Doctor Zhivago is widely regarded as one of the greatest epic films ever made, with its sweeping romance set against the backdrop of the Russian Revolution.
However, newly revealed letters suggest that the film’s legendary director, Sir David Lean, initially struggled with its pacing and considered a unique source of inspiration to refine it—none other than the hit 1960s British police drama, Z-Cars.
David Lean’s Unlikely Inspiration from a TV Cop Show
At over three hours long, Doctor Zhivago remains one of the lengthiest films in cinema history.
However, previously unpublished letters reveal that Lean initially aimed to keep the runtime closer to two hours and fifty minutes.
In a letter dated April 11, 1964, Lean wrote to his screenwriting collaborator, Robert Bolt, about his admiration for the fast-paced storytelling of Z-Cars.
He noted that while the content of the TV series wasn’t particularly remarkable, its ability to stay ahead of the audience was a lesson many filmmakers could learn from.
Comparing it to older films like The Prisoner of Zenda, Lean recognized that traditional storytelling techniques were becoming predictable.
He expressed concern that his own directing style might feel outdated and emphasized the need to consciously adapt to modern, sharper editing styles.
A Director’s Crisis of Confidence
Despite being considered one of Britain’s greatest filmmakers, Lean’s letters reveal a surprising insecurity about his cinematic approach.
At the age of 56, he worried that his long-established directing methods might feel sluggish compared to contemporary trends.
He specifically mentioned how the 1963 spy thriller The Prize, starring Paul Newman, felt as outdated as older adventure films.
In his letter, Lean admitted that he struggled with striking a balance between clarity and a more modern, fast-moving editing style.
He wrote about his dislike for confusing storytelling but acknowledged that younger filmmakers seemed to execute rapid cuts and transitions with greater finesse.
This internal conflict highlights an unexpected vulnerability in a director renowned for his masterful control of the cinematic medium.
The Judi Dench Connection That Never Was
While Lean’s concerns about pacing are fascinating, the letters also reveal an intriguing casting what-if.
Robert Bolt, the film’s screenwriter, once suggested a relatively unknown young actress—Judi Dench—for the role of Tanya, the daughter of Zhivago and Lara.
In an undated letter, Bolt described the character as needing an innate attractiveness rather than conventional beauty.
He even incorrectly referred to Dench as “Judy” but noted that she had impressed him in a 1963 episode of Z-Cars titled Made for Each Other.
However, despite Bolt’s recommendation, Dench was never screen-tested, and the role ultimately went to Rita Tushingham.
A spokesperson for Dame Judi Dench has since confirmed that she was unaware she had even been considered for the film and never met David Lean.
A Film That Defied the Critics
Doctor Zhivago premiered in December 1965 with a final runtime of three hours and twelve minutes.
While initial reviews were mixed, many critics praised its ability to condense Boris Pasternak’s dense novel into a series of efficient, sharp scenes.
A reviewer from the Daily Mirror even noted that had the film attempted to include more of the novel’s content, it would have been an unwatchable fifteen-hour marathon.
Despite its lukewarm critical reception, the film won five Academy Awards, including Best Adapted Screenplay, and became a massive box office success.
Adjusted for inflation, it remains the eighth highest-grossing film of all time.
A Lasting Legacy
Now celebrating its 60th anniversary, Doctor Zhivago continues to be a monumental achievement in cinema.
These newly unearthed letters provide a rare glimpse into the creative anxieties and influences that shaped its production.
They remind us that even the greatest directors can doubt their methods—and that sometimes, inspiration comes from the most unexpected places.