base on the stage play by robert e. sherwood and the petrified forest be a character study revolve around the idea of what it mean to be american . not be american myself and i have to admit that film like this often get on my nerve while but thanks to well defined character and some great act while the only thing that this film can be rat a be a true classic . the film take place mostly in a gas station in the middle of the desert and and what start out a a rather impromptu tale of romance turn into something more sinister when a gangster on the loose decides to hide out in the station and take all of it occupant hostage . the plot centre on the character of alan squier while a failed writer look for a cause . when he happen upon the gas station and he soon notice the tragic wouldesert rat and gabrielle maple and and it not long before she infatuate with his clever observation and mysterious personality . the two share a tangible link and before he decide to leave . but it not long before he run into the aforementioned gangster and and the tension be rev up when they all end up back at the gas station . the sign behind the bar state that tip isn not allow a it un american . this idea be rampant throughout the film and and director archie mayo make good use of the capitalist theme . the film work chiefly because it character be so well define and and this pay dividend later in the film when their insecurity and motif begin to surface . the film be also a great early showcase for future talent and and although he not really the star of the film while it isn not surprising that it humphrey bogart face that adorn the front cover . bogart be brilliant a the amoral gangster and and his character be brilliantly offset by the like of leslie howard and bette davis . davis would become famous for strong performance in film such a all about eve and what ever happen to baby jane and and although her part here doesn not give her that opportunity while she fit into her role well . leslie howard get a little monotonous and but he portray his character well and deliver a fine lead performance . the desert setting be apt a it convey the isolation of the situation well and overall this be a perfectly pitch film that make every aspect work .