by Paul Brenner
synopsis
The notorious Dreyfus case that sent tremors throughout France in the late 1800s is the subject of this early British sound film, performed in a low-key style by an excellent cast. Cedric Hardwicke is Alfred Dreyfus, the only Jew on the French army's general staff. When treason is discovered within the general staff, Dreyfus is unjustly declared a traitor and sent to Devil's Island. Dreyfus languishes there, until one of France's greatest writers, Emile Zola (George Merritt), takes up Dreyfus's case, declaring him innocent of the charges. Zola attracts the interest of Georges Clemenceau, and a new trial for Dreyfus is granted.
