway, this is one of my favorite stories about life. It’s brilliant writing and I’m glad I read the play.
I usually distance myself from my southern roots, but this is one of those things in life that make me feel some pride at my southern roots. These are some amazing ladies. The movie shows more of life outside the salon, but in this play it all takes place in this space for women. It becomes like the scared space woman collect and share their lives with one another. Life happens outside, but this is the safe space they support each other.
There are interesting things about religion that happen in here. I know they are in the movies, but you get the feel of the difference between the Presbyterians and more Fundamental religion that takes over the south.
This is such excellent story telling. I love the author’s note at the beginning: “the women in this play are witty, intelligent, and above all, real characters. They in no way, shape or form are meant to be portrayed as cartoons or caricatures” The movie obeyed this note to a T and I think that is why it is still such a classic. We need a steel Magnolia’s reunion, if you ask me. Some of them are getting very old, but I think they are all still with us as of now.
Anyway, this is one of my favorite stories about life. It’s brilliant writing and I’m glad I read the play.
October 3, 2007
This true story of a young woman battling Type 1 Juvenile Diabetes who just wants to live a normal life and the family who loved her is both heartbreaking and uplifting. That a younger brother would write this about his sister is testament to just what a wonderful young woman, daughter, sister, wife, mother, she was. As much fun as the play and movie were, the book is so well written. If you need a good cry, this book is it. Enjoy!
December 8, 2017
One of my favorite movies and I'd never read the play. Love it as much as I love the movie. Cried as much at it as I do at the movie, lol. So good.
January 12, 2012
This play changed the way I interacted with other women; it allows women to be both feminine and strong in everyday life. The characters are multidimensional, fierce women and watching them interact with one another without the pettiness and jealousy which is so prevalent in fictional portrayals of female friendships is refreshing.
December 13, 2011
It's kinda hard to critique a script, but I would have to say that this one is a solid five stars. The women are strongly written and aren't cartoons. The female "cookie cutter" jokes (i.e. PMS) don't feel like a bash. I think the real reason why I love this script is because the character Shelby is based on Robert Harling's real sister who did have diabetes issues and sadly passed away after the birth of her son. I love that Robert Harling chose to create something AMAZING from such a sorrowful time period in his life. The movie is a pretty good adaptation to the script which is really refreshing.
January 2, 2012
I had seen the movie years ago and was surprised that I liked it so much. Now having read the play, I'm struck not by the fact that the entire play took place in the beauty parlor (something that was mentioned to me after I had seen the movie, which at the time struck me as amazing), but the fact that the most memorable characters are the almost ancillary ones. It's more a story about life than about one particular tragedy. And the humor makes the pathos that much more impactful.
January 22, 2020
When I first encountered Steel Magnolias it was through the movie when I was in high school. To be blunt, I didn't get it. I found it to be full of drama, crass and unsympathetic characters.
Fast forward 25 years, and I've been asked by a good friend to run props for her production of it. She phrased it to me in a very unique way- it was the anniversary of the suffrage and she wanted a good play about strong women with an all-woman crew to create it. I was instantly humbled to be thought of and excited to be part of such a tribute; of course I said yes. Remembering her words about strong women and now armed with my own experiences, I read the script with a very different light.
Here I found women of different types in different phases of life all struggling, but finding strength together, tempering their struggles with humor and their own unique style and perspective. I found strong women. My heart was stirred and suddenly the story I had claimed held no sway over me had me stitches laughing, had me in tears, had me reflecting, left me feeling grateful.
Women can be sympathetic, nurturing, worried, delicate-emotioned, imperfect, lovely, stubborn but have a steel core at the heart of all of it. I feel like they have reminded me of mine.
Fast forward 25 years, and I've been asked by a good friend to run props for her production of it. She phrased it to me in a very unique way- it was the anniversary of the suffrage and she wanted a good play about strong women with an all-woman crew to create it. I was instantly humbled to be thought of and excited to be part of such a tribute; of course I said yes. Remembering her words about strong women and now armed with my own experiences, I read the script with a very different light.
