The Life of Emile Zola poster
Movie · 1937

The Life of Emile Zola

1h 56m
Drama, History
William Dieterle
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.
Your take
Feels most like Ragtime, Richard Jewell and Victoria & Abdul

Details

Original title
The Life of Emile Zola
Director
William Dieterle
Year
1937
Runtime
1h 56m
Genres
Drama, History