This four-part study of the spirit of freedom describes the work and lives of several great twentieth century French intellectuals, and their influence on modern history. This first episode investigates the works of Zola, Proust and André Malraux; also the concepts of pacifism, surrealism, the Bolshevik Revolution and Communism - in theory and in reality. Directed by Alain Ferrari, written by Bernard-Henri Levy.