Here I found women of different types in different phases of life all struggling, but finding strength together, tempering their struggles with humor and their own unique style and perspective. I found strong women. My heart was stirred and suddenly the story I had claimed held no sway over me had me stitches laughing, had me in tears, had me reflecting, left me feeling grateful.
Women can be sympathetic, nurturing, worried, delicate-emotioned, imperfect, lovely, stubborn but have a steel core at the heart of all of it. I feel like they have reminded me of mine.
October 1, 2022
Gyvenimas yra sudėtingas ir sunkus. Žmonės tave palieka, įskaudina, nuvilia, tu nuvili save, žmonės miršta.
Gyvenimas tikrai sunkus. Bet jei tave supa žmonės, kurie tave prajuokina, pamaitina, sušukuoja tau plaukus, pasako, kaip juos užknisi, palaiko gedint ir tave myli... gyvenimas tampa truputį lengvesnis.
<3 <3 <3
Pradžioj galvojau bus šilta, juokinga ir smagi istorija apie namų šeimininkes 80's, bet gale mano širdis buvo tiesiog sumaitota ir negalėjau nustot verkt. Filmas nė kiek nenusileidžia pjesei, gal net geresnis, nors iš esmės skiriasi tik pabaiga. Vis tiek - viena mėgstamiausių istorijų apie gyvenimą.
Gyvenimas tikrai sunkus. Bet jei tave supa žmonės, kurie tave prajuokina, pamaitina, sušukuoja tau plaukus, pasako, kaip juos užknisi, palaiko gedint ir tave myli... gyvenimas tampa truputį lengvesnis.
<3 <3 <3
Pradžioj galvojau bus šilta, juokinga ir smagi istorija apie namų šeimininkes 80's, bet gale mano širdis buvo tiesiog sumaitota ir negalėjau nustot verkt. Filmas nė kiek nenusileidžia pjesei, gal net geresnis, nors iš esmės skiriasi tik pabaiga. Vis tiek - viena mėgstamiausių istorijų apie gyvenimą.
October 12, 2023
A very emotional and funny play, celebrating the friendship and unconditional love and sorority, no matter the age and the circumstances. Can’t wait to be in it! I’d kill to play Truvy or Ouiser!
February 5, 2019
I was blown away by how much I liked this.
A little background information for anyone that sees the books I read and has tried to figure out what drunken pattern I use; this choice was made to fulfill a reading challenge I am doing. The task: Read a book with a character who works in or visits a beauty salon. Oddly specific. I hadn't the faintest clue of anything that would suffice. I saw Steel Magnolias on a Goodreads list when I searched for "hairdresser". I knew absolutely nothing before I started reading it and it may be my 2nd favorite play I have ever read (Lady Windermere's Fan remains champion).
I immediately loved the witty rapport these women had. The snappy back and forth from the onset was infectious. As the story moves forward, the tone changes and the humorous banter mixes with heartfelt scenes that add another dimension to these wonderful characters. For how short it is, I was surprised how strong of an impact it had on me.
They should make a movie of this.
I just quickly want to reiterate that the sequential order in which I read books should cause no alarm. I understand that someone looking at my 'books read' shelf sees "Bridge to Terabithia, Bruce Springsteen autobiography, Walking Dead graphic novel, nonfiction book about the role alcohol played in American history, obscure Stephen King novel, Batman, The Bell Jar, Fablehaven..." and thinks I am probably a serial killer. What's this guy into? Only unstable minds jump around like that.
I am perfectly sane and I can prove it. I will share my next reading choice. The only logical selection after reading Steel Magnolias is... Troy Little's graphic novel adaption of Hunter S. Thompson's Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.
