Dr Zhivago is one of the best known love stories of the 20th century, but the setting of the book also made it famous. It’s a tale of passion and fear, set against a backdrop of revolution and violence. The film is what most people remember, but the story of the writing of the book has more twists, intrigue and bravery than many a Hollywood blockbuster. In this documentary, Stephen Smith traces the revolutionary beginnings of this bestseller, to it becoming a pawn of the CIA during the Cold War. Along the way, he explores the very real dangers that surrounded Pasternak in the 20 years following the printing of his masterpiece.