Watch Where the Lilies Bloom
- G
- 1974
- 1 hr 37 min
-
7.2 (1,043)
Where the Lilies Bloom is a family movie from 1974 that follows the story of a family of siblings who live in Appalachia, North Carolina. The movie is based on the novel of the same name by Vera and Bill Cleaver. Directed by William A. Graham, the movie features Julie Gholson, Jan Smithers, Matthew Burril, and Harry Dean Stanton in the lead roles.
The story begins with four siblings, Mary Call, Romey, Ima Dean, and Devola, living in a rundown shack in the Appalachian region of North Carolina. They have recently lost their father, and their mother has been bedridden for a long time. Mary Call, the oldest sibling, is tasked with taking care of her siblings and managing the household. She possesses a strong will and has a great sense of responsibility, which enables her to keep the family together.
The siblings are struggling to make ends meet, and Mary Call is forced to come up with innovative ways to provide for the family. She sells wild herbs and roots to make money and even dives into a river to collect coal that has washed down from the mountains. Her efforts are not enough, and the family's situation becomes dire. Mary Call comes up with a plan to build a flower business, hoping that it will provide them with a steady income. She wants to plant and harvest native mountain flowers, and then sell them at a local market.
The siblings set out to find a suitable spot to grow the flowers, and they come across an abandoned farm owned by a wealthy local landowner, Kiser Pease. The siblings agree to work on the farm and maintain it in exchange for the use of the land. The headstrong Pease is initially opposed to the idea, but he eventually agrees to let the siblings use the land after Mary Call convinces him of their sincerity and hard work.
The siblings set about planting and harvesting flowers. As they work, they learn more about the flora and fauna of the mountains, and develop an appreciation for the natural beauty around them. They are accompanied by a friend, Roy Luther, who teaches them how to plant and grow flowers, and also helps them sell their flowers at the market.
The family's peaceful existence is threatened when Pease discovers that they have borrowed some of his farming equipment without his permission. He confronts Mary Call, who insists that they borrowed the equipment in good faith and promises to return it. Pease is impressed by her bravery and tenacity, and begins to develop a fondness for the siblings.
One day, tragedy strikes the family when their mother passes away. They are heartbroken, but they continue to work hard on the farm, hoping that it will provide them with a better future. They face several setbacks along the way, including a devastating flood, but they persevere and eventually succeed in their flower business. The siblings' hard work and determination pay off, and they manage to pull themselves out of poverty.
Where the Lilies Bloom is a touching movie that celebrates the resilience and strength of the human spirit. It is a simple yet powerful story that is sure to leave a lasting impression on viewers of all ages. The movie is beautifully shot, capturing the rugged beauty of the Appalachian mountains and the lush greenery of the countryside. The performances by the young cast are outstanding, making the movie a must-see for anyone who loves family dramas.
Where the Lilies Bloom is a 1974 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 37 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.