The Petrified Forest
Performance & Direction: The Petrified Forest Review
Last updated: February 25, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Petrified Forest (1936) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.1/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Crime.
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?
Story & Plot Summary: The Petrified Forest
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1936, The Petrified Forest is a Crime, Drama, Romance, Thriller film directed by Archie Mayo. The narrative dives into the criminal underworld with a grounded sense of realism and complex morality. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Leslie Howard.
Ending Explained: The Petrified Forest
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Archie Mayo, 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 involving Leslie Howard, 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 directed by Archie Mayo, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement for Leslie Howard's character.
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 Leslie Howard or the director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Top Cast: The Petrified Forest
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Where to Watch The Petrified Forest Online?
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Amazon VideoApple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeThe Petrified Forest Parents Guide & Age Rating
1936 AdvisoryWondering about The Petrified Forest age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Petrified Forest is 82 minutes (1h 22m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.1/10, and global performance metrics, The Petrified Forest is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1936 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Petrified Forest worth watching?
The Petrified Forest is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Crime movies. It has a verified rating of 7.1/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Petrified Forest parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Petrified Forest identifies it as NR. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of The Petrified Forest?
The total duration of The Petrified Forest is 82 minutes, which is approximately 1h 22m long.
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movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
