Where the Lilies Bloom

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 agree with all the other comments. Beautiful movie with most excellent acting that has none of Hollywood's plastic staginess. Especially fine acting by the star,Julie Gholson - and why did she never appear in any other films?

This movie was one of my all time favorites as a child and now as I am grown it is not just a movie it reminds me of simpler and happy times. I love watching it time and time again, showing it to my husband and one day our children. Being raised in the area where it was filmed it is every exciting to see all the great landmarks portrayed in this movie, some of which do not exist anymore. The characters, actors, and simplicity of this movie make it a ten on my list! The story line is a good one and the characters really portray what I think it would have been like in those times and situations. I would recommend this movie to everyone who enjoys a good movie.

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)

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.