Lilies of the Field

I have loved this movie since I saw it as a youngster. The story is great and and Sidney Poitier leaves nothing to be desired. He is gorgeous, funny and a fantastic actor. The supporting cast was excellent also. If you haven’t seen it, it’s available for streaming.

When was the last time a movie lifted you up? A movie that made you want to be a better person through acts of kindness? This film was such a treat. With all the weird stuff Hollywood has been making recently, this was a refreshing oasis for the soul. It took a while to grab me, but the wholesome charm of it all will surely win you over. The line about "insurance" and the "Amen" song will stick with me for a very long time.

Saw this movie years ago. It's a good as I remembered.

Lilies of the Field is an Academy Award winning film that was released by United Artist in 1963. Sidney Poitier, the film's lead, won the Oscar for Best Actor, a historical moment in American cinema, for he was the first African American man to be bestowed this honor. It was also nominated for four other Academy Awards including Best Picture. The film tells the story of an African American itinerant worker who encounters a group of East German nuns when he stops at their convent to fill his "thirsty" car with water. They believe he has been sent to them by God to build them a new chapel in the desert. It is a nuanced and sophisticated performance delivered by Poitier between him and the ensemble of nuns headed by Lilia Skala. One can only conjecture how much a name like Lilia influenced the decision to cast her. A precursor to the film, 'Field of Dreams', where the spoken central theme so pointedly quoted by the Voice is, "If you build it, he will come.", the unspoken theme here is, if you believe it, the Builder will come. Like all classic films, the dialogue in this one renders its share of quotable quotes, like, "That's a Catholic breakfast'", spoken by Poitier's character Homer Smith after discovering that there is only one egg to be had, which he gulps down in one swallow before bidding a nun a silent adieu. The picture was shot in Arizona on a budget of $450,000, but was nearly scrapped because the studio refused to put up more than $250,000. Paralleling the film's central theme in a real life tell of life imitating art, producer/director Ralph Nelson stepped out on faith to see the project through to fruition by putting up his own house for collateral for the remainder of the necessary funds. Sidney Poitier also agreed to work on a deferred payment status, taking no upfront salary for his efforts. From these modest and nearly quelled beginnings sprang the stuff of legends. It carved an indelible landmark in cinema history, being well received as a social commentary of decency in a real world climate of interracial unrest. Films like Lilies of the Field are hardly being made anymore. They are rare gems in a sea of inflated budgets and action driven escapades. Such massive studio efforts are to be lauded and applauded, but balancing the cinematic mix with a simple tale well told is always a welcomed respite. A refreshing perspective on the paradigm of religious diversity, race, and culture which still has resounding reverberations in today's current zeitgeist, this film has a built in esteem and universal appeal that has not waxed and waned with the passing of time. It was one in a series of films that would culminate to create a screen legend and an American icon that Sidney Poitier is regarded as today. Lilies of the Field is a consummate classic of American cinema that is still beloved by critics, with continued accolades more than fifty years after its release. The film itself is a testament to its theme: Believe and dream, and the means will come.-Robb Edward Morris

A very cute story about a man who finds purpose at an unexpected stop. Catholic nuns and a Baptist "boy" work together and sometimes differently... to bring about God's purpose. Very much loved this!

A story of faith and redemption as told through the whole cast but in only a little more than 90 minutes. The point is never painted broad brush and kinda sneaks up on you.

I watch Lilies of the Field, it’s a wonderful film. There are several nuns in this film and Sidney teaches them to sing some songs. It is hilarious. Plus, there are very few Black men that win Oscars. Kudos to the motion picture industry for this one!

nice movie with a light story about faith in GOD

A terrific black and white film. Poitier under duress is persuaded to build a chapel for the poor nuns living in the remote desert. They won't pay him and have no money for the materials. But they and the local people have faith. I loved this film.

Saw this on tv as a film many years ago and liked it.When I saw it listed, had to have it as it is charming,moving but not too serious(there are touches of humour). Generally a feelgood film, no harm in that, something you don't get too much of these cynical times.Poitier deserved his Oscar for it. He can usually be relied on to give a good performance. It showed in the developing relationship with the nuns especially the wiley Mother Superior and the Anapabtist Poitier character.

Ordering process was easy and delivered in good time. An excellent film with superb acting by a great actor of his time!

I saw this film in the early 1970s and recently wondered what it was called. I recalled Sydney Poitier trying to build a church on his own in the heat. This reminded of the struggle I had building extensions to my house. Many unknown actors in this film except the Captain from Kojak. Highly watchable.

The fact that this is the second DVD I bought.....must say it all....He is sooo good and the rest of the cast so natural.....Don't make movies likethis anymore.....Pity !!!!! Bought this one as a gift to a friend.