The Petrified Forest
Gabby, the waitress in an isolated Arizona diner, dreams of a bigger and better life. One day penniless intellectual Alan drifts into the joint and the two strike up a rapport. Soon enough, notorious killer Duke Mantee takes the diner's inhabitants hostage. Surrounded by miles of desert, the patrons and staff are forced to sit tight with Mantee and his gang overnight.
Insights
Plot Summary
In a lonely Arizona diner, a bankrupt writer named Alan Squier encounters a group of gangsters and a waitress he once knew. Seeking an escape from his failures, Squier contemplates his life choices and encounters a charismatic outlaw who shares his cynical worldview. The film culminates in a violent confrontation that forces Squier to confront his own mortality and the meaning of his existence.
Critical Reception
The Petrified Forest was a critical and commercial success, praised for its sharp dialogue, compelling performances, and philosophical undertones. Humphrey Bogart's breakout role as Duke Mantee was particularly lauded, establishing him as a formidable screen presence. The film is considered a classic of its era, noted for its blend of existential drama and crime thriller elements.
What Reviewers Say
- Acclaimed for its intelligent script and existential themes.
- Humphrey Bogart's performance as Duke Mantee is a career-defining moment.
- A tense and philosophical drama that transcends its genre.
Google audience: N/A
Fun Fact
The film is based on Robert E. Sherwood's 1935 stage play of the same name, and Bogart reprised his Broadway role as Duke Mantee.
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