Where was Lilies of the Field filmed?
1963
City Locations
Tucson, Sasabe; Arizona (USA)
Location Types
Film Studio, Ranch
Location Styles
Desert, Americana/Anywhere, Colonial, Dilapidated/Neglected, Southwestern, Rustic
About Lilies of the Field
Lilies of the Field holds far greater historical significance than meets the eye today. This remarkable 1963 film, directed and produced by Ralph Nelson, captivates with its timeless charm and profound impact. The movie boasts an impressive cast featuring Sidney Poitier, Lisa Mann, Lilia Skala, Isa Crino, and Francesca Jarvis. In 2020, the Library of Congress selected this film for preservation in the United States National Film Registry, acknowledging its cultural, historical, and aesthetic importance.
The plot revolves around the aimless ex-GI Homer Smith (Sidney Poitier). He takes up a temporary job as a handyman at a Southwestern farm maintained by five German nuns. Mother Superior (Lilia Skala) dreams of building a chapel. She firmly believes that Homer has been sent by divine intervention to help her achieve this dream. Despite his loud and rude protests, she remains undeterred. The narrative unfolds as Homer endeavors to fulfill her dream, endearing himself to the local community and evading arrest for a past crime.
The film Lilies of the Field was brought to life, inspired by the captivating 1962 novel penned by William Edmund Barrett. The film is unique for its time, devoid of violence, and focusing on a heartwarming story. It was later remade for television. The film's crowning achievement was winning Sidney Poitier an Academy Award for Best Actor, marking the first time this prestigious award was bestowed upon an actor of African-American descent. Poitier's performance also earned him recognition at the British Academy Film Awards.
Lilies of the Field Locations
Lilies of the Field (1963) is an iconic film showcasing Tucson, Arizona's rugged beauty and diverse landscapes. Filmed primarily on the northern edge of Tucson, near Sabino Canyon and Cloud Road, the movie used several picturesque locales within the region. Despite being shot with minimal equipment, the film left a lasting impression on viewers due to its stunning settings that perfectly complemented its passionate narrative.
Most scenes were filmed in various spots across Tucson, including Sabino Canyon and Kinney Road in Old Tucson. The film captured the grandeur of the Sierrita Mountains and featured the Tucson Mountains and Tanque Verde Falls, further enriching the visual tapestry of the movie.
A key plot point involves the character Homer Smith, portrayed by Sidney Poitier, building a chapel for the nuns on a desolate stretch of land. These scenes were shot in Arizona's Sonoran Desert and at the Ironwood Forest National Monument, both locations offering a raw and captivating backdrop to this compelling storyline.
Given the film's remarkable use of these locations, a trip to the filming sites of Lilies of the Field would be worthwhile. The area boasts daring deserts, rich cultural traditions, and a long history that adds to its charm. For any film enthusiast or nature lover, visiting these locales would provide an opportunity to experience firsthand the landscapes that played a significant role in this popular film.
Homer Smith makes a stop in rural Arizona scene in Lilies of the Field
Old Tucson, 201 Kinney Rd, Tucson, AZ
The opening scene, where Homer Smith (Sidney Poitier) stops in rural Arizona to refill his overheating radiator, sets the tone for the rest of the film. The scene is memorable for its introduction of the characters and the establishment of their relationships.
In this iconic scene, Homer, a handyman/carpenter and ex-GI, arrives at a farm in the Arizona desert, asking for water for his station wagon. His humble request for "some water" results in his recruitment by a collective of East German, Austrian, and Hungarian immigrant nuns, who perceive his arrival as a divine intervention: "God is good. He has sent me a big, strong man."
This unforgettable scene was captured at the historic Old Tucson at 201 Kinney Rd. Positioned just west of Tucson, Arizona, and nestled amidst the Tucson Mountains and the western section of Saguaro National Park, Old Tucson transcends the ordinary as both a movie studio and a theme park. Established in 1939 for the iconic film Arizona (1940), it has since gained legendary status as a filming location for numerous movies and television westerns.
