This film has an absolute star-studded cast, though not all of the actresses may have been well-known (the younger ones) at the time that it was filmed.  The story of friendship and camaraderie between a group of women, and the tragedy that occurs in the film are heart-warming and breaking all at the same time.  It was particularly poignant for me because the tragedy involves a character with an unusual name which also happens to be the same name as a very close relative of mine.  I don't want to give too much away and spoil it for new viewers, but the story is heartrending and it brings out all the best (and the worst) in the characters.  I highly recommend this film, but it's not for the soft-hearted or those who are unwilling to cry and let themselves be vulnerable to the circumstances of the story line.  Directed by Herbert Ross, it's a masterpiece of human emotion and conflict.