A little background information for anyone that sees the books I read and has tried to figure out what drunken pattern I use; this choice was made to fulfill a reading challenge I am doing. The task: Read a book with a character who works in or visits a beauty salon. Oddly specific. I hadn't the faintest clue of anything that would suffice. I saw Steel Magnolias on a Goodreads list when I searched for "hairdresser". I knew absolutely nothing before I started reading it and it may be my 2nd favorite play I have ever read (Lady Windermere's Fan remains champion).
I immediately loved the witty rapport these women had. The snappy back and forth from the onset was infectious. As the story moves forward, the tone changes and the humorous banter mixes with heartfelt scenes that add another dimension to these wonderful characters. For how short it is, I was surprised how strong of an impact it had on me.
They should make a movie of this.
I just quickly want to reiterate that the sequential order in which I read books should cause no alarm. I understand that someone looking at my 'books read' shelf sees "Bridge to Terabithia, Bruce Springsteen autobiography, Walking Dead graphic novel, nonfiction book about the role alcohol played in American history, obscure Stephen King novel, Batman, The Bell Jar, Fablehaven..." and thinks I am probably a serial killer. What's this guy into? Only unstable minds jump around like that.
I am perfectly sane and I can prove it. I will share my next reading choice. The only logical selection after reading Steel Magnolias is... Troy Little's graphic novel adaption of Hunter S. Thompson's Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.
September 8, 2018
Louisiana Usa ,anos 80 , seis mulheres delicadas como as
orquídeas mas fortes como o aço se juntam no salão de beleza Truvy’s Beauty Shop para se ajudarem e para fortalecer Shelby Eatenton que sofre de Diabete e luta para ter uma vida normal. Cada uma das mulheres têm sua luta diária (filhos, maridos até cachorros),e todas demonstram uma força extraordinária para vencer seus problemas. Elas se divertem com brincadeiras , fofocas , mas na hora de tratar a vida com a seriedade , na hora de aconselhar ,ajudar,cuidar , elas se comportam maravilhosamente .
Tente não chorar ao ler esse livro, tente não chorar ao assistir o filme de 1989 (Flores de aço ), que lançou Júlia Roberts ao estrelato, numa performance fora de série.
Belo texto de Robert Harling , com ótimas adaptações para o teatro e o cinema.
orquídeas mas fortes como o aço se juntam no salão de beleza Truvy’s Beauty Shop para se ajudarem e para fortalecer Shelby Eatenton que sofre de Diabete e luta para ter uma vida normal. Cada uma das mulheres têm sua luta diária (filhos, maridos até cachorros),e todas demonstram uma força extraordinária para vencer seus problemas. Elas se divertem com brincadeiras , fofocas , mas na hora de tratar a vida com a seriedade , na hora de aconselhar ,ajudar,cuidar , elas se comportam maravilhosamente .
Tente não chorar ao ler esse livro, tente não chorar ao assistir o filme de 1989 (Flores de aço ), que lançou Júlia Roberts ao estrelato, numa performance fora de série.
Belo texto de Robert Harling , com ótimas adaptações para o teatro e o cinema.
November 28, 2025
i don’t really know how to rate a script, but i really loved this one
it was funny and sad and i loved all of the characters
it was funny and sad and i loved all of the characters
August 25, 2018
Ok, it didn't take me as long to recollect my thoughts as I thought it would. If I were to summarize "Steel Magnolias" in one sentence it would be this:
A really good play with a terribly executed ending.
This play is separated into two acts, each act having two scenes. The entirety of the first act was FANTASTIC. I loved how everything was introduced, set up, and moved along in this act. The first scene in the second act was really good, but didn't have the same characterization skills Harling showed in the first act. Even with the slight dip in quality this play was destined to be a four star read. This is where the last scene comes in.
While the ideas Harling has for the play's conclusion have potential, the execution was so piss poor that I didn't feel anything but anger when the play ended. I'm not going to sugar coat it. I HATED how this play ended. It went so fast that not even the roadrunner from "Looney Tunes" could catch it, the way the major plot of this scene is portrayed is a complete slap to the face, and it made everything building up to the conclusion feel less valuable. It didn't ruin the whole play, but it destroyed its chances from being a truly marvelous play.
