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Lilies of the Field

Play trailer Poster for 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.
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Lilies of the Field

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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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Critics Reviews

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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 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

Audience Reviews

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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 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 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 Full Review Read all reviews
Lilies of the Field

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Movie Info

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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