When thinking of epic films, Sir David Lean’s Doctor Zhivago certainly stands out, not only for its compelling storyline but also for its extensive running time of over three hours.
However, newly published letters show that this already lengthy film might have been even longer if it hadn’t been for a surprising source of inspiration—Z-Cars, a popular British television drama from the 1960s.
Lean’s Desire to Keep the Film Concise
In a letter written to his screenwriting partner Robert Bolt on April 11, 1964, Lean shared his admiration for the speed and pacing in Z-Cars, hoping to apply similar techniques to Doctor Zhivago.
He noted how the drama, although not particularly content-heavy, succeeded in keeping the audience’s attention through its quick storytelling and forward-moving action.
This approach, Lean believed, would help trim down the length of his film while still keeping it engaging.
Despite being known as one of the greatest directors in the world, Lean admitted to struggling with a crisis of confidence about his own filmmaking methods, which he thought were becoming outdated.
At 56 years old, Lean was eager to ensure Doctor Zhivago stayed under a runtime of 2 hours and 50 minutes.
His respect for the more modern pacing of Z-Cars revealed a vulnerability that surprised many, especially considering his history of cinematic masterpieces such as Lawrence of Arabia, Bridge on the River Kwai, and Great Expectations.
Influence of Z-Cars and Lean’s Search for Modern Techniques
In his letter, Lean also expressed admiration for how modern TV dramas like Z-Cars had abandoned older, slower filmmaking techniques in favor of quicker cuts and more dynamic camera movements.
He recognized that these fresh approaches made the story more engaging, and in contrast, the older, slower techniques were beginning to feel clunky to him.
Lean’s attempt to break free from these traditional filmmaking styles is evident in his willingness to learn from television, a medium he had never fully embraced before.
Judi Dench and the Search for the Perfect Cast
Another fascinating tidbit revealed by the letters was an early mention of the possibility of casting a young Judi Dench in the pivotal role of ‘the girl,’ the daughter of Zhivago and Lara.
At the time, Dench was a relatively unknown actress in her late twenties, and her role in Z-Cars had impressed screenwriter Robert Bolt.
He suggested Dench for the role, describing the character as someone with a “secret and jealously protected” inner life.
However, despite this initial suggestion, Dench was never screen-tested for the role, and the part eventually went to Rita Tushingham, a rising star at the time.
The Film’s Reception and Legacy
Upon its release in December 1965, Doctor Zhivago was met with mixed reactions from critics, many of whom felt it couldn’t live up to Lean’s earlier masterpiece, Lawrence of Arabia.
However, even critics who were underwhelmed by the film praised its ability to condense Boris Pasternak’s sprawling novel into a series of fast-moving, sharp scenes.
One critic remarked that while the film couldn’t possibly include everything from the novel without running for hours on end, it still managed to preserve the essence of the story.
Despite the lukewarm reception from critics, Doctor Zhivago became a major box office success, eventually winning five Academy Awards, including one for its screenplay.
It remains one of the most successful films of all time when adjusted for inflation, and this year marks its 60th anniversary.
A Surprising Twist in Judi Dench’s Involvement
Interestingly, a spokesperson for Dame Judi Dench has since clarified that she was unaware of any consideration for the role in Doctor Zhivago.
Dench, who never met David Lean, was not screen-tested for the part, and there is no indication that she was seriously considered for the role at any point during the film’s production.
As we look back at Doctor Zhivago‘s enduring legacy, it’s clear that Lean’s film, while certainly a product of its time, also reflects a director who was trying to adapt to changing cinematic trends, even if he was initially hesitant to embrace them fully.