So, I didn't love "Steel Magnolias" like every other person. Maybe the problems in the play could be fixed in the movie (which I do plan on seeing someday), but as it is, I was both satisfied and unsatisfied with this play. Though is it worth reading? Yes. The first act is wonderful and the characters are fantastic. You should just go in with a little bit of a caution.
I am giving this one a 3.5 out of 5 stars.
A really good play with a terribly executed ending.
This play is separated into two acts, each act having two scenes. The entirety of the first act was FANTASTIC. I loved how everything was introduced, set up, and moved along in this act. The first scene in the second act was really good, but didn't have the same characterization skills Harling showed in the first act. Even with the slight dip in quality this play was destined to be a four star read. This is where the last scene comes in.
While the ideas Harling has for the play's conclusion have potential, the execution was so piss poor that I didn't feel anything but anger when the play ended. I'm not going to sugar coat it. I HATED how this play ended. It went so fast that not even the roadrunner from "Looney Tunes" could catch it, the way the major plot of this scene is portrayed is a complete slap to the face, and it made everything building up to the conclusion feel less valuable. It didn't ruin the whole play, but it destroyed its chances from being a truly marvelous play.
So, I didn't love "Steel Magnolias" like every other person. Maybe the problems in the play could be fixed in the movie (which I do plan on seeing someday), but as it is, I was both satisfied and unsatisfied with this play. Though is it worth reading? Yes. The first act is wonderful and the characters are fantastic. You should just go in with a little bit of a caution.
I am giving this one a 3.5 out of 5 stars.
January 3, 2014
I have very fond memories of putting this on in high school - including a now-classic line not included in the script... During a show, some of the actresses got off-script and distracted, lost a line somewhere, and searching for anything, anything at all to say, Annelle ad-libbed to M'lynn, "Do you dye your hair?" Everyone cracked up, and then the tension was broken and floundering stopped, they found their way, and finished the show, but... in a hair salon, really?!
It's really a tearjerker, but it is a drama, not a comedy. The movie was well adapted, and had a greater range of sets to have the scenes, not just in the beauty salon. The visual of losing Shelby in the hospital was all the more heartbreaking, but our M'lynn was amazing and her final meltdown/tantrum was beautifully done.
It's really a tearjerker, but it is a drama, not a comedy. The movie was well adapted, and had a greater range of sets to have the scenes, not just in the beauty salon. The visual of losing Shelby in the hospital was all the more heartbreaking, but our M'lynn was amazing and her final meltdown/tantrum was beautifully done.
January 3, 2008
I don't know which came first the book or the movie but together they are wonderful and I recomend the book to anyone that has ever seen Steel Magnolias. It stars Dolly Parton, Sally Feilds, and Shirley MacLaine just to mention a few a must read on a cold wintery night!
September 12, 2009
Steel Magnolias was one of the first big stage production that I was involved in so I have biased warm memories about it. I remember that right from the first rehearsal until the final show I was still able to laugh out loud and cry along with the show.
July 6, 2022
A fantastic script, 6W plus male radio DJ v/o. Well worth the reading.
November 29, 2022
what do steel magnolias and into the woods have in common? act one make me laugh, act two makes me cry
January 1, 2023
I’d never read this play before. I was surprised to find that I think it works better as a play rather than a movie. Great female characters and an all-female cast!
