Movies are amazing in the fact that they can offer such a
wide range of stories. At least they once did. Complicated political thrillers
to horror films to slapstick comedy, all can be found on film. One thing that makes
for some joyous moments though it when you take an incredibly simple story and
fashion it into a memorable movie. Such is the case with this film.
Sidney Poitier stars as Homer Smith, a handyman who stops by
a remote farm when his car overheats while he’s heading west. Run by a group of
Eastern European nuns they are glad to oblige once they get past their language
differences. Noticing he’s equipped with tools to use, their head Mother Maria
Marthe asks him if he could help by fixing their roof. He does so and then
spends the night, expecting to be paid the next morning.
That doesn’t happen when it turns out the nuns have no money
to offer. Relying on what they grow and a few items like milk and eggs they get
directly from the source, they can’t afford anything. Mother Maria puts him off
for the time being and convinces him to help with a few more items, staying in
return for dinner.
Payment doesn’t arrive the following day as Mother Maria
insists that Smith was sent to them by divine intervention in with the intent
of helping them build the church they’ve been working on for some time now. He
argues the point, still insisting as delicately as possible that he needs paid.
A battle of wills follows in civil fashion between the two.
On Sunday morning he goes with the nuns to a nearby eatery
where their weekly services are held from the back of a truck with a priest
there to provide for the flock. Going into the restaurant he talks to the owner
and learns about the hardships the nuns went through to escape and get to this
country. By the time they head back he agrees to at least help them clear the
foundation area for the chapel.
All of this back and forth carries on throughout the film.
It’s easy to guess up front if the church will be built or not by the end
credits. What makes the story interesting is the fleshing out of the characters
and the things that happen on the way there. Smith getting to know the nuns and
helping them learn English, his teaching them the gospel tune he grew up with
“Amen” which they sing with relish and his growing fondness for them all.
The movie is a feel good film with plenty of humor to have
you laughing and enough emotional stirrings to play at your heart. There is no
political undertones on display here, just the story of a group of people
coming together to unite for something good. It’s rare to see that these days
and nice to be able to experience it here again.
Some might not think that being a black and white film it
would benefit from a blu-ray release but it does offering the cleanest
presentation I’ve seen of the film. What else could we expect from Twilight
Time? Extras include an isolated score track with some effects, a commentary
track with film historians Lem Dobbs, Julie Kirgo and Nick Redman and the theatrical
trailer. Once again Twilight Time limits their releases to just 3,000 copies so
if interested pick up yours today.
Click here to order.
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