Lilies of the Field (DVD, UA/AFI Anniversary Edition)

A OUT OF WORK construction worker (Sidney Poitier ) has his car over heat and stops to get water from a farm who is the home of some NUNS. This small group of NUNS escaped from Behind the Iron Curtain. and need a "Schapel" aka Chapel built. AH ....now we see the plot~ he needs a job and they need his skills~ the Lilies are the nuns. Poitier won an OSCAR in 1963 for his role of HOMER SMITH. There is HUMOR and CHARM in this simple movie where the NUNS are as FUNNY as they are stubborn~ the charming and witty dialog between Homer and Lila Scalia (one of the NUNS) is worth the WATCH. Timeless classic that will entertain any one~ ADD the local Mexican JUAN who's simple and great philosophy adds FUN to the complete picture~ This movie was made in an era of great changes in black and white relations but shows that GOOD PEOPLE COME IN ALL RACES AND COLORS~ SIMPLY CHARMING~ ALSO SEE A PATCH OF BLUE FOR MORE GREAT ACTING BY SIDNEY POITIER~

I GIVE THIS ONE A SOLID 12 OUT OF 10~

IF YOU FOUND THIS REVIEW HELPFUL PLEASE REMEMBER TO VOTE~

Outstanding DVD's. Mint and sealed.
this is an outstanding movie - AMEN!!!!
Used for a Christmas Program at our
local prison. The boys at the prison
were sounding better than Harry Belefonte!
This is a classic A+ movie. One you will
want to get out each year. In Black and White, 1963.
It is 1 hour and 35 minutes of uplifting
joy, hope, caring, sharing and great singing.
It is a gem.

a classic like no other. B/W
Lilies Of The Field is the story of a group of Catholic nuns who escape from the Communist held portion of Berlin and come to the United States.

They have a small holding in a southwestern state where they are attempting to set up a school, hospital and chapel to serve the people of the area whose only place of worship is a mobile field chapel serviced by a priest who travels to the many small towns in the area providing masses, christenings and other services.

Homer Smith, played by Poitier, is a black traveling handyman who lives on the road in his station wagon. Smith is a baptist. Smith is hired to do some small jobs for the sisters, and is eventually convinced to "Build a Schapel" for the nuns.

During the course of the movie, Smith and the Mother Superior butt heads again and again over who is building the Chapel, who is providing the materials and drive. Smith is agitated with the stony hard-driving Mother Superior whose unbending nature eventually causes him to leave.

The attitude of the Mother Superior is that "God" is building the chapel for them using Smith as the tool.

Smith returns and begins to take a personal interest in the chapel and is determined to build it unaided. During the course of the movie his determination convinces the members of the community, believer and un-believer to contribute materials and labor to the task.

The chapel is eventually completed, the Mother Superior unbends a little, the community unites and Smith hits the road with their respect and thanks, and a feeling of personal accomplishment.

A movie with subtle depth, great characters and a "watch it again" appeal that is not found in many of the current (1980-to date) movies, and which the bulk of these have failed to deliver.

One of the many high-lights of this film is the Gospel song: Amen sung by Portier and the nuns.

Let's face it. You can watch the fated lovers on the Titanic only so many times.

This movie is timeless in its appeal.
Lilies of the Field is a 1962 book by William Edmund Barrett which was made into a 1963 film and adapted for the musical stage with the title Look to the Lilies. It tells the story of a Black-American itinerant worker who encounters a group of East German nuns who are convinced he has been sent to them by God to help them build a new chapel.
The film, which stars Sidney Poitier, Lilia Skala, Lisa Mann, Isa Crino, Francesca Jarvis, Pamela Branch, Stanley Adams and Dan Frazer, was adapted by James Poe from the novel. It was produced and directed by Ralph Nelson. The title comes from Matthew 6:28 a portion of the Sermon on the Mount in the New Testament.
Poitier won the 1963 Academy Award for Best Actor, the first time a black man won a competitive Oscar in the USA.[1][2] The film was also nominated for Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Lilia Skala), Best Cinematography, Black-and-White, Best Picture and Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium.[3]
[edit]Plot

