The Life of Emile Zola

Starring: Louis Calhern, Gale Sondergaard, Joseph Schildkraut, Donald Crisp, Paul Muni, Gloria Holden, Morris Carnovsky, Robert Warwick, Vladimir Sokoloff, Frank Sheridan

Director: William Dieterle
Message Boards: Post your comments

Synopsis: Zola publishes his novel "Nana", based on his own experiences with a prostitute. It is condemned by many for its realistic treatment of social issues, but becomes hugely popular. Years pass,and Zola becomes known as one of France's greatest writers and as the champion of those who have no voice of their own. One night, Zola is visited by Lucie Dreyfus, wife of an army captain who has been falsely accused to betraying military secrets. Zola takes up the case and, after writing a famous open letter to the French president, is himself convicted of libelling the army. Exiled to England, he refuses to give up the case, and gradually public opinion turns in his favor.