
The Petrified Forest
1936, Drama, 1h 23m
13 Reviews 2,500+ RatingsYou might also like
Where to watch
Show all servicesThe Petrified Forest Photos
Movie Info
Cast & Crew
Alan Squier
Gabrielle "Gabby" Maple
Duke Mantee
Boze Hertzlinger
Mrs. Edith Chisholm
Gramp Maple
Critic Reviews for The Petrified Forest
All Critics (13) | Top Critics (1) | Fresh (13)
-
Huch of what's on display here evokes a society on the decline.
February 11, 2005 | Rating: 3.5/4 | Full Review… -
Bogart is merely the villain, and his screentime is rather limited, but he immediately provides a striking presence.
July 30, 2020 | Rating: 7/10 | Full Review… -
Mayo makes it endearing, dark, almost existential with its radiograph of American stereotypes from the years after the Great Depression. [Full review in Spanish]
July 16, 2020 | Rating: 7/10 | Full Review… -
Very young people won't find The Petrified Forest much fun, but adults, who like wise and witty talk, with or without gunplay, should find it rewarding.
September 25, 2019 | Full Review… -
Darker looks have never been cast on celluloid.
November 9, 2016 | Full Review… -
Bogart's breakout, and for good reason.
October 13, 2013 | Rating: 3/4 | Full Review…
Audience Reviews for The Petrified Forest
-
Oct 13, 2018Such a beautiful movie; shamelessly romantic, with lovely moments from a pair of kindred spirits who cross paths (Bette Davis and Leslie Howard), and yet with artistry and depth as well. Despite being in different places in life, they have an instant connection, one that's based on the higher things in life, art and intellect. The setting is a deserted place in the middle of nowhere, Arizona during a sandstorm, which creates a wonderful atmosphere. While it's a little stilted at times, it allows all of the characters to speak from the heart. I loved listening to Howard waxing poetic while drinking whiskey, with Humphrey Bogart glowering over the group menacingly. The dialogue throughout the movie is interesting, and includes pointed commentary about America during the depression. Director Archie Mayo tells the story well, without a wasted scene, even if we can see where it's going a little too early. The film is a must for Bogart fans, it was his first big movie, and though he was 37, he looks youthful, raw, and lean. I loved the little moment early on when he grinds his jaws in anger while listening to someone. He's the antithesis of Howard's character, and yet both have a fatalistic sense about them. Genevieve Tobin adds depth to the film in the supporting role of the wife of a rich man. At first she appears shrewish and overly critical of her husband (Paul Harvey), but gradually we find that she too, had more fanciful dreams in life. Of course, the film really belongs to Davis and Howard, and they're wonderful. The kisses they share towards the end are very sweet too.Antonius B Super Reviewer
-
Jul 10, 2018What if college educated types ruminated on the soullessness of society and chose to broadcast those thoughts to the world at large? Boring, right? How to "get 'er done" then? By making those ruminations palatable, even poetic, and hiding them in the story of a gangster-on-the-run! So Leslie Howard spouts poetic musings left and right, college professorial pipe thoughtfully in the side of his mouth. A young Bette Davis gazes at him soulfully, her eyes never so big (and yet there is zero heat between them). Bogie is on hand simply as the heavy, the Angel of Death, only present to promise a cessation of Howard's character's unending poetic ramble, and (by my reckoning) he takes too long. High-end drama, decently presented, if obviously.Kevin M. W Super Reviewer
-
Feb 02, 2013Simultaneously hopeful and tragic "The Petrified Forest" presents a great character study of a self-loathing and unaccomplished intellectual. In fact, the film maybe hit a little too close to home for me at moments.Alec B Super Reviewer
-
Nov 18, 2011I'm disappointed that The Petrified Forest wasn't as good as I was hoping.It felt like it was over before it started & there was really nothing there anyways.Key Largo isn't exactly the same as The Petrified Forest but it is similar & worth watching more then this movieBrody M Super Reviewer
The Petrified Forest Quotes
Mrs. Chisholm: | Oh you needn't look so martyred, I've never complained - I've given you everything you've wanted. At the price of my self-respect, my individuality and everything else. |
Alan Squier: | Oh Lord; now it's going to be all over. |
Alan Squier: | Oh Lord, now it's going to be all over. |
Gabrielle Maple: | Paris! That must be the most marvelous place in the world for love, isn't it Alan? |
Alan Squier: | All places are marvelous, Gabrielle. |
Gabrielle Maple: | Even here? |
Alan Squier: | Especially here, my darling. As long as I live I'll be grateful to the Duke. |
Movie & TV guides
About Tomatometer
The percentage of Approved Tomatometer Critics who have given this movie a positive review
About Audience Score
The percentage of users who rated this 3.5 stars or higher.
Verified