Doctor Zhivago

Drama, Romance

Based on the Nobel Prize-winning novel by Boris Pasternak, Doctor Zhivago covers the years prior to, during, and after the Russian Revolution, as seen through the eyes of poet/physician Yuri Zhivago (Omar Sharif). In the tradition of Russian novels, a multitude of characters and subplots intertwine within the film's 197 minutes (plus intermission). Zhivago is married to Tonya (Geraldine Chaplin), but carries on an affair with Lara (Julie Christie), who has been raped by ruthless politician Komarovsky (Rod Steiger). Meanwhile, Zhivago's half-brother Yevgraf (Alec Guinness) and the mysterious, revenge-seeking Strelnikoff (Tom Courteney) represent the good and bad elements of the Bolshevik revolution. Composer Maurice Jarre received one of Doctor Zhivago's five Oscars, with the others going to screenwriter Robert Bolt, cinematographer Freddie Young, art directors John Box and Terry Marsh, set decorator Dario Simoni, and costumer Phyllis Dalton. The best picture Oscar, however, went to The Sound of Music.~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide Rated PG-13 for mature themes.

 

Cast: Julie Christie, Omar Sharif, Rod Steiger, Geraldine Chaplin, Alec Guinness

Produced by: Carlo Ponti, David Lean

Directed by: David Lean

Written by: Robert Bolt, Boris Pasternak

Running time: 3hr 17min

Opens: Dec 22, 1965 Nationwide