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The Life of Emile Zola

Play trailer Poster for The Life of Emile Zola 1937 1h 56m Biography Play Trailer Watchlist
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92% Tomatometer 71 Reviews 73% Popcornmeter 1,000+ Ratings
After struggling to establish himself, author Émile 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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The Life of Emile Zola

The Life of Emile Zola

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Critics Consensus

Urgently relevant in an era of escalating bigotry and fascism, The Life of Emile Zola is a respectful and staid tribute to the French novelist, enlivened by Paul Muni's chameleonic prowess.

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Critics Reviews

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Alan Page Sight & Sound 08/03/2022
Muni is, in fact, the whole film, with the exception of one small section that Joseph Schildkraut, as Dreyfus, firmly claims for his own. Muni is superb. Every gesture, every line is put over with immense care and artistry. Go to Full Review Mildred Martin Philadelphia Inquirer 08/03/2022
Like The Story of Louis Pasteur, though perhaps lacking some of that film's warmth and appeal, "Zola" is a serious, carefully constructed, elaborately produced biography. In addition, it paints a period in colors both somber and brilliant. Go to Full Review Mae Tinée Chicago Tribune 08/03/2022
This new Muni production is a masterpiece. It is a skillful, intuitive, intensely sympathetic portrayal of a great and eccentric man, with action characterized by mounting suspense and moments of powerful drama. Go to Full Review Pare Lorentz McCall's 10/30/2023
It’s a grave story told with great dignity and superbly played and produced. Go to Full Review Matt Brunson Film Frenzy 09/08/2023
3.5/4
Army intrigue and courtroom theatrics are just some of the savory ingredients in this compelling film. Go to Full Review Yasser Medina Cinefilia 08/20/2023
7/10
I find it a rather moving Dieterle biopic about injustice, honesty and the value of truth, which deposits its greatest dramatic card in Paul Muni's uplifting performance as the great Émile Zola. [Full review in Spanish] Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Christian K @ckacar Jan 18 A straightforward biopic about a man who exposed corruption in the French government and military. It was honestly more interesting to read about the film and its reception then actually watch. It was banned in France for many years and apparently removed references and descriptors of Jewish characters to appease to nazi Germany. Randomly, there isn't a single moment that Emile Zola, or anyone else in the film for that matter, looks like the person in the poster. See more Bradley B. @album Jan 15 I found the portrayal of Emile Zola very inspiring and gives me hope at the time if tyrants. See more Dallas H @RT53171010 Oct 18 Law & Order: France... I must give credit to Émile Zola for having integrity and a purpose in life. See more Matheus F @matheusf_neto 10/01/2023 Beautiful. Irreplaceable. See more CodyZamboni @CodyZamboni 03/28/2023 This movie is deserving of all the Oscars. Sharp, literate screenplay, with stellar acting by Muni, tracing Zola's life from humble beginnings, to fame and riches, and standing up against French military injustice. See more Mark A @RT53507781 01/03/2023 Great biography! Paul Muni is fantastic. See more Read all reviews
The Life of Emile Zola

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Cast & Crew

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William Dieterle

Director

Paul Muni

Émile Zola

Joseph Schildkraut

Captain Alfred Dreyfus

Gale Sondergaard

Lucie Dreyfus

Gloria Holden

Alexandrine Zola

Donald Crisp

Maitre Labori

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The Life of Emile Zola

The Life of Emile Zola (1937) The Life of Emile Zola (1937) The Life of Emile Zola (1937) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis After struggling to establish himself, author Émile 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.
Director
William Dieterle
Producer
Henry Blanke
Screenwriter
Matthew Josephson, Heinz Herald, Geza Herczeg, Norman Reilly Raine, Heinz Herald, Geza Herczeg
Distributor
Warner Bros.
Production Co
Warner Brothers
Genre
Biography
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Oct 2, 1937, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
Jan 1, 2009
Runtime
1h 56m
Sound Mix
Mono
Aspect Ratio
Flat (1.37:1)