The Life of Emile Zola

The story

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 MuniEmile Zola

Gale SondergaardLucie Dreyfus

Joseph SchildkrautCapt. Alfred Dreyfus

Gloria HoldenAlexandrine Zola

Donald CrispMaitre Labori

Erin O'Brien-MooreNana

John LitelCharpentier

Henry O'NeillColonel Picquart

Morris CarnovskyAnatole France

Louis CalhernMajor Dort

Ralph MorganCommander of Paris

Robert BarratMajor Walsin-Esterhazy