At this location, the movie Steel Magnolias filmed Shelby's funeral scene, with Julia Roberts, Sally Field, Dolly Parton, Olympia Dukakis, Shirley MacLaine, and Daryl Hannah present. This scene prompted the phrase "laughter through the tears," which was used to describe the movie. In August 1988, the American Cemetery Association offered the use of the cemetery to Tri Star Pictures at no charge, but for legal reasons the property had to be leased instead. The American Cemetery was therefore leased to Tri Star Pictures for $1.00, and the lease check was never cashed. Steel Magnolias was written by Natchitoches native Robert (Bobby) Harling.