A fictionalized account of famous French writer Emile Zola and his involvement in the Dreyfus Affair. After struggling to establish himself, Zola wins success writing about the unsavory side of Paris and settles into a comfortable upper-class life. However, Zola's complacency is shaken when Jewish officer Alfred Dreyfus is imprisoned for being a spy. Realizing that Dreyfus is an innocent victim of anti-Semitism, Zola boldly pens a newspaper article exposing the truth, is charged with libel and must defend himself in a dramatic courtroom testimony.
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🔍 Search on JustWatch →The Life of Emile Zola has mixed reviews with a rating of 6.7/10. Good for a relaxed evening without high expectations.
Not every film is made for everyone. Read the synopsis, watch the trailer — you'll know right away if it's for you.
A classic from 1937. They don't make them like this anymore — which is exactly why you should watch it. Best for: viewers looking to try something new without being too demanding.
— MovieFinder Editorial
Paul Muni
Emile Zola
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
Morris Carnovsky
Anatole France
Louis Calhern
Major Dort
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