Old Tucson is about a 30-minute drive west of downtown Tucson. Take Gates Pass Rd until you reach Kinney Rd, then turn right. Old Tucson will be on your left. The studio and theme park, now reopened, welcomes visitors to explore its storied past and enjoy the natural beauty of its surroundings.
Mother Superior Maria Marthe asks Homer to stay scene in Lilies of the Field
Sonoran Desert, Arizona
A pivotal scene in the film features Mother Superior Maria Marthe (Lilia Skala) persuading Homer Smith (Sidney Poitier) to stay longer than a few hours to help with various repairs around their farm. Her persuasive skills and Homer's generosity lead him to fix their fence and roof despite knowing they can only offer meager food and board as payment. However, Mother Maria has grander plans for Homer – she envisions him building a chapel for them, a task that becomes a central plot point in the film.
This iconic sequence where Homer builds a chapel for the nuns was filmed in the breathtaking Sonoran Desert in Arizona. The chapel doors, lending a significant visual element to the scene, were on loan from a chapel in Sasabe, Arizona, and intricately carved by Charles Bolsius, a talented local artist from Tucson. The scene is a testament to the power of faith and determination, set against the stunning backdrop of the desert landscape.
Start your trip by heading towards Papago Park, known for its iconic red buttes. Several trails are available, including an accessible, paved pathway on the west side and an interpretive nature trail on the east. The best way to reach this cinematic location from Tucson is to travel by private car using AZ-86 W. The journey usually takes about three hours, although the duration may vary depending on traffic conditions.
Homer teaches English through the song ‘Amen’ scene in Lilies of the Field
Ironwood Forest National Monument, Interstate 10, Tucson, AZ
The movie culminates in a poignant scene combining music, faith, and camaraderie. After Homer Smith (Sidney Poitier) finishes building the chapel for the German nuns, he engages them in an English lesson using the spiritual song ‘Amen.’ Homer slips out the door as they sing the refrain, departing quietly into the night in his packed station wagon. The sound of ‘Amen’ echoes as the film fades to the end, leaving a lasting impression on viewers.
Several scenes featuring the chapel were captured at the Ironwood Forest National Monument. This site provides a unique setting with its abundant mesquite and palo verde trees, creosote shrubs, and numerous saguaros, not to mention the ironwood trees that give the monument its name. With some luck, visitors may even witness desert bighorn sheep traversing the mountain slopes of the monument.
To reach this cinematic location from Tucson, head northwest via Interstate 10 W. Take the exit toward Avra Valley, then continue onto W Silverbell Rd, leading you to the Ironwood Forest National Monument. This journey provides an opportunity to experience the natural beauty of Arizona and walk in the footsteps of Sidney Poitier's iconic character.
Conclusion
Lilies of the Field is a cinematic gem that etches its mark on the viewer's heart with its compelling narrative, stellar performances, and picturesque locations. The film, made on a modest budget, is a testament to storytelling's power, demonstrating that a compelling script and talented cast can create magic on screen.
The filming locations in Arizona played a pivotal role in bringing Lilies of the Field to life on the silver screen. This iconic 1963 film, directed by Ralph Nelson and starring Sidney Poitier, found its picturesque backdrop amidst the natural beauty of Arizona. Filmed entirely on location in Arizona, the movie beautifully captures the spirit of the landscape and infuses it into the storyline.
The striking Arizona landscapes beautifully complemented the heartwarming story of an itinerant handyman and a group of German nuns seeking to build a chapel. The serene and vast deserts, particularly the Sonoran Desert and Ironwood Forest National Monument, were the perfect canvas for the film's spiritual and thematic exploration.
Moreover, the quaint town of Marana, Arizona, provided the ideal setting for the small, close-knit community depicted in the movie. This locale's unique and rustic charm added depth and authenticity to the narrative, making it an integral part of the film's success.
In Lilies of the Field, Arizona's natural beauty and the warmth of its communities combine to create a timeless cinematic masterpiece. The state's stunning vistas and picturesque towns contributed significantly to the film's enduring appeal, making it a true classic in cinema.