32 Memorable Quotes From Steel Magnolias

32 Memorable Quotes From Steel Magnolias

The given opinion is one of many sweet moments that M’Lynn experiences as she navigates her life and interacts with others. It demonstrates her self-awareness, while also downplaying the things about her that make her lovable. Because ok, some people probably wouldn’t want to be nice to her if not for her money, but her friends clearly love her for who she is.


Why did I repeatedly watch “Steel Magnolias” as a young teen? Was it because I found the humor endearing and appreciated a good cry, even during my early years? The film was based on a play by Robert Harling, who adapted it for the screen (and later wrote the screenplay for another gem – “First Wives Club”). As an adult, I’ve come to appreciate how it portrays the bonds of female friendship in a touching manner.

And can we talk about the cast? I mean: Dolly Parton, Sally Field, Olympia Dukakis, Shirley MacLaine, Daryl Hannah and Julia Roberts. This is not to discount the men in this movie — Tom Skerritt, Dylan McDermott, Sam Shepard and Kevin J. O’Connor in particular — who are all excellent. But when it comes to the performances of the women, Steel Magnolias is a symphony of emotional range, talent, and comedic timing. Suffice to say, I know I’m not alone in loving this film. It was all I could do not to quote the entire movie here, but I do hope I managed to include some of your favorites…

32 Memorable Quotes From Steel Magnolias

“There’s so much static electricity in this room, I pick up everything but boys and money.” 

1. Truvy, or Dolly Parton, captivates instantly as she makes an entrance. Meanwhile, Annelle’s jitters are eased when Truvy playfully attributes the electric charge to her hair styling session, rather than the tiny hairs on her shirt.

32 Memorable Quotes From Steel Magnolias

“Hi Miss Ouiser.” Shelby’s brothers, “Ugh, leave me alone.” Ouiser

In a casual and friendly manner, Shelby’s brothers Tom (Knowl Johnson) and Jonathan (Jonathan Ward) appear surprised when Ouiser (Shirley MacLaine) bursts into the house, chasing Drum into the backyard. They extend a warm welcome to her, and she responds as candidly as she could manage.

32 Memorable Quotes From Steel Magnolias

“You can’t screw up her hair. You just tease it and make it look like a brown football helmet” Shelby

Shelby (Julia Roberts) calms Annelle’s apprehensions regarding M’Lynn’s hair by describing its simplicity as resembling… indeed, a brown football helmet.

32 Memorable Quotes From Steel Magnolias

“Oh, I used to have one. But I slammed it against the wall when I couldn’t figure out where the batteries went. Of course, I know now that I was suffering from pre-menstrual syndrome.” Truvy

1. When Shelby proposes a radio for the salon as a means to minimize talking excessively, Truvy discloses the truth about the one she previously owned.

32 Memorable Quotes From Steel Magnolias

“Her colors are pink and pink.” M’Lynn, “My colors are blush and bashful, Momma.” Shelby

It seems that you are suggesting a way of paraphrasing in natural and easy to read language for Shelby’s wedding aesthetic, which is not going to be for everyone, but Shelby is clearly happy with the look. In fact, when M’Lynn tries to reduce the wedding colors to “pink and pink,” Shelby insists they be referred to by their proper names – blush and bashful.

32 Memorable Quotes From Steel Magnolias

“Well, any good shoe, I wear a size 6, but a 7 feels so good, I buy a size 8.” Truvy, “They’re 8 1/2.” Clairee, “Perfect” “Truvy”

1/2 but likes to say she’s a 6? Whether that’s correct, I still think this is an adorable Truvy moment. Side-note: I’m also still wondering why they ever thought it was a good idea to stack that many trays of eggs in the trunk of a car…

32 Memorable Quotes From Steel Magnolias

“Drum would never, ever point a gun at a lady.” M’Lynn, “He’s a real gentleman. I bet he takes the dishes out of the sink before he pees in it.” Ouiser

In this scenario, M’Lynn (played by Sally Field) is trying to brush off her husband’s actions, but Ouiser strongly opposes it. It’s clear that there are missing bullets in the gun Drum is using to scare away birds from the Magnolia tree, and I find myself agreeing with Ouiser on this issue. A more appropriate solution needs to be found for this predicament (and fireworks aren’t the solution). I can’t help but sympathize with the unfortunate dog in this situation.

32 Memorable Quotes From Steel Magnolias

“Don’t try to get on my good side, Truvy, I no longer have one.” Ouiser

Even Tracy’s charisma couldn’t soften Outisier’s sullen disposition. Any efforts to reach her optimistic self would be countered by her assertion that she is now devoid of hope.

32 Memorable Quotes From Steel Magnolias

“I can’t talk about it.” Annelle, “Of course you can!” Truvy and Clairee at the same time

When Annelle was introduced, other women tactfully avoided delving into her enigmatic past. However, Ouiser boldly started questioning the newcomer about her background. It’s amusing how these women swiftly gather around when they notice Ouiser extracting information. Moreover, Truvy and Clairee (played by Olympia Dukakis) chorus a warm and coordinated “of course you can!” as soon as Annelle attempts to evade the topic.

