Dreyfus

Synopsis

Dreyfus (1930) is a historical drama directed by Richard Oswald that delves into the infamous Dreyfus Affair, a pivotal political scandal that rocked France in the late 19th century. The film stars Fritz Kortner as Alfred Dreyfus, a French Jewish artillery officer who is wrongfully accused and convicted of treason. Through compelling narrative and emotive performances, the film explores themes of injustice, anti-Semitism, and the struggle for truth amidst institutional corruption. With a focus on courtroom drama and political intrigue, Dreyfus chronicles the battles fought by Dreyfus and his supporters to clear his name and expose the real perpetrators. The movie offers an intense, thought-provoking look at one of history's most notorious miscarriages of justice.

Cast

• 

  Fritz Kortner

  Hauptmann Alfred Dreyfus

• 

  Grete Mosheim

  Lucie Dreyfus, seine Frau

• 

  Heinrich George

  Émile Zola

• 

  Albert Bassermann

  Oberst Picquart

• 

  Oskar Homolka

  Major Ferdinand Walsin-Esterházy

• 

  Fritz Rasp

  Major du Paty de Clam

Reviews

Critics provide a mixed reception for Dreyfus (1930). On IMDb, the film holds a moderate rating of 6.4/10, reflecting appreciation for its historical importance and dramatic portrayal but also noting some limitations in pacing and production values typical of early sound cinema. Reviewers commend Fritz Kortner's compelling performance, highlighting his intense and nuanced portrayal that brings emotional gravity to Dreyfus's plight. Rotten Tomatoes does not have a score for this title due to its age, but cinema historians praise it as an important political film of its era, applauding its bold focus on anti-Semitism and miscarriage of justice during a contentious period. Some critiques mention the film's somewhat stagey direction and static camera work, common in early talkies, which may affect modern viewers’ engagement. Nevertheless, reviewers agree that Dreyfus remains a significant film for its courageous subject matter and historical perspective, making it a valuable watch for those interested in political history and human rights narratives.