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Steel Magnolias is a 1989 American comedy drama film directed by Herbert Ross and starring Sally Field, Dolly Parton, Shirley MacLaine, Daryl Hannah, Olympia Dukakis, and Julia Roberts. The screenplay by Robert Harling is based on his 1987 play of the same name about the bond a group of women share in a small-town Southern community, and how they cope with the death of one of their own. The supporting cast features Tom Skerritt, Dylan McDermott, Kevin J. O'Connor, and Sam Shepard. Harling based the story in part on his sister, Susan Harling Robinson, who died in 1985 of complications from type 1 diabetes. In the film, Roberts plays Shelby, the character based on Susan.The film was released on November 15, 1989, and received mixed reviews from critics, who praised the humor and performances but criticized its portrayal of the South. Roberts, Field and MacLaine earned nominations for their performances; Roberts (who won Best Supporting Actress) and Field at the 47th Golden Globe Awards and MacLaine at the 44th