Lilies of the Field (1963)

Lilies of the Field is a foundational classic movie that stands at the intersection of religious faith and a clutch of other social mores (including faith in self and one's fellow man) and finds an amiable common ground woven through the whole tapestry. Sidney Poitier was the first black actor to win an Oscar for his role as Homer Smith, an ex-soldier and a skilled construction worker (apparently of roads as well as buildings) who is "just passing through" a desolate stretch of New Mexico. Seeking water for his radiator, the smartly if casually dressed Homer is pressed into service by a convent of nuns (formerly of East Germany) whose mother superior alone can barely speak English -- but she never takes No for an answer. She prays in German on his arrival: "God in heaven, thank you for sending us a strong man," seeing his arrival as an answer to prayer. She has a slew of plans for expansion of the tiny convent grounds, starting with the chicken coop's roof and moving on to the construction of an adobe-brick church (and more). He insists that he will work for pay; eventually he is disabused of that notion. How he arrives at the moment (and the depth) of his own assent to the task at hand is part of a common journey of faith; as Homer teaches the nuns to speak English and sing gospel songs, their unlikely assembly builds a sense of community. Poitier is perfect for his role, played with wit and whimsy, as was Lilia Skala for hers as Mother Maria, an imperious and insistent spiritual matriarch who seems incapable of saying "Thank you." This movie, released in 1963, also makes significant statements about race relations as Homer addresses the white foreman who wants to hire him in the same way he has been addressed ("Hey, Boy!") and how the Hispanic parishioners amusingly insinuate themselves into the church construction project, followed by a communal celebration that night. In the end, a dream is fulfilled because everyone has done their part -- including, insists Mother Maria, God. 4.5 stars. (8-23-10 posted 9-19-10)