LILIES OF THE FIELD
US, 1963, 94 Minutes, Black and white.
Sidney Poitier, Lilia Skala.
Directed by Ralph Nelson.
Lilies of the Field has become a favourite film about the race question and about religion. Produced and directed by Ralph Nelson who has made a number of popularly appealing films about social problem areas, (insanity and science in Charley, American racism in Tick- Tick- Tick, the Indian minority in Soldier Blue), the film came out in the big year for civil rights in America, 1963.
Sidney Poitier was nominated for the Oscar for Best Actor and won it. Homer Smith, a black private contractor-builder, comes across a group of East German nuns In Arizona and ends up building their chapel, as well as befriending them. However, he meets his match in the authoritarian Mother Superior who, only at the end, realises that 1n her continual promulgating of God's will, she has never said 'thank you' to him. What could have been a sentimental Hollywood religious picture stands on its own feet as truly heart-warming and humorous entertainment for all.
1. How attractive is Homer Smith? Mainly good, a bit weak, but basically likeable? Is he an ''Everyman'?
2. What impression did Mother Maria make? Realistic (the nuns came from East Germany across the wall)? What of her authoritarian attitudes and identification of her will with the will of God? Homer calls her Hitler. Does she deserve this? What about her anguish when she has no money?
3. Why did she never think to say 'Thank you' until it happens at the end?
4. Did the other nuns make the same impression? Why? Did they appear as adult working women or simple or childish? Or were they somewhat lost in U.S. as simple immigrants?
5. What did you think of Juan's attitude towards God? "It's better to be sure and take out some kind of insurance policy" - so he helped with the building? Is he typical?
6. Was there a need for a Church? Did the chapel help to identify and unify the local community?
7. How similar was Homer to Mother Maria when he stubbornly wanted to build the church by himself and refused help?
8. What sense of achievement did he experience when he had completed the church?
9. What impression did Father Murphy make on you; as a priest? as a dedicated man?
10. Was the film sentimental or did it have genuine sentiment, without being overdone?
11. What was the meaning of the title of the film? - See the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 6:28-9).
12. What effect did the singing of the song 'Amen' have on the story and mood of the film?
13. What did the film have to communicate about human relationships, happiness, food, work, achievement, song?
