The Petrified Forest

 "The Petrified Forest" is a 1936 drama film directed by Archie Mayo. The film stars Leslie Howard, Bette Davis, and Humphrey Bogart in one of his early standout roles.

The story is set in a remote diner in the Arizona desert, near the Petrified Forest. The lives of the diner's occupants are disrupted when Duke Mantee (Humphrey Bogart), a notorious gangster on the run from the law, arrives at the diner seeking refuge. Among the patrons are a disillusioned writer named Alan Squier (Leslie Howard) and a waitress named Gabrielle (Bette Davis), both of whom become entangled in Duke's schemes.

As tensions rise and Duke's presence becomes increasingly dangerous, the characters grapple with existential questions and confront their own desires and regrets. Alan, in particular, finds himself drawn to Gabrielle and reevaluates his own life choices in the face of Duke's nihilistic worldview.

"The Petrified Forest" is notable for its tense atmosphere, sharp dialogue, and powerful performances, particularly from Bogart, Howard, and Davis. Bogart's portrayal of Duke Mantee is often cited as a breakthrough role that helped establish him as a leading actor in Hollywood.