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The Petrified Forest (1936)

Rate: 8
Viewed: 10/08

PetrifiedF
10/08: For three-fourths of the time, The Petrified Forest had all what it took to be a masterpiece.

I was getting worried if the steam would run out, and lo! It finally did when Leslie Howard went into his bit about the life insurance policy, overdoing the whole thing. From that point on, the film lost momentum by becoming melodramatic. Hence, I feel for Humphrey Bogart's character who wanted to put Alan Squires out of his misery.

Regardless, everybody has done a fantastic job of making acting look effortless. I love how natural the setting is and the fact that the director is able to convey a sense of realism.

All in all, The Petrified Forest is worth watching but will disappoint in the final fifteen minutes.