Lilies of the Field

Lilies of the Field (1963) is the American comedy-drama directed by Ralph Nelson that you can watch online on iFILM. Sidney Poitier stars as Homer Smith — a role that landed him the Academy Award for Best Actor, the first time a Black actor had claimed that prize.

Homer is drifting west, looking for work, when his car overheats outside a desert farm run by five East European Catholic nuns. Their formidable mother superior, Sister Maria, takes one look at him and concludes that God sent a builder. Homer intends to stay one day and leave the next. The nuns have other plans.

What makes the film memorable is how evenly matched the two sides are. No tearful speeches, no easy surrenders — just two stubborn wills grinding against each other until something gives. Lilia Skala's performance as the iron-willed abbess is every bit the equal of Poitier's quiet force. Stream Lilies of the Field (1963) online on iFILM.