32 Memorable Quotes From Steel Magnolias

“I really don’t think things could get any worse.” Annelle, “Of course they can.” Ouiser

If you’re seeking kindness and empathy, Truvy might be your ideal choice. On the other hand, if you prefer straightforwardness bordering on bluntness, Ouiser is likely the one for you. It’s hard to say whether her honesty is truly brutal or merely pessimistic in nature; perhaps it depends on your perspective and how much adversity you’ve encountered in life.

32 Memorable Quotes From Steel Magnolias

“Her mother and I do!” Drum

In this sentence, the word “Drum” refers to the person who is participating in the wedding ceremony, while the word “paraphrasing” indicates that there is a challenge or contest being undertaken, and the phrase “he wasn’t the kind of man to give up on” suggests that the participant is not the groom (the man who proposes). The phrase “to give up on a challenge” implies that he is participating in order to win or succeed. The phrase “which is how he ended up unable to hear anything” means that there was some difficulty or impediment in hearing something, and the words “quieter than a shout” suggest that it was quieter than a loud noise or commotion. The sentence “he had one part during the wedding ceremony after walking his daughter down the aisle” indicates that he walked his daughter down the aisle (a passageway) during the wedding ceremony, and the final phrase “And he did” suggests that an action or deed was performed by him. The phrase “Loudly” implies that this action was done in a boisterous manner. The sentence “He had one part during the wedding ceremony after walking his daughter down the aisle, which was to give his daughter away” implies that he had a specific task or duty within the wedding ceremony following his daughter down the aisle (a passageway), and he did this after he walked her there. This is a concise way of expressing that he took part in the wedding ceremony, undertook a challenge, encountered difficulties in hearing, was quieter than a shout, had a specific task or duty, performed an action boisterously, and walked his daughter down the aisle during the wedding ceremony after taking her there.

32 Memorable Quotes From Steel Magnolias

“Well, I haven’t left the house without lycra on these thighs since I was fourteen.” Truvy, “You were brought up right.” Clairee

Truvy and Clairee don’t shy away from gossiping, as demonstrated when they comment on a woman dancing without enough support for her expensive dress. Truvy voices her thoughts to Clairee, who agrees with her friend’s traditional perspective.

32 Memorable Quotes From Steel Magnolias

“The older you get, the sillier you get.” Clairee, “The older you get, the uglier you get.” Ouiser

As harsh as this quote might seem on paper, it’s actually one of the sweeter moments between Clairee and Ouiser. Never mind that Ouiser lives nearby, she doesn’t feel comfortable walking home by herself. Or maybe she just wants a bit more time with her friend. Either way, she and Clairee give each other a hard time as they leave the wedding together.

32 Memorable Quotes From Steel Magnolias

“Oh no! Nobody move, nobody movie, my contact!” Annelle

Paraphrasing in Natural and Easy-to-Read Language:

32 Memorable Quotes From Steel Magnolias

“You are special, Shelby. There are limits to what you can do.” M’Lynn

In this collection, not all quotes convey joy. It’s clearly evident that M’Lynn cherishes her family deeply, and I suspect there’s no limit to what she wouldn’t do for her daughter’s safety. When Shelby, who has diabetes, announces her pregnancy (a development her doctors had advised against due to health concerns), M’Lynn finds it hard to rejoice because of her deep-seated worries. It’s a poignant moment, and this movie contains several such emotionally charged scenes.

32 Memorable Quotes From Steel Magnolias

“I’m not crazy, M’Lynn, I’ve just been in a very bad mood for forty years.” Ouiser

It seems that you are pondering the relationship between yourself and your friends, making use of the information about your friendship. Yet, M’Lynn finds it easy to contemplate the feeling between you and your companions. Still, M’Lynn supposes that you would find it in a good mood and has been for a while. Perhaps talking with someone wouldn’t be the most unfavorable thing?

32 Memorable Quotes From Steel Magnolias

“Well, as somebody always said, if you can’t say anything nice about anybody, come sit by me.” Clairee

At a festive gathering, Claire and Truvy share a cozy conversation, fueled by Claire’s fondness for lively chatter, even when she is the one dishing out the gossip.

32 Memorable Quotes From Steel Magnolias

“Nothing pleases Shelby more than proving me wrong.” M’Lynn

1. Rewrite M’Lynn’s friends’s celebration of her pregnancy by hosting a party for them, celebrating her daughter’s pregnancy with love and support.

