Lilies of the Field Overview:

Lilies of the Field (1963) was a Drama - Comedy Film directed by Ralph Nelson and produced by Ralph Nelson and J. Paul Popkin.

The film was based on the novel of the same name written by William Edmund Barrett published in 1962.

Academy Awards 1963 --- Ceremony Number 36 (source: AMPAS)

AwardRecipientResult
Best ActorSidney PoitierWon
Best Supporting ActressLilia SkalaNominated
Best CinematographyErnest HallerNominated
Best PictureRalph Nelson, ProducerNominated
Best WritingJames PoeNominated
.

BlogHub Articles:

Lilies of the Field (1963): Starring Sidney Poitier

By 4 Star Film Fan on Feb 1, 2022 From 4 Star Films

The ample joys of Lilies of the Field come out of it being a kind of modern-day parable. It’s a modest and simple story, shot over 15 days by director Ralph Nelson, with a source novel gaining inspiration from the passage of the Christian scripture: “Consider the lilies of the field, how... Read full article


Lilies of the Field (1963)

By Beatrice on Jan 13, 2018 From Flickers in Time

Lilies of the Field Directed by Ralph Nelson Written by James Poe from a novel by William E. Barret 1963/USA Rainbow Productions Repeat viewing/Netflix rental Here’s another one I saw in my youth. ?I still love the humor and Sidney Portier’s performance. Homer Smith (Portier) is dri... Read full article


Lilies of the Field (1963)

By Amanda Garrett on Feb 18, 2017 From Old Hollywood Films

Today, I'm reviewing the inspirational film, Lilies of the Field (1963), starring Sidney Poitier as an itinerant carpenter who helps a group of nuns build a chapel. This article is part of the 90 Years of Sidney Poitier Blogathon hosted by The Wonderful World of Cinema. Watching the inspiratio... Read full article


Lilies of the Field (1963)

By Crystal J. Anderson on Oct 5, 2012 From Classic Film Review

Director: Ralph Nelson Writers: William Edmund Garrett (novel) and James Poe (screenplay) Music: Jerry Goldsmith Theme Song: “Amen” composed by Jester Harrison Genre: Drama/Comedy Main Cast: Sidney Poitier - Homer Smith (“Schmidt”) Lilia Skala - Mother Maria Lisa Mann ? Siste... Read full article


Lilies of the Field

By Alyson on Dec 14, 2010 From The Best Picture Project

Many times, movies about religion just leave a bitter taste in my mouth. ?Their agenda simply becomes preaching, converting the non-believers and depicting the punishments of the unholy. ?I don?t care to watch someone give my soul an ultimatum. ?Movies are meant to be an escape, that safe place wher... Read full article


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Quotes from

Mr. Ashton: Say, where'd you get all the material?
Juan: The people give them, Senor.
Mr. Ashton: What for?
Juan: A man, he gives wood... bricks. In time, what does he get? A chapel... a place where his children can receive the sacraments. To these men, for their children to have faith, it is important.
Mr. Ashton: Is that why you're here?
Juan: To me, it is insurance. To me, life is here on this earth. I cannot see further, so I cannot believe further. But, if they are right about the hereafter, I have paid my insurance, Senor.


Homer Smith: Gringo? I don't know if that's a step up or a step down from some other things I've been called.


Juan: I cannot see further and I cannot believe further.


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Facts about

Director Ralph Nelson had to put up his house as collateral.
Actor Sidney Poitier gave up his usual salary and agreed to do the film for a smaller amount and a percentage of the profits. He won the Best Actor Oscar for his efforts.
The title comes from the Sermon on the Mount.
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