Memorable Bogart Characters: Duke Mantee (The Petrified Forest)

 The world famous killer, Duke Mantee

One of Humphrey Bogart's earliest and best roles has to be Duke Mantee, a role he played on the stage as well as film. As reknowned gangster Duke Mantee, Bogie is a perfect fit. Once he appears onscreen, he takes hold of the film like no one else can. He is unshaven, walks with a pronounced movement, and takes no lip from anyone. He is one tough customer, but he is also has a moral code too. He is almost like an anti-hero. As he just wants to do his own thing. I mean he is an escaped convict and who doesn't plan on going back to prison anytime soon. But Duke also looks out for his own men and is somewhat sympathetic to the people he has taken hostage at the diner.

Duke Mantee is one unforgettable character and Bogie plays him perfectly. The mannerisms he use in this film would serve Bogie well for the next 20 years in later films such as High Sierra, The Big Sleep and The Treasure of the Sierra Madre. Duke is one of the best characters ever to grace the silver screen. Positively magnetic and unyielding. By the time the movie is nearing the end, you are so invested in Duke, that you truly care what happens to him. One character you will definitely not forget.

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Monty