Lilies of the Field

Play trailer

Lilies of the Field

Released Oct 1, 1963

1h 34m

Comedy

Drama

Play Trailer

Watchlist

Watchlist

Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

92%

Tomatometer

26 Reviews

86%

Popcornmeter

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.

Watch on Fandango at Home

Buy Now

Critics Consensus

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

Read Critics Reviews

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

Full Review

Dave Kehr

Chicago Reader

Well-meaning rot.

Jan 8, 2018

Full Review

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

Full Review

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

Full Review

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

Full Review

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

Full Review

Read all reviews

Dani G

Very modest, simple, but effective film with a positive message

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

05/03/25

Full Review

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

Full Review

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

Full Review

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

Full Review

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

Full Review

Audience Member

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

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/16/23

Full Review

Read all reviews

Read More

Read Less

POST RATING

WRITE A REVIEW

EDIT REVIEW

Ralph Nelson

Director

Sidney Poitier

Homer Smith

Lilia Skala

Mother Maria

Lisa Mann

Sister Gertrude

Isa Crino

Sister Agnes

Francesca Jarvis

Sister Albertine

Spencer's Mountain

80%

66%

Spencer's Mountain

Watchlist

Love With the Proper Stranger

82%

86%

Love With the Proper Stranger

Watchlist

That Man From Rio

79%

79%

That Man From Rio

Watchlist

Period of Adjustment

71%

50%

Period of Adjustment

Watchlist

Lolita

91%

84%

Lolita

Watchlist

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

View more photos

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

Most Popular at Home Now