Tommy Whitehead: Behind the Scenes of Steel Magnolias

Production Location Consultant, STEEL MAGNOLIAS Tommy Whitehead is considered the man responsible for the selection of Natchitoches, LA for the filming of this iconic movie.

From the Shreveport Times: "In the summer of 1989 Hollywood came to Natchitoches for the filming of "Steel Magnolias," and introduced the historic, quaint small town to the world.

There was Dolly, Julia, Olympia, Sally, Shirley, Daryl — as in Parton, Roberts, Dukakis, Field, Maclaine, Hannah. They were among stars playing the characters in Natchitoches resident Bobby Harling's book about the death of his beloved sister, known as Shelby in the movie, from complications of diabetes in childbirth. And, of her family and the town.

"The (stars and staff) fell in love with Natchitoches and blended in beautifully," said Jerry Pierce, the liaison between the Northwestern State University and the movie production folks.

They rented houses. Shopped at Brookshire's. Ate at Sibley Lake's lakeside Mariner's restaurant. Skied in Cane River. Climbed Plantation Cherokee's narrow attic stairs to find a ghost. Enjoyed meals in resident Tommy Whitehead's art-filled lake home. Charmed residents.

And left memories that linger 30 years later.

And today we get to hear some of those terrific memories!