The Petrified Forest (1936)
Kernel Score: 79% · 209 ratings · Rated NR
Genres: Crime, Drama, Romance, Thriller
Released: 1936-02-08
Runtime: 82 minutes
Where to watch The Petrified Forest
- Stream: TCM
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
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.
The Petrified Forest parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that this classic crime drama involves a fugitive gangster holding diner patrons hostage at gunpoint.
- Violence & scariness: Moderate — Centers on a hostage situation with an armed, notorious killer holding people at gunpoint.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official NR rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Petrified Forest
If you liked The Petrified Forest, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- 3:10 to Yuma (1957) — 80%
- Brute Force (1947) — 80%
- Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore (1974) — 75%
- The Night of the Hunter (1955) — 89%
- The Postman Always Rings Twice (1946) — 78%
- Insomnia (2002) — 76%
- Detour (1945) — 81%
- Shadow of a Doubt (1943) — 85%
Director
Archie Mayo
Cast
- Leslie Howard as Alan Squier
- Bette Davis as Gabrielle "Gabby" Maple
- Humphrey Bogart as Duke Mantee
- Genevieve Tobin as Mrs. Edith Chisholm
- Dick Foran as Boze Hertzlinger
- Porter Hall as Jason Maple
- Charley Grapewin as Gramp Maple
- Paul Harvey as Mr. Chisholm
- Joe Sawyer as Jackie
- Eddie Acuff as Lineman
The Petrified Forest FAQ
Is The Petrified Forest good?
The Petrified Forest has a 79% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 209 audience ratings.
Where can I watch The Petrified Forest?
In the US you can stream The Petrified Forest on TCM and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is The Petrified Forest OK for kids?
The Petrified Forest is rated NR. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that this classic crime drama involves a fugitive gangster holding diner patrons hostage at gunpoint.
What movies are like The Petrified Forest?
If you liked The Petrified Forest, try 3:10 to Yuma, Brute Force, Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore and The Night of the Hunter.