Watch: The Petrified Forest (Stage Play) (1955)

A televised version of the stage play, starring Humphrey Bogart, Henry Fonda, Lauren Bacall and others.

26 August 2023 | James Porteous | Clipper Media News

The story of Alan Squire, a drifter who becomes involved with Gabby Maple, the daughter of an Arizona diner owner, and a gang of escaped convicts led by Duke Mantee as they seize the diner for a hideout. Based on the play by Robert E. Sherwood.

Producers Showcase on NBC in 1955. Lauren Bacall took on the role of Gaby, played by Bette Davis in the 1936 film version of the play, and Henry Fonda took on the role of Alan Squier, originally played by Leslie Howard in both the play and the film version.

Humphrey Bogart played the role of Duke Mantee in both the stage and film version with Leslie Howard as well. But who played Duke Mantee in this 1955 television production? Why Humprey Bogart of course! Stage, film and television. I think it’s safe to say the role of Duke Mantee is Bogart’s.

Edward G. Robinson was originally slated to play the role of Duke Mantee in the 1936 film version but star Leslie Howard insisted on Bogart.

The studio didn’t want Bogart because he was a B-Movie lead and supporting player, not a star. But Howard won out. Bogart was forever grateful to Howard for sticking up for him and on August 23, 1952 he named his newborn daughter Leslie Howard Bogart in honor of him. (original link)

The Petrified Forest (Producers’ Showcase – Aired Live In Color on May 30th 1955)