‘Steel Magnolias’ is a classic 1989 comedy film by Herbert Ross, starring Robert Harling. Based on the last anonymous drama about his sister, the story focuses on a young beautician named Shelby (Julia Roberts), who finds new life in a small town by the river. As she started her business in the city, she became acquainted with a group of local women.
While portraying a personal struggle, the film conveys a sense of community. The film claims to have been set in a sleepy Louisiana town called Natchitoches. You may be wondering if the Steel Magnolias film was actually shot there.
Where Was Steel Magnolias Movie Filmed?
‘Steel Magnolias’ was all recorded in Louisiana, especially in the Natchitoches and surrounding areas. The main photography began on July 12, 1988, and ended on September 5 of that year. Gene Callahan (‘Grease 2,’ ‘America America’) and Edward Pisoni (art department of ‘Good Shepherd’ and ‘World War’) jointly oversaw the production design work.
At the same time, John A. Alonzo, filmmaker of ‘Chinatown’ and ‘Vanishing Point,’ boarded the ship as a film director. Now let’s take you to some places where the Steel Magnolias movie was filmed.
Natchitoches County
Natchitoches, a small town of about 17,000, was the home of Susan Harling-Robinson, her monument in a city park, on the streets of Pine and Cyprus. Robinson’s name should not be familiar to you, especially if you are not from the city. However, the people of Natchitoches remember Robinson and the film that inspired his story.
Years ago, in 1988, almost all of his ‘Steel Magnolias’ based on his life were recorded here. The central recording studio was a sound system built on the grounds of Northwestern State University, an important regional university at 175 Sam Sibley Drive in Natchitoches.
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The former Taylor House building was an important part of the city. It is located at 320 Jefferson in Natchitoches and has since been renamed the Steel Magnolia House. Scenes were recorded throughout the city, including Front Street and American Cemetery, the 2nd St STE 200 cemetery in the city.
Both are west of the river. Another prominent site on the west side of the river Trinity Episcopal Church is located at 533 2nd Street in the city. Easter egg hunting scenes were filmed with a lens in a river park.
Scenes of Annelle and Sammy’s house took place in an apartment east of the river while photos showing Shelby and Jackson’s house and Clairee’s residence were lensed at two houses on Williams Avenue.
The recording also took place at the Super 1 Foods store at 318 Dixie Plaza. Hospital scenes were filmed on the grounds of Natchitoches Regional Medical Center, 501 Keyser Avenue.
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Another filming took place at St Augustine Church, especially the one in which Shelby and Jackson were beaten — the historic church at 2262 LA-484, in the Natchez community, about four miles [7 km] south of Natchitoches.
The final scenes are filmed through Roque House and Gardens unusual and delicate. Located at 760 Front Street, this house showcases the unique Creole style of French architecture in the Cane River area. “Steel Magnolias.”
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