The Life of Emile Zola (1937): Plot, Cast & Where to Watch

Name: The Life of Emile Zola
Genre: Drama, History
Released: 1937
Duration: 116 min
Cast: Paul Muni, Gale Sondergaard, Joseph Schildkraut, Gloria Holden, Donald Crisp

What The Life of Emile Zola Is About

Émile Zola begins poor, then makes his name writing about the part of Paris nobody wants described, and settles into a comfortable life. Then Captain Dreyfus is convicted of espionage and Zola works out that the case was constructed. His open letter splits the country, and he ends up in court himself on a charge of libel. Dieterle's film took Best Picture that year. Watch it knowing one omission: why Dreyfus was chosen, the antisemitism behind the case, is almost never named.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Life of Emile Zola about?

Émile Zola begins poor, then makes his name writing about the part of Paris nobody wants described, and settles into a comfortable life. Then Captain Dreyfus is convicted of espionage and Zola works out that the case was constructed.

Where can I watch The Life of Emile Zola?

The Life of Emile Zola is available to watch on digital platforms such as YouTube TV, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies. Current rent and buy options are listed in the "Where to Watch" section on this page.

How long is The Life of Emile Zola?

The Life of Emile Zola runs for 116 minutes (1h 56m).

When did The Life of Emile Zola come out?

The Life of Emile Zola was released in 1937.

Who directed The Life of Emile Zola?

The Life of Emile Zola was directed by William Dieterle.

Who stars in The Life of Emile Zola?

The Life of Emile Zola stars Paul Muni, Gale Sondergaard, Joseph Schildkraut, Gloria Holden.

What is The Life of Emile Zola's rating?

The Life of Emile Zola holds 7.1/10 on IMDb and 6.7/10 on TMDB. Its Pulse Score is 68 out of 100.