January 31, 2026
Steel Magnolias by Robert Harling (1987)
1h 52m narrated by Frances Fisher, Jeanie Hackett, Shannon Holt, Amy Pietz, Brittany Snow, Jocelyn Towne, and Josh Clark, 79 pages
Genre: Women's Fiction, Play
Rating as a movie: PG-13
Featuring: Beauty Salon, Fictional Town and Parish in Northwest Louisiana; Monroe, Louisiana; West Monroe, Louisiana; Shreveport, Louisiana, Wedding, Diabetes, High-Risk Pregnancy, Friendships, Mother-Daughter Relationships, Marital Issues, Christmas
Songs for the soundtrack: "I Paralyze" by Cher, "Leaving Louisiana In The Broad Daylight" by Emmylou Harris
Books and Authors mentioned: William Shakespeare, Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle
My rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟💐⚜️💅👳♀️👰♂️💆♀️💇♀️🤰
My thoughts: This was actually better than the movie, but I could see where they expanded the script. I'm still confused about Shelby's health issues. I'm glad I can finally check this one off my list. I remember when I read Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe expecting this story. 😆
Recommend to others: Yes. It's not as sad in its original format.
1h 52m narrated by Frances Fisher, Jeanie Hackett, Shannon Holt, Amy Pietz, Brittany Snow, Jocelyn Towne, and Josh Clark, 79 pages
Genre: Women's Fiction, Play
Rating as a movie: PG-13
Featuring: Beauty Salon, Fictional Town and Parish in Northwest Louisiana; Monroe, Louisiana; West Monroe, Louisiana; Shreveport, Louisiana, Wedding, Diabetes, High-Risk Pregnancy, Friendships, Mother-Daughter Relationships, Marital Issues, Christmas
Songs for the soundtrack: "I Paralyze" by Cher, "Leaving Louisiana In The Broad Daylight" by Emmylou Harris
Books and Authors mentioned: William Shakespeare, Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle
My rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟💐⚜️💅👳♀️👰♂️💆♀️💇♀️🤰
My thoughts: This was actually better than the movie, but I could see where they expanded the script. I'm still confused about Shelby's health issues. I'm glad I can finally check this one off my list. I remember when I read Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe expecting this story. 😆
Recommend to others: Yes. It's not as sad in its original format.
November 13, 2021
Steel Magnolias is one of my favorite movies. I'm sure it helps that I was named after it too. I knew vaguely that the movie was based on a play, but until I listened to a podcast about the movie it didn't register that I could just read it. I actually found a pdf online because this doesn't appear to be available as an ebook anywhere I saw.
I thought this was just lovely. The first scene is almost line for line the same as the movie. I love that it exclusively takes place at Truvy's. I understand why the movie didn't/couldn't follow that, but it felt so strong to just see these women at the salon. I actually found myself liking Ouiser a lot more. The play got me to both laugh out loud and tear up. Wonderful, also short!
I thought this was just lovely. The first scene is almost line for line the same as the movie. I love that it exclusively takes place at Truvy's. I understand why the movie didn't/couldn't follow that, but it felt so strong to just see these women at the salon. I actually found myself liking Ouiser a lot more. The play got me to both laugh out loud and tear up. Wonderful, also short!
November 20, 2023
The movie Steel Magnolias has become a special one in our home, so when I discovered that it was adapted from a play that Robert wrote based on his sister, mother, and women of his home town, and in tribute to his sister who died of complications of diabetes following the birth of her son, I had to read it. This story, whether in play or movie format, will make you laugh and cry and remind you of the power of female friendship.
February 16, 2025
This is a great, Southern play in which I’ve been lucky enough to be cast as M’Lynn. It’s a bit different from the movie or I should say the movie is different from the play because the play came first. Nevertheless, it is full of Southern charm and witticisms.
September 27, 2025
Maybe I was just tired, but the production I saw seemed to drag a bit. It was a little over 2 1/2 hours long, but seemed longer. I probably would have enjoyed it more with a little editing and a lot of Cuban coffee.
October 3, 2023
thank god no one saw me crying
November 17, 2023
Wish I could see a dog that ugly
December 11, 2023
i'm not the one who usually reads plays, but i really loved everything about this one 💆
January 14, 2024
im counting this bc im in this play lmao annelle SWEEP
February 27, 2024
I want to be friends with all these women
March 20, 2024
IM FINE! I COULD JOG TO TEXAS AND BACK BUT MY DAUGHTER CAN’T!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 214 reviews