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 - Raves for Sidney PoitierFirst saw this movie in 1963 when it came out. Mr. Poitier deserved this Oscar for this one! Recommanded for everyone! Rating:  - Dies on the VineI remember this little classic from its original release back in the 1960s. It's remarkable how much better movies have become since then; it is equally remarkable how our moral universe has changed. What's amazing is that this film is not about race. Poitier is depicted as a man, just a regular Joe who happens to be black. This would be inconceivable in this so-called enlightened time. There is also no hint whatsoever of sex. The nuns may giggle when Poitier shimmies and shakes, but they sure aren't turned on. This too is inconceivable in this day and age. The film is thin. It has loads of potential, but little is made of one of the keys points, which is that Poitier plays a Southern Baptist, who has come to live at a Catholic mission. All sorts of conflicts have been left out; the opportunity for real conflict is glossed over in favor of the rather thin plotting, which emphasizes Poitier's unexplained drive to finish the chapel. Other than Poitier, none of the actors stands out. The nuns are underwritten, as is the priest, and Mexican barman. What remains extraordinary are the film's central innocence, Poitier's charisma as a bona fide star, and the desert setting, which is so rarely used except in westerns. Rating:  - Timeless classicGreat movie. Sidney Poitier is young and full of life in this classic. Not rated, but a clean film for the whole family. Storyline: poor nuns in the desert pray for help and an unsuspecting carpenter on his way to California stops, just for the day. Yeah right! God, interviens. The english lessions for the nuns are lots of fun as Sidney teaches them all southern Gospel songs. It's a hoot, get your popcorn out and enjoy. BDH Rating: - Lilies of the FieldThis is perhaps one of the delightful movies I've ever seen. It is funny and heartwarming! I would recommend it!!! Rating: - What happened to the passenger door?I found this very charming, warming and smooth. Sidney Poitier, ever a smooth, graceful, dexterous and theatrical performer is wonderful here, expressing his physical and emotional range in a simply told, moral film that seems even older then it really is. Words like heartfelt, sweet, winning, wholesome and uplifting come to mind. This has a classic status by it's very quick beginnings, short credits, small cast, hokey but honest incidents, mild subtext, minimal edits, straight forward direction, energetic, verbal and larger than life acting, terrific music from Jerry Goldsmith and peaceful and nice conclusion.
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