The Petrified Forest is a dialogue-driven drama that captures the disillusionment of the Great Depression era directed by Archie Mayo. The film stars Leslie Howard as Alan Squier, a wandering, world-weary intellectual; Bette Davis as Gabrielle Maple, the dreamy waitress yearning for a more artistic life in France; and Humphrey Bogart as Duke Mantee, the desperate Dillinger-like gangster. The movie’s greatest strength is its clever script, which is full of smart jokes, deep thoughts, and dark humor. The performances elevate what feels very much like a filmed play. Bogart delivers a magnetic, menacing breakout performance that practically steals the film. Davis is warm and luminous as the hopeful Gabby, while Howard brings a poetic fatalism to the drifter. With only 82 minutes, it moves quickly from romantic idealism to gritty tension and a surprisingly poignant climax. It blends romance, crime, and social commentary, reflecting mid-1930s anxieties about purpose, violence, and a changing America.This film is included in my list of the 2500+ Best Films.
I've spent most of my life in prison... I'll probably spend the rest of it dead. -Duke ManteeThe film's plot and performances are probably overshadowed by what it ultimately did for one of it's stars. I wouldn't be surprised that more people know how it effected Humphrey Bogart's career then know what the film is actually about, or even what role Bogart has in the film. His is not the only great performance in the film, but it was the most unexpected in 1936 when his career was going nowhere.The film is an adaptation of Robert E. Sherwood's play of the same name. The play starred Leslie Howard and Humphrey Bogart in the same roles as they portray in the film, with Howard purchasing the film rights of the play, a move that would have a surprising outcome. The studio system was in full effect which meant the studios basically got what they wanted, when they wanted from the actors they had under contract. In this case Warner Bros wanted to make the film, but recast the Bogart role with Edward G. Robinson.Bogart wasn't considered star material at the time as he would go through long stretches without any acting work, while Robinson was a proven bankable star. No matter. When Leslie Howard found out about the recasting he told Warner Bros there would be no movie without Bogart. The two actors would reprise their roles from the original play with Bogey shocking critics and suddenly thrusting the 37 year old actor into the spotlight. He would always hold Howard responsible for the stardom that would follow and ended up naming his daughter after the actor 16 years later. With a story like that no wonder it overshadows the rest of the film.Robert E. Sherwood wrote the role of Duke Mantee with real life career bank robber John Dillinger as inspiration. Bogart not only resembled him, but he studied footage of Dillinger and based his entire performance on the man. The result can best be described as a silent menacing rage. Bogart's Mantee comes off as world weary with a minimalist approach to both action and dialogue resulting in anything he says or does in the film to have importance and gravitas. The performance is actually a bit contrasting to the norm when compared to gangster films of the era featuring scene chewing performances from the leads.The perfect counter balance to the introverted Duke Mantee is Leslie Howard's extroverted Alan Squier. While Mantee looks to lay low while quietly contemplating the situation at hand, Squier is constantly trying to engage everyone around him while being inquisitive about the mildest thing and offering his theories on each personality at hand whether or not his musings are welcomed or not. Howard is incredibly charming, but it's not these two performances alone that make the film great, but the clash between these two diverse characters from completely different worlds and the chemistry between the actors that pull it off brilliantly.Other memorable performances include a 28 year old Bette Davis as the wide eyed Gabrielle Maple who yearns for an exciting life in Paris and Charley Grapewin as her old codger of a grand-father who seems to hold criminals in higher regard then his own family. The film does very little to stray away from it's stage play origins as almost it's entirety takes place within the diner and therefor depends greatly at the performances at hand, but in this case they easily carry the film. It's one of the rare cinematic moments where you can witness a star being born.
Talk about a dream cast. Bette Davis, Leslie Howard, Humphrey Bogart. That’s star power and acting chops right there. I can see why it was the big breakout role for Bogart, all quiet menace and world-weary introversion. And a young Bette Davis, big eyes and charm, selling youthful dreams. But man, Leslie Howard, he’s one of those actors that every time I see him I always say to myself ‘I must check out more of his work’ and this is no exception as he pulls off poetry and philosophy spouting without veering into pretentious-ass territory and just absolutely charms me.The film is kind of ridiculous in a good way, very much a chamber stage play, of characters coming together in a desert diner as it shoehorns in fatalism, romance, American exceptionalism and violence. But that group of actors, they don't just pull it off, they elevate it. Honey, I Shrunk the Watchlist! Challenge 2025 28/34
