Is The Petrified Forest Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, The Petrified Forest is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Crime movies.
It features a runtime of 82 minutes and offers a solid storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
The Petrified Forest Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1936, The Petrified Forest emerges as a significant entry in the Crime, Drama, Romance, Thriller domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Gabby, the waitress in an isolated Arizona diner, dreams of a bigger and better life. Unlike standard genre fare, The Petrified Forest attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a refreshing take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Crime is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Petrified Forest features a noteworthy lineup led by Leslie Howard . Supported by the likes of Bette Davis and Humphrey Bogart , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of The Petrified Forest (1936) is overwhelmingly positive. With an audience rating of 7.1/10, it stands as a mandatory watch for any serious cinema lover.
The Petrified Forest Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: The Petrified Forest is a Crime, Drama, Romance, Thriller film that delves into the criminal underworld with gritty realism and moral complexity. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
The Petrified Forest Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: The Petrified Forest resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to crime resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the crime themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Petrified Forest reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
The Petrified Forest Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
The Petrified Forest incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a crime, drama, romance, thriller film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
Historical Context
The film balances historical fidelity with cinematic storytelling. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
The production demonstrates respect for its source material, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.
Accuracy Assessment: The Petrified Forest adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch The Petrified Forest?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Crime films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want solid genre entertainment
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Full Cast & Crew of The Petrified Forest
- Leslie Howard – Alan Squier
- Bette Davis – Gabrielle "Gabby" Maple
- Humphrey Bogart – Duke Mantee
- Genevieve Tobin – Mrs. Edith Chisholm
- Dick Foran – Boze Hertzlinger
Top Highlights
Leslie HowardAlan Squier
Bette DavisGabrielle "Gabby" Maple
Humphrey BogartDuke Mantee
Genevieve TobinMrs. Edith Chisholm
Dick ForanBoze Hertzlinger
Porter HallJason Maple
Charley GrapewinGramp Maple
Paul HarveyMr. Chisholm
Joe SawyerJackie
Eddie AcuffLineman
Where to Watch The Petrified Forest Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
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Amazon Video
Apple TV
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YouTube
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Amazon VideoApple TVGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeParents Guide & Age Rating
The Petrified Forest is rated NR. Parents should be aware that it contains mature themes, violence, romantic content.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 7.1/10, and global collection metrics, The Petrified Forest stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1936 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Petrified Forest movie hit or flop?
The Petrified Forest is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7.1/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Crime, Drama, Romance movies.
Is The Petrified Forest worth watching?
Yes, The Petrified Forest is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Crime, Drama, Romance cinema.
Where can I watch The Petrified Forest online?
The Petrified Forest is currently available for streaming on YouTube TV. You can also check for it on platforms like YouTube TV depending on your region.
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How The Petrified Forest Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for The Petrified Forest
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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
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