Steel Magnolias (1989)
The "Steel Magnolias" of the title refers to the women portrayed in this heart-warming comedy set in the deep South. We first meet them at Truvy's Beauty Salon where they are primping for Shelby's wedding. Ouiser is upset because her aging and balding dog has developed a nervous condition due to the constant blasting of her neighbor's shotgun. (The neighbor is trying to discourage flocks of birds from nesting in the trees above his daughter's wedding reception.) It's a happy and exciting day for the ladies until, suddenly, Shelby suffers a severe diabetic attack and we learn she's been advised not to have children. As they chat during their regular visits to Truvy's we come to know these women and see them through the joys and crises of their lives. The actresses are entertaining to watch and turn in some fine performances.
Animal Action
The balding effect on Ouiser’s dog was achieved by make-up and clipping the fur unevenly. The pyrotechnics routing the birds from the trees were created by special lighting effects and dubbing in the sound later. Birds were released from cages hidden in the trees. After the birds were clear of the tree, the smoke and sparks explosives were set off. No birds were harmed.
