Lilies of the Field

UPC: 027616858962

Studio: MGM

MPAA Rating: NR   Contains:[Suitable for Children]

Summary: 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

Category: Drama

Awards: Best Director – Directors Guild of America Best Picture - Drama – null Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama – null Best Supporting Actress – null Motion Picture Promoting International Understanding – null Best Actor – Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Best Adapted Screenplay – Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Best Black and White Cinematography – Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Best Picture – Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Best Supporting Actress – Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Silver Bear for Best Actor – Berlin International Film Festival Best Picture – National Board of Review Best Picture - Drama – Hollywood Foreign Press Association Motion Picture Promoting International Understanding – Hollywood Foreign Press Association Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Moti – Hollywood Foreign Press Association Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama – Hollywood Foreign Press Association

Features: Original theatrical trailer
English: mono
French and Spanish subtitles

Lilies of the Field

Format: DVD

Release Date: 03/06/2001

Aspect Ratio: 1.66:1 Vistavision

Audio: 5.1 Dolby Digital 5.1, 1 USA & territories, Canada

Runtime: 95 Minutes

Sides: 1

Number of Discs: 1

Language(s) English

Subtitles: French,Spanish

Region: USA & territories, Canada

Chapters: Side #1 --
0. Scene Selections
1. Logos/Divine Pit Stop [:25]
2. "I Ain't No Nun!" [:42]
3. Trading Bible Lessons [7:52]
4. Juan & Homer [6:15]
5. "Poor Man's Vatican" [1:42]
6. "Amen" [4:16]
7. Committed Contractor [:40]
8. Feeding The Poor [3:34]
9. Introducing A Miracle [4:30]
10. "Deal Me Out!" [1:18]
11. Out Of His Skull [2:07]
12. "One-Man Cathedral" [4:29]
13. "El Boss!" [:25]
14. Celebrating Charity [6:16]
15. Finishing Touches [2:01]
16. "Hallelujah!"/Credits [1:26]

Richard Gilliam

Lilies of the Field was more important historically than it may seem when viewed today. What works about the film is the interplay between Sidney Poitier and Lilia Skala, and the recurrent theme of faith that evolves from their friendship. While it may have been cutting-edge in 1964 for the Academy to give its Best Actor Oscar to an African-American actor (the only time in the 20th century that this award was given to an African-American), the story is only superficially about racial issues. This is the sort of safe depiction of a black protagonist that was considered palatable for white audiences in the 1960s. Not until black directors went behind the camera later in the decade would more challenging films (and less safe roles for black performers) evolve. The film has considerable dramatic power, like The Sound of Music without music. The primary themes are the importance of religious life, and the transformation of those who accept it. Formulaic storytelling notwithstanding, Poitier's performance is outstanding, and the film has a charm that overcomes its several weaknesses. ~ Richard Gilliam, Rovi

Cast and Crew: Ralph Nelson  Actor 
Jerry Goldsmith  Composer (Music Score) 
Ralph Nelson  Director 
Ralph Nelson  Producer 
James Poe  Screenwriter 
Sidney Poitier  Actor 
Lilia Skala  Actor 
Lisa Mann  Actor 
Stanley Adams  Actor 
Isa Crino  Actor 
Dan Frazer  Actor 
Francesca Jarvis  Actor 
Pamela Branch  Actor 

Country: USA