Steel Magnolias ( Also Known As: Magnolias de acero) is a Comedy Drama Romance film directed by Herbert Ross and written by Robert Harling (screenplay), Robert Harling (play). It released on 22 November 1989 (USA). The film stars Shirley MacLaine, Olympia Dukakis, Sally Field. A young beautician, newly arrived in a small Louisiana town, finds work at the local salon, where a small group of women share a close bond of friendship and welcome her into the fold.