Where was Lilies of the Field filmed?

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.

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.

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.