Product: Lilies of the Field [VHS] (1963)
Rating: 5.0
Poitier made history and appeared in one dandy film, too!
The film that made Sidney Poitier the first African-American MALE to win an acting Oscar is one of the best character-driven movies of all time. Poitier is magnificent as an itinerent handyman that becomes the "savior" to a quintet of nuns that are attempting to build a chapel in the American southwest.Poitier was not the only one deserving of an Oscar for this film, though. In every scene in which she appears, veteran actress Lila Skala is a delight, balancing her stern demeanor with a hidden fondness for Poiter's "Homer Smith". Character actor Stanley Adams deserved a supporting actor nod for his brilliance as a Hispanic cafe owner that delivers one of the film's best lines.And the remarkable score from a young Jerry Goldsmith is a treat for the ears. Goldsmith effectively interpolates Jester Hairston's classic gospel tune "Amen" throughout the film in some intriguing ways.The combination of great performances, outstanding cinematography, and an outstanding score make this "field of lilies" bloom to the highest.