Introduction
The 1989 movie Steel Magnolias has become a classic among fans of romantic comedies over the years. Written by Robert Harling, the story follows the lives of six women who are brought together by the death of one of their own. The movie stars Dolly Parton, Sally Field, Shirley MacLaine, Olympia Dukakis, Daryl Hannah, and Julia Roberts. Set in the small town of Chinquapin, Louisiana, the movie focuses on the bond between the characters as they navigate life’s joys and sorrows.
In this article, we will explore where the movie Steel Magnolias was filmed. We will take a look at the real-life locations used for the movie, revisiting the sets of Truvy’s Beauty Parlor and Shelby’s family home. We will also provide a behind the scenes look at the making of the movie, including interviews with cast and crew members.
Exploring the Real-Life Locations of Steel Magnolias
The setting of Steel Magnolias is the fictional town of Chinquapin, Louisiana. While the town does not exist in real life, many of the locations used for filming were actual places in the state. The majority of filming took place in Natchitoches, Louisiana, which doubled for Chinquapin in the movie.
Natchitoches is located in northwest Louisiana, and it is the oldest town in the state. According to the Natchitoches Convention and Visitors Bureau, “Natchitoches served as the backdrop for Steel Magnolias due to its unique architectural style and strong sense of Southern hospitality.”
Revisiting the Filming Locations of Steel Magnolias
The movie was filmed almost entirely on location in Natchitoches, Louisiana. Many of the locations featured in the movie can still be visited today. These include the antebellum mansion that served as Shelby’s family home, the beauty salon owned by Truvy, and the church where Shelby’s funeral was held.
The antebellum mansion used for Shelby’s family home was built in 1853 and is now a bed and breakfast. It has been featured in other movies and TV shows, including A Streetcar Named Desire and True Blood. The beauty salon used for Truvy’s Beauty Parlor is still in operation today, and tours of the salon can be arranged.
The church where Shelby’s funeral was held was St. Augustine Catholic Church, which is located in Natchitoches. The church was built in 1729 and is the oldest standing church in the state. Tours of the church are available, and visitors can see the stained glass window that was featured in the movie.
A Look Back at Where Steel Magnolias Was Filmed
Behind the scenes of the movie, the production team and crew worked hard to bring the story of Steel Magnolias to life. The production team included director Herbert Ross, cinematographer John Bailey, and art director Cary White. The crew included camera operators, costume designers, set designers, and special effects technicians.
The movie was shot on location in Natchitoches, Louisiana. The production team and crew had to contend with the hot and humid climate of the region. They also had to deal with swarms of mosquitoes, thunderstorms, and other challenges that come with shooting on location.
On Location: The Making of Steel Magnolias
The production team and crew had to contend with several difficulties while filming Steel Magnolias. There were issues with the weather and the heat, as well as issues with the animals and insects on the set. The crew also had to contend with the logistical challenges of shooting on location. Despite these challenges, the movie was completed on schedule and within budget.
The production team and crew also had to create some special effects for the movie. For example, the opening scene of the movie features a car driving through a field of cotton. To achieve this effect, the production team had to create a large field of fake cotton, which was made from foam and paper.
Touring the Movie Sets of Steel Magnolias
Fans of the movie can visit the movie sets of Steel Magnolias. Tours of the sets can be arranged with the Natchitoches Convention and Visitors Bureau. On the tour, visitors can visit the antebellum mansion used for Shelby’s family home, the beauty salon used for Truvy’s Beauty Parlor, and the church where Shelby’s funeral was held.
Visitors can also tour the set of Truvy’s Beauty Parlor. The beauty parlor is still in operation today, and the owner is happy to show visitors around. Visitors can get a behind the scenes look at the making of the movie, including the equipment and props used in the movie.
Visitors can also tour the set of Shelby’s family home. The house is now a bed and breakfast, and visitors can take a tour of the house and gardens. The house has been featured in other movies and TV shows, and visitors can learn about the history of the house.
Behind the Scenes: Steel Magnolias on Location
To gain further insight into the making of the movie, interviews with cast and crew members can provide valuable information. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, director Herbert Ross discussed his experience while filming Steel Magnolias. He said, “It was a great experience. We all lived together in hotels and I think that helped us a lot. Everyone got along very well. We had a lot of laughs, and it was a great time.”
The cast and crew also spoke about their experiences while filming on location in Natchitoches. Actress Daryl Hannah said, “I loved being in Natchitoches. It was like stepping back in time. It was an amazing experience, and I’ll never forget it.” Actress Julia Roberts said, “Natchitoches was a great place to shoot. We all had such a great time there.”
Conclusion
In this article, we explored where the movie Steel Magnolias was filmed. We took a look at the real-life locations used for the movie, revisiting the sets of Truvy’s Beauty Parlor and Shelby’s family home. We provided a behind the scenes look at the making of the movie, including interviews with cast and crew members. We also toured the movie sets of Steel Magnolias and gained insight into the production team and crew involved in the making of the movie.
Steel Magnolias is a timeless classic that has stood the test of time. The movie was filmed almost entirely on location in Natchitoches, Louisiana, and many of the locations featured in the movie can still be visited today. Fans of the movie can take a tour of the movie sets and gain insight into the making of the movie.
The production team and crew of Steel Magnolias created a movie that has become a classic among fans of romantic comedies. The movie captures the bonds of friendship between the characters and the struggles of life in a small town. The movie is a testament to the power of storytelling and the strength of the human spirit.
(Note: Is this article not meeting your expectations? Do you have knowledge or insights to share? Unlock new opportunities and expand your reach by joining our authors team. Click Registration to join us and share your expertise with our readers.)