Muni is, in fact, the whole film, with the exception of one small section that Joseph Schildkraut, as Dreyfus, firmly claims for his own. Muni is superb. Every gesture, every line is put over with immense care and artistry.

Like The Story of Louis Pasteur, though perhaps lacking some of that film's warmth and appeal, "Zola" is a serious, carefully constructed, elaborately produced biography. In addition, it paints a period in colors both somber and brilliant.

This new Muni production is a masterpiece. It is a skillful, intuitive, intensely sympathetic portrayal of a great and eccentric man, with action characterized by mounting suspense and moments of powerful drama.

It’s a grave story told with great dignity and superbly played and produced.