Cinema: Festive Film Fare for Thanksgiving: Steel Magnolias

With a Mermaid as hostess, Magnolias on the table -- and a turkey called Valmont

STEEL MAGNOLIAS

Directed by Herbert Ross

Screenplay by Robert Harling

Men have hunting, ball games and bars -- plenty of opportunities to practice the hearty, necessary rituals of male bonding. Feminist theory and common sense tell us that women have a similar need to renew gender loyalties. Their problem, traditionally, has been finding suitable places and occasions to do so.

It was observant of playwright Robert Harling to see that a small-town beauty parlor can function as a little lodge hall for women, a place where they can let their hair down while it is being put up. It was clever...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!