A LOVE CAUGHT IN THE FIRE OF REVOLUTION: Experience the stunning visuals in David Lean’s epic 1965 historical war and romance film of Boris Pasternak’s “DOCTOR ZHIVAGO” at the historic Cliftex Theatre in Clifton Monday, January 12
By E. BRETT VOSS
Bosque Film Society Founder & Board President
In a world of guns and ice, there is the great noise of battle, and the greater silence of lovers. “Wouldn’t it have been lovely if we’d met before?”
Be sure to experience our first 2026 monthly members-only FILM APPRECIATION NIGHT AT THE MOVIES featuring David Lean’s epic 1965 historical war and romance film of Boris Pasternak’s “DOCTOR ZHIVAGO” at 6:30 p.m. Monday, January 12 at The Cliftex Theatre in Clifton with an introductory presentation by Bosque Film Society founding board member and treasurer Simone Voss.
Directed by David Lean with a screenplay by Robert Bolt based on the 1957 novel by Boris Pasternak, “DOCTOR ZHIVAGO” is set in Russia during World War I and the Russian Civil War. Starring Omar Sharif in the title role as Yuri Zhivago, a married physician and poet whose life is altered by the Russian Revolution and subsequent civil war, the film also features Julie Christie as his lover Lara Antipova, as well as Geraldine Chaplin, Tom Courtenay, Rod Steiger, Alec Guinness, Ralph Richardson, Siobhán McKenna and Rita Tushingham play supporting roles.
Set just before and in the years following the Bolshevik Revolution in Russia, the movie follows the life of Dr. Yuri Zhivago (Omar Sharif) as he marries, raises a family, has his life totally disrupted by World War I, and then by the Revolution. Shown against the epic of a world turned on its head, his life and freedom are torn from him as the new society makes demands.
Although immensely popular in the West, Pasternak’s book was banned in the Soviet Union for decades. As the film could not be made there, it was instead filmed mostly in Spain. It was an international co-production between Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and Italian producer Carlo Ponti.
At the 38th Academy Awards, “DOCTOR ZHIVAGO” was nominated for 10 Oscars (including Best Picture) and won five – Best Adapted Screenplay, Original Score, Cinematography, Art Direction, and Costume Design. It also won five awards at the 23rd Golden Globe Awards including Best Motion Picture. As of 2022, it is the ninth highest-grossing film worldwide after adjusting for inflation.
Acclaimed for its grand scale, stunning visuals, and epic storytelling set during the Russian Revolution, “DOCTOR ZHIVAGO” remains lauded for its powerful performances by Omar Sharif and Julie Christie, along with the iconic score by Maurice Jarre. Many critics appreciate its historical context and emotional depth and cite that the portrayal of the Russian Revolution should be praised for accuracy and resonance.
Celebrating its sixth season, the 2026 Film Appreciation Night At The Movies Series will continue on Monday nights each month with “Somewhere In Time” (1980) presented by Brett Voss on Feb. 9; “Mr. Smith Goes To Washington” (1939) presented by Bryan Davis on March 23; “Master & Commander: The Far Side of the World” (2003) presented by Brett Voss on April 27; “Key Largo” (1948) presented by Angela Smith on May 25; and “Dirty Harry” (1971) presented by Tony Talbert on June 22.
The second half of the series will include “Rebel Without A Cause” (1955) presented by Bryan Davis on July 27; the 6th Annual Silent Film Spotlight featuring “City Lights” (1931) presented by Brett Voss on Aug. 24; the 6th Annual Foreign Film Spotlight screening “Black Book” (2006) presented by Simone Voss on Sept. 28; the 4th Annual Halloween Costume Party featuring “American Werewolf In London” (1981) presented by Bryan Davis on Oct. 26; the 3rd Annual Veterans Day Tribute presenting “Schindler’s List” (1993) presented by Angela Smith on Nov. 16; and the 7th Annual Christmas Party featuring “Miracle on 34th Street” (1947) presented by Tony Talbert on Dec. 14.
Since this will be a private showing, BYOB will be allowed, and the theatre concession stand will be open for purchases. Although the event will be closed to the public, those wishing to become Bosque Film Society members Tuesday night will be admitted.
Established in 2020, Bosque Film Society is a non-profit organization focused on promoting film appreciation, education and production in Bosque County, Texas, while serving as the “Friends of The Cliftex Theatre,” the longest continuously-operating movie theater in Texas, showing films on the silver screen since 1916.
For members who have not paid their 2026 dues yet, and new members wanting to join in 2026, annual fees are $30 per individual, $50 per couple and $75 per family. To register, pay your dues and get more information about joining the Bosque Film Society’s non-profit efforts to support The Cliftex Theatre, visit our website at: https://bosquefilm.com/membership/.