Where the Lilies Bloom

A well told tale that enthralled my daughter who recommended it to me. Interestingly, this is the only film ever made by 3 of the 4 children who try to survive after their father's death. Only Jan Smithers, who portrays Devola, did other film work.

I live in the Blue Ridge near the places where the filming took place. I love the area and I enjoy movies depicting life in the Appalachians many years ago. This is one of the best. My non-profit company recently purchased the old Elk Park School, a 1937 stone WPA school building which is the same school shot in the film. We have converted the school to beautifully rehabilitated affordable senior housing and in the process have secured permanent status for the building and the grounds on the National Register of Historic Places. Many area residents attended school there including most of the local extras seen in the movie. These good people are now once again drawn into the building through community activities scheduled in the refurbished gymnasium.

This is a very excellent movie. The book is great, too. I first read the book when I was about 14, loved it, and tried to find the movie but couldn't. That disappointed me and I eventually forgot about it, until I was about 20 and saw it on television. I knew it would be good but it actually exceeded my expectations! Everyone was wonderful, especially the children. I was shocked to learn that Jan Smithers who played Devola was the only one out of the children in the family who made any other films. Helen Harmon was just too cute for words and portrays a perfect precocious little baby sister and really has some funny scenes. Matthew Burril is real good as the brother, perfectly portraying the poor only boy surrounded by sisters! And Julie Gholson was amazing!!! I love the story about the children doing anything possible to stay together and Julie as Mary Call taking charge was intriguing to watch. This is not a well known movie and I would like to get the word out and let people know this is a must-see!! (unless the only movies you like are non sentimental shoot-em-up movies)

This wonderful 1974 film was one I saw when it came out at age 6 and it has stayed with me to this day, 20-odd years later. It is the kind of small, well-written, well-acted, poignant, earnest and meticulously crafted piece of filmmaking that simply does not exist today. Anyone, man or woman, old or young, will truly enjoy watching this great, great film.

i just now found this web site thanks to a friend i was actor in this movie i played buck morris.i had a small speaking part which was my first job i ask Romy if he was going to play basketball.we were on the steps at the elk park school.i still live here in mountains just a mile or less from the school.my children still watch the movie from time to time they think that it is pretty neat to see dad and other people they know in the movie. a lot of them still live here. there is so much to see in this part of mountains.we have the blue ridge parkway only short distance from here. we have grand father mountain mile high swing bridge.some of the best motorcycle roads to ride in the world and views.some people say i live in gods country i could not agree more with that. i hope everyone enjoyed this film as much as we did to make it.

thanks tommy