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Poster for Lilies of the Field

Lilies of the Field

Seen it?

1963 | 94 min | Comedy, Drama

Friday Night Flick

Why it’s a Friday Night Flick

Critics loved it (92% on Rotten Tomatoes), it won an Oscar and it made about 28 times its budget. Make plans for this one.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for anyone who wants a laugh. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Funny with heart.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 34 min.
What might put you off
  • Made in 1963: an older pace and style.
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

An unemployed construction worker heading out west stops at a remote farm in the desert to get water when his car overheats. The farm is being worked by a group of East European Catholic nuns, headed by the strict mother superior, who believes the man has been sent by God to build a much needed church in the desert.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsVery strong

    92% on Rotten Tomatoes

  • AudiencesSolid

    7.2 out of 10

  • AwardsStrong

    Won 1 Oscar: Best Actor. Won 1 Golden Globe: Best Film Promoting International Understanding. Also nominated for 4 more Oscars. Plus 1 other award.

  • Box office & staying powerStrong

    $7 million worldwide on a $247K budget

  • Buzz & cultural impactSolid

    About 87K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Ralph Nelson

  • Sidney PoitierHomer Smith
  • Lilia SkalaMother Maria
  • Lisa MannSister Gertrude
  • Isa CrinoSister Agnes
  • Francesca JarvisSister Albertine
  • Pamela BranchSister Elizabeth
  • Stanley AdamsJuan Acolito
  • Dan FrazerFather Murphy
  • Bobby DriscollMexican Holding Chapel Door (uncredited)
  • Ralph NelsonMr. Ashton (uncredited)