Lilies of the Field (1963)

Synopsis of Lilies of the Field

Sidney Poitier plays Homer Smith, an aimless ex-GI who takes a temporary handyman job at a Southwestern farm maintained by five German nuns. It is the cherished dream of the Mother Superior (Lilia Skala) to build a chapel (or, as she says, a "shapel"). She is convinced that the personable Homer has been sent from Above to help her realize her dream. He protests loudly and rudely, but she will not be dissuaded. How Homer accomplishes her goal, endears himself to the surrounding townsfolk, and avoids an arrest for a previous crime, comprises the heart of Lilies of the Field. The film, adapted by James Poe from a novel by William E. Barrett, was later remade for television, and it won Poitier an Academy Award for Best Actor, the first time that award was given to an African-American. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

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Theatrical Feature Running Time:

95 mins

Director(s):

Ralph Nelson

Writer(s):

James Poe

Producer(s):

Ralph Nelson

Theatrical MPAA Rating:

NR(Suitable for Children)

• 1963 - Berlin International Film Festival - Silver Bear for Best Actor
• 1963 - Golden Globe - Motion Picture Promoting International Understanding
• 1963 - Hollywood Foreign Press Association - Motion Picture Promoting International Understanding
• 1963 - Hollywood Foreign Press Association - Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama

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