Fresh
The most distinguished and most important contribution to the screen this year.
Kate Cameron, New York Daily News
The Life of Emile Zola
He'll hold you in silence as deep as your emotions!
1937 · 1h 56m · NOT RATED
Drama, History
Directed by
William Dieterle
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The Life of Emile Zola
Overview
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.
Director and cast
- William Dieterle Director
- Paul Muni as Emile Zola
- Gale Sondergaard as Lucie Dreyfus
- Joseph Schildkraut as Capt. Alfred Dreyfus
- Gloria Holden as Alexandrine Zola
- Donald Crisp as Maitre Labori
- Erin O'Brien-Moore as Nana
- John Litel as Charpentier
- Henry O'Neill as Colonel Picquart
- Morris Carnovsky as Anatole France
- Louis Calhern as Major Dort
Critics on Rotten Tomatoes
Top critics, in their words
75%
Tomatometer
Fresh
The film is destined to box office approval of the most substantial character. It is finely made and merits high rating as cinema art and significant recognition as major showmanship.
John C. Flinn Sr., Variety
Rotten
This act of altruism on behalf of the brothers Warner was rewarded with the best picture Oscar for 1937; it isn't so much bad as utterly, magisterially bland.
Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader
Rotten
Carefully mounted, well directed and acted, but basically the sort of well-meaning pap out of which Oscars are made.
Tom Milne, Time Out
Fresh
A great and valuable and stirring film document.
Frank S. Nugent, New York Times
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