Lilies of the Field

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Lilies of the Field

Released Oct 1, 1963

1h 34m

Comedy

Drama

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92%

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26 Reviews

86%

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5,000+ Ratings

When traveling African-American handyman Homer Smith (Sidney Poitier) stops by a farm in rural Arizona, he is welcomed by a group of Roman Catholic nuns who have emigrated from Germany. Realizing that the farm needs a lot of work, Homer takes on a number of repair projects for the women, who are led by the headstrong Mother Maria (Lilia Skala). Impressed by Homer's kindness and strong work ethic, the nuns come to believe that he has been sent by God to help build them a chapel.

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Critics Consensus

Sidney Poitier lends heart and humor to the wonderfully simple Lilies of the Fields, in which splendor sprouts from wholesome soil.

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James Powers

The Hollywood Reporter

Lilies of the Field is a funny, sentimental, charming and uplifting film, in which intelligence, imagination and energy are proved again to be beyond the price of any super-budget.

Dec 28, 2018

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Dave Kehr

Chicago Reader

Well-meaning rot.

Jan 8, 2018

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Variety Staff

Variety

Many factors combine in the overall success of the film, notably the restrained direction by Ralph Nelson, a thoroughly competent screenplay by James Poe, and, of course, Poitier's own standout performance.

Mar 26, 2009

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Mike Massie

Gone With The Twins

Few films manage this tempo, this design of striking ups and minimal downs that flawlessly – and comically – highlights pride, humility, kindness, unselfishness, leadership, and hard work.

Rated: 10/10

Mar 17, 2025

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Christopher Lloyd

The Film Yap

Sidney Poitier is a revelation in the gentle if somewhat dated classic, winning the first leading actor Oscar by a non-white performer playing a wanderer who helps some stubborn nuns.

Rated: 4/5

May 16, 2022

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Frank J. Avella

Edge Media Network

Poitier's performance is a sheer joy to behold, and Lilia Skala is simply brilliant as Mother Maria.

Rated: A

Aug 23, 2021

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jacob c

A simple tale told with heart and earnestness, featuring charming performances from Sidney Poitier and the supporting cast.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/11/25

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Audience Member

this is one of my favorite movies, it is a fish out of water story, on BOTH sides, the black american working his way across country, a group of german nuns trying to get a chapel built under the watchful eye of a stubborn mother superior, a café owner watching all this go down, a construction company owner being pulled in to the fray and all this happening under the arizona sun.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/24/23

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Audience Member

Sidney poitier was the best thing in this movie . The supporting were quite good .

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/11/23

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keith w

1960s mores but a harmless family film that was well acted and well structured. Poitier dominates but is well supported in a low key film. The ending worked well.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

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Audience Member

One of the 10 tops movies ever made.Simple,elegant,poignant and entertaining.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/16/23

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Audience Member

A wonderful film, beautifully shot with engaging performances by masters of the craft. In our time of division, this quiet story shows that building together makes community. Yes, I love churches and communities that hold more folks than churchgoers.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/25/23

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Ralph Nelson

Director

Sidney Poitier

Homer Smith

Lilia Skala

Mother Maria

Lisa Mann

Sister Gertrude

Isa Crino

Sister Agnes

Francesca Jarvis

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Synopsis

When traveling African-American handyman Homer Smith (Sidney Poitier) stops by a farm in rural Arizona, he is welcomed by a group of Roman Catholic nuns who have emigrated from Germany. Realizing that the farm needs a lot of work, Homer takes on a number of repair projects for the women, who are led by the headstrong Mother Maria (Lilia Skala). Impressed by Homer's kindness and strong work ethic, the nuns come to believe that he has been sent by God to help build them a chapel.

Director: Ralph Nelson
Producer: Ralph Nelson
Screenwriter: James Poe
Distributor: United Artists
Production Co: Rainbow Productions
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Oct 1, 1963, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Feb 2, 2017
Runtime: 1h 34m

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