The Life of Emile Zola
“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.
Where to watch The Life of Emile Zola in United States
Can I watch The Life of Emile Zola in United States? The Life of Emile Zola isn't on subscription streaming in United States right now, but you can rent or buy it on Amazon Video and Apple TV Store.
Amazon Video
Apple TV Store
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At HomeClick a service to open The Life of Emile Zola there. Availability last verified on October 20, 2026.
Where is The Life of Emile Zola streaming around the world?
| Country | Streaming on | Rent / Buy |
|---|---|---|
| United States | — | Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies |
| Germany | — | Apple TV Store, Amazon Video |
| France | — | Apple TV Store |
| Spain | Filmin | Apple TV Store |
| Brazil | Looke, NetMovies | Amazon Video, Apple TV Store |
| Japan | Amazon Prime Video, U-NEXT, Amazon Prime Video with Ads | Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies |
About The Life of Emile Zola
The Life of Emile Zola is a 1937 English-language drama and history film directed by William Dieterle. The cast is led by Paul Muni, Gale Sondergaard, Joseph Schildkraut. It has a runtime of 1h 56m. Viewers rate it 6.7/10 across 200 ratings. In United States, it is available to rent or buy on Amazon Video and Apple TV Store.
The Life of Emile Zola was produced by Warner Bros. Pictures and made in United States of America. It was released on September 9, 1937, and carries a G certification.
- Director
- William Dieterle
- Writers
- Norman Reilly Raine, Heinz Herald, Geza Herczeg
- Release date
- September 9, 1937
- Original language
- English
- Age rating
- G
- Status
- Released
- Country
- United States of America
- Production
- Warner Bros. Pictures
The Life of Emile Zola cast & crew
The Life of Emile Zola was directed by William Dieterle and written by Norman Reilly Raine, Heinz Herald, and Geza Herczeg.
The cast features 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, and Erin O'Brien-Moore as Nana.
Behind the camera, the score was composed by Max Steiner, cinematography is by Tony Gaudio, and it was produced by Henry Blanke.
Is The Life of Emile Zola worth watching?
The Life of Emile Zola holds an audience score of 6.7/10 from 162 ratings, a solidly received drama films.
At 1h 56m, it's a standard feature-length watch.
If you enjoy drama and history, The Life of Emile Zola is worth a place on your watchlist.
How and where to watch The Life of Emile Zola
The Life of Emile Zola isn't on a subscription service in United States right now, but you can rent or buy it on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and YouTube.
Streaming rights change country by country and month by month, so the options above reflect United States today — switch your country at the top of the where-to-watch section to see availability elsewhere.
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Cast of The Life of Emile Zola
Paul Muni
Emile Zola
Gale Sondergaard
Lucie Dreyfus
Joseph Schildkraut
Capt. Alfred Dreyfus
Gloria Holden
Alexandrine Zola
Donald Crisp
Maitre Labori
Erin O'Brien-Moore
Nana
John Litel
Charpentier
Henry O'Neill
Colonel Picquart
Morris Carnovsky
Anatole France
Louis Calhern
Major Dort
Ralph Morgan
Commander of Paris
Robert Barrat
Major Walsin-Esterhazy
The Life of Emile Zola — FAQs
▸Where can I watch The Life of Emile Zola in United States?
The Life of Emile Zola is not on subscription streaming in United States right now, but you can rent or buy it on Amazon Video and Apple TV Store and Google Play Movies.
▸What language is The Life of Emile Zola in?
The Life of Emile Zola is originally in English. Subtitle and dub options vary by streaming service.
▸How long is The Life of Emile Zola?
The Life of Emile Zola runs 1 hours 56 minutes (116 minutes).
▸What is The Life of Emile Zola rated?
The Life of Emile Zola is rated G. It holds a 6.7/10 audience score from 162 ratings.
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