The Life of Emile Zola
1937, English. Directed by William Dieterle.
He'll hold you in silence as deep as your emotions!
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.
- Runtime
- 1h 56m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- English
- Rated
- G
Start now and it ends at ….
Popcorn Flick
Fun if you don’t overthink it.
6.7/10 from 164 TMDB viewer ratings.
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Where to watch The Life of Emile Zola
The Life of Emile Zola isn’t on a subscription OTT platform in India, but you can rent it or buy it online.
Amazon Video
Apple TV Store
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At HomeAvailability in India as of 14 November 2026. Streaming data by JustWatch.
Cast & crew
- William DieterleDirector
- 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
Details
- Released
- 9 September 1937
- Country
- United States of America
- Written by
- Heinz Herald, Norman Reilly Raine, Geza Herczeg
Check ratings elsewhere
News & fan talk
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The Life of Emile Zola: quick answers
Is The Life of Emile Zola worth watching?
Our verdict is Popcorn Flick: Fun if you don’t overthink it. It scores 6.7/10 from 164 TMDB viewer ratings.
How long is The Life of Emile Zola?
The Life of Emile Zola runs 116 minutes (1h 56m).
Does The Life of Emile Zola have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for The Life of Emile Zola. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
The Life of Emile Zola parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
The Life of Emile Zola is rated G in India. That rating means it is generally fine for children.
Which OTT platform is The Life of Emile Zola on?
The Life of Emile Zola isn’t on a subscription OTT platform in India, but you can rent it or buy it online. (Checked 14 November 2026.)
What movies are like The Life of Emile Zola?
If you liked The Life of Emile Zola, try Ragtime, Mank, Richard Jewell.
Who directed The Life of Emile Zola?
The Life of Emile Zola (1937) was directed by William Dieterle and stars Paul Muni, Gale Sondergaard, Joseph Schildkraut.