What is the meaning of naming the movie Steel Magnolias?

Answer 1

Magnolias are a beautiful scented and dainty flower much like the gentile women of the old South. The movie 'Steel Magnolias' are about Gentile women (soft, loving, caring, have laughter in their lives) but when sadness comes into their lives they remain strong thus and remain together thus, strong like 'Steel',but never losing their Gentile ways. In the book "The Road to Gandolfo" by Robert Ludlum (originally published in 1975 under an assumed name), in chapter 18, he writes, "There was a will of steel beneath the soft magnolia exterior..."