Doctor Zhivago

Russia, early twentieth century. The young orphan Yuri Zhivago is brought up by the Gromenkos. Yuri falls in love with, and later marries their daughter, Tonya.

Yuri's serious and thoughtful nature leads him to write sensitive poetry. He trains as a doctor, and, when World War I breaks out, is sent to the Eastern front.

In the turmoil, Yuri works with, and becomes deeply attached to Lara, a volunteer nurse. Lara is also married, to Pasha, a committed revolutionary. Pasha is missing in action, and Lara has joined up to be able to look for him.

Events spiral out of control, as the War is followed by the Russian Revolution, and then the Russian Civil War. Yuri flees to the Urals, with his family, but his thoughts turn continually to Lara.