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67% Critic Match
The Life of Emile Zola
“He'll hold you in silence as deep as your emotions!”
6.7 / 10• 1937• 1h 56m•G• English
DramaHistory
Storyline
A fictionalized account of famous French writer Émile Zola and his involvement in the Dreyfus Affair. After struggling to establish himself, Zola wins success documenting the unsavory side of Paris and settles into a comfortable upper-class life. However, his complacency is shaken when Jewish officer Alfred Dreyfus is imprisoned for espionage. Realizing that Dreyfus is an innocent victim of anti-Semitism, Zola boldly pens an exposé, only to be charged with libel and now he must defend himself in a dramatic courtroom testimony.
Cast & Crew
Paul Muni
Emile Zola
Lead
Gale Sondergaard
Lucie Dreyfus
Joseph Schildkraut
Capt. Alfred Dreyfus
Gloria Holden
Alexandrine Zola
Donald Crisp
Maitre Labori
Erin O'Brien-Moore
Nana
John Litel
Charpentier
Henry O'Neill
Colonel Picquart
What People Are Saying
4.0
“A staggering achievement of craft and ambition. William Dieterle's vision lands with breathtaking precision.”
3.0
“Every frame feels alive. The Life of Emile Zola is the rare release that takes its audience seriously.”