32 Memorable Quotes From Steel Magnolias

“Because I’m an old southern woman, and we’re supposed to wear funny looking hats and ugly clothes and grow vegetables in the dirt. Don’t ask me those questions. I don’t know why. I don’t make the rules.” Ouiser

1. Rewrite or reaphrase: To revere or reaphras means to revere oneself or reaphrases one’s own self.

32 Memorable Quotes From Steel Magnolias

“Drum loves pork and beans. Eats ’em with everything.” Clairee, “That explains a lot.” Ouiser

As M’Lynn prepares for surgery to donate a kidney to Shelby, her friends step up to care for Drum and the boys while she’s away. For Clairee, this means stocking up on canned pork and beans at the grocery store. The quantity of cans is nearly as amusing as Ouiser’s nonchalance about Drum eating pork and beans with every meal.

32 Memorable Quotes From Steel Magnolias

“I think we should pray” Annelle, “Oh, I’d rather eat dirt.” Sammy

1. Using Annelle’s name in address: “Annelle”

32 Memorable Quotes From Steel Magnolias

“Ouiser never did a religious thing in her life.” Clairee, “Now that is not true. When I was in school, a bunch of my friends and I would dress up as nuns and go bar-hopping.” Ouiser

1. Use flowery or floral language: Using flowers or flowery language refers to the use of blooms or flowers in general. This can be a way of speaking about flowers or flowery matters.

32 Memorable Quotes From Steel Magnolias

“I do not see plays because I can nap at home for free. And I don’t see movies because they’re trash, and they got nothing but naked people in them. And I don’t read books ‘cause if they’re any good, they’re gonna make them into a miniseries.” Ouiser

In the movie scene, Shirley MacLaine delivers a flawless line as Ouiser, who tries to introduce culture into their conversation. While wearing wax strips on her upper lip, Annele is working on her face. This scene is particularly notable due to the unique dialogue it presents.

32 Memorable Quotes From Steel Magnolias

“I realize, as a woman, how lucky I am. I was there when that wonderful creature drifted into my life, and I was there when she drifted out. It was the most precious moment of my life.” M’Lynn

If you haven’t shed tears while watching this movie, it is likely this scene that will bring on the emotion. Following Shelby’s funeral, we observe M’Lynn express various stages of grief in a monologue with her companions. In the midst of this, she acknowledges the pricelessness of bearing witness to her daughter’s death after having been present at her birth once upon a time.

32 Memorable Quotes From Steel Magnolias

“I just want to hit somebody until they feel as bad as I do. I just want to hit something. I want to hit it hard.” M’Lynn, “Here. Hit this. Go ahead, M’Lynn. Slap her!” Clairee

In a more casual and engaging tone, let’s rephrase the scene: “Steel Magnolias” is undoubtedly one of Sally Field’s finest films, and her portrayal in this scene is nothing less than extraordinary, and heart-rending. As she weeps over the demise of her daughter, her fury ultimately surfaces. Then, tension is alleviated with a touch of humor as Claire offers up Ouiser as something M’Lynn could strike if it might bring her comfort. It works in making M’Lynn chuckle (though it also stirs Ouiser to boiling point).

32 Memorable Quotes From Steel Magnolias

“You are evil, and you must be destroyed.” Ouiser

Perhaps Clairee is indeed too complex for color television, as Ouiser humorously states, but she harbors good intentions. Yet, when she tentatively approaches Ouiser for absolution after proposing M’Lynn to physically chastise her to assuage her sorrow, Ouiser doesn’t immediately grant her reprieve.

32 Memorable Quotes From Steel Magnolias

“Laughter through tears is my favorite emotion.”

One key quote from Steel Magnolias that encapsulates the essence of the film is Truvy’s statement about laughter through tears. This sentiment reflects the overall mood of the movie for me – it is filled with joy, yet tear-jerking at times.

32 Memorable Quotes From Steel Magnolias

“I have a strict policy that nobody cry alone in my presence.” Truvy

1. A single moment of Steele Magnolia, one among many enchanting moments showcased by Julia Roberts, also a special moment in her acting career.

32 Memorable Quotes From Steel Magnolias

“A dirty mind is a terrible thing to waste.” Ouiser

When her friends inquire about her rumored romance with an old love interest, Ouiser tries to end their line of questioning with a clever remark implying a suggestive mindset. The fact that they were leaving church at the time of the discussion doesn’t matter much.

32 Memorable Quotes From Steel Magnolias

“The only thing that separates us from the animals is our ability to accessorize.” Clairee

In a more simplified and gaming-oriented manner:

32 Memorable Quotes From Steel Magnolias

“The only reason people are nice to me is because I have more money than God.” Ouiser

It’s one of those amusing instances where Ouiser expresses self-awareness, while also minimizing the aspects that make her charming. Since some individuals might not wish to be friendly towards her due to her finances, but her companions undoubtedly appreciate her for being herself.

32 Memorable Quotes From Steel Magnolias

“Shelby was right. This is a brown football helmet.” M’Lynn

1. Using playful or devious language to describe someone, their hair, or their daughter:

Read More

2024-09-03 18:45