Homer Smith (Sidney Poitier), is an itinerant handyman/jack-of-all-trades who stops at a farm in the Arizona desert to get some water for his car radiator. The farm is run by a group of German nuns. He is persuaded to do a small roofing repair by Mother Maria. He stays overnight, believing that he will be paid in the morning. He tries to persuade Mother Maria by quoting Luke 10:7, "The laborer is worthy of his hire," but Mother Maria Marthe (Lilia Skala, called "Mother Maria"), responds with a verse

A great movie that Hollywood just doesn't produce anymore. This type of movie is too conservative for the liberals.

Because I prefer movies with a story over those today with no story, plenty of violence and lots of sex. A pity modern movie makers are unable to get out of the "gutter".

Why go spend $50.00 at the crowded movie complex, when you can watch a treasure like Lillies of the Field. I wonderful movie set in the early 60's with a great cast of characters (nuns) who work their magic on Sidney Portier. If you want to see a timeless quality movie, here is your chance. No CGI, bombs, ear piercing sound effects...just a great story done by great actors.
Enjoy

I purchased a DVD on 27 Sept 08 and did not receive the item until 20 Oct 08. I sent several emails but received no response.

This movie is an oldie but goodie! I loved it years ago...like 40yrs ago..eeekk. However, it is still just beautiful. I am so happy it is in DVD now!

I saw the movie years ago and really liked it. It still is still as good as I remember it. The price was good and I can't really think of anything that I dislike about it. I would recomment this movie to all. It is a good family oriented movie.

A classic clash of cultures story about a vagabond tradesman (Sidney Poitier) getting invlolved rather reluctantly building a chapel for German nuns in an Hispanic area of the American southwest. Heartwarming tale of a community pulling together because of one man's strive and a nun's stubborn faith that God would provide. One of Sidney Poitier's best performances. Grand, beautiful desert setting. A must see.

Great to work with. The item was ordered and shipped almost immediatly and was in the condition advertised by the Seller.

This is a classic! Very funny and uplifting. They don't make movies like this anymore. It is obvious why Sydney Portier was recognized for this movie.

This was a PBS movie that I have seen several times, but always wanted to own it. It's an outstanding movie, I highly recommend it. One must understand the era in which this movie was done. But it is a must see movie and very, very family friendly. Do I hear an amen? (and Sidney Poitier sings good too if that's really him singing)

I saw it on PBS and wanted to own it. It was a very good one and it came promptly in the mail and was a reasonable price.

The humor and acting have held up well over the 44 years since the movie was made. In an increasingly fragmented society this movie speaks to the value of community and in pursuing values beyond one's self. It is a heart warming story of faith without being the heavy-handed, didactic preachments so often found in this material.

You don't need special effects for a movie to be great. Humor & reality is hit to perfection. Sidney Potier leaves no doubt about why he won the Oscar.

This is one of Sidney Poitier best movies. This is a well done movie with good "heart" content. No wonder he became to be such a great actor! Loved it.

the story is worth more than the fact that it is in black and white. It tells the story of faith and love in such a beautiful human way. thank you for your prompt reply. Virginia bronga

This is one of the best pictures I have ever seen. I have tried for years to get a copy (Beta, VHS or DVD) until finding it on E-bay I had not found a copy.

When I saw a copy I bid on it - luckly I was high bidder and won the auction.

This is one movie that will be watched over and over and one I will be able to pass on to you Grandchildren.

It is a timeless film and good for the entire family.

This is a movie that is wonderful for the time that it was filmed...early sixties! Sidney Poitier played an exceptional role in this movie...and his singing the song "Amen" was amazing!!!

Delivery was timely and merchandise was in excellent shape. Will consider purchasing from this source again in the future.