All the ladies who are anybody in Chinquapin, Louisiana, come to have their hair done at Truvy’s beauty salon. The outspoken, wise-cracking Truvy and her eager new assistant, Annelle (who may or may not be married) dispense free advice to the town’s rich curmudgeon, Ouiser, an eccentric millionaire Miss Clairee; the social leader M’Lynn; and her daughter, Shelby, who is the prettiest girl in town and about to marry a “good ole boy.” When diabetic Shelby risks pregnancy, the sudden realization of their mortality affects the others but also draws on their underlying strength – and love – to make them truly touching, funny and marvelously amiable company in good times and bad.