What happens
In 1860s Paris, young writer Emile Zola struggles in poverty alongside his friend, the painter Cezanne, and his wife Alexandrine. Zola takes a job with the publisher Mr. Hachette, but his outspoken writing draws official warnings. His novel Nana becomes a sensation, and as France moves toward war, he turns to a new cause. This Lux Radio Theatre adaptation, broadcast on May 8, 1939, stars Paul Muni and Josephine Hutchinson, with Leslie Howard as guest producer. The story follows Zola's growing confrontation with the French army and government, as the Dreyfus affair begins to unfold.
Paris and France, 1862 onward, under Emperor Louis Napoleon and later the Third Republic
Characters: Emile Zola, Cezanne, Alexandrine, Madame Zola, Miss Yolary, Paul Cezanne, Major Picard, Captain Dreyfus
Listen for: Zola's outspoken writing and the clash with the French authorities as the Dreyfus affair takes shape
Written from the episode itself; it never gives away the ending. Every recording is remastered for the stream: cleaned of rumble, hiss and mains hum (and the old TV whine where we found it), then levelled in two passes to steady broadcast loudness, so one show is never quieter than the next.