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Two Seconds

  • 1932
  • 1h 7m
IMDb RATING
6.9/10
1.4K
YOUR RATING
Two Seconds (1932)
A condemned murderer, in the process of being executed, relives the events that led to his being sentenced to die in the electric chair.
Play trailer2:18
1 Video
64 Photos
Psychological ThrillerCrimeDramaThriller

A condemned murderer, in the process of being executed, relives the events that led to his being sentenced to die in the electric chair.A condemned murderer, in the process of being executed, relives the events that led to his being sentenced to die in the electric chair.A condemned murderer, in the process of being executed, relives the events that led to his being sentenced to die in the electric chair.

  • Director
    • Mervyn LeRoy
  • Writers
    • Elliott Lester
    • Harvey F. Thew
  • Stars
    • Edward G. Robinson
    • Vivienne Osborne
    • Guy Kibbee
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    6.9/10
    1.4K
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Mervyn LeRoy
    • Writers
      • Elliott Lester
      • Harvey F. Thew
    • Stars
      • Edward G. Robinson
      • Vivienne Osborne
      • Guy Kibbee
    • 36User reviews
    • 9Critic reviews
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 2 wins total

    Videos1

    Original Trailer
    Trailer 2:18
    Original Trailer

    Photos64

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    Top cast29

    Edit
    Edward G. Robinson
    Edward G. Robinson
    • John Allen
    Vivienne Osborne
    Vivienne Osborne
    • Shirley Day
    Guy Kibbee
    Guy Kibbee
    • Bookie
    Preston Foster
    Preston Foster
    • Bud Clark
    J. Carrol Naish
    J. Carrol Naish
    • Tony
    • (as J. Carroll Naish)
    Frederick Burton
    Frederick Burton
    • Judge
    Harry Beresford
    Harry Beresford
    • Doctor
    Dorothea Wolbert
    Dorothea Wolbert
    • Lizzie - Cleaning Lady
    Berton Churchill
    Berton Churchill
    • The Warden
    William Janney
    William Janney
    • Student Observer at Execution
    Edward McWade
    Edward McWade
    • The Prison Doctor
    Gladys Lloyd
    Gladys Lloyd
    • Woman
    Lew Brice
    • Reporter
    • (uncredited)
    James P. Burtis
    James P. Burtis
    • Reporter
    • (uncredited)
    Jill Dennett
    Jill Dennett
    • Tart
    • (uncredited)
    Adrienne Dore
    Adrienne Dore
    • Annie
    • (uncredited)
    Charles E. Evans
    • Priest
    • (uncredited)
    Helena Phillips Evans
    Helena Phillips Evans
    • Mrs. Smith - Landlady
    • (uncredited)
    • Director
      • Mervyn LeRoy
    • Writers
      • Elliott Lester
      • Harvey F. Thew
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews36

    6.91.3K
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    Featured reviews

    dougdoepke

    Interesting Oddity, Despite Robinson in Over-Drive

    Interesting pre-Code programmer, though actor Robinson's eventual hysteria is more distracting than affecting. Told through flashback from Allen's (Robinson) execution chamber, we know how things turn out for him. But what's the story leading up to the electric chair. The smallish, homely Allen starts out as a repressed skyscraper worker whose out-going pal, Bud (Foster), wants to get the little guy into a social life. Soon, Allen meets blonde taxi-dancer Shirley (Osborne) at a seedy night spot. He's polite to her and the lonely girl soon hooks on to him and his good job. The pairing looks like it might work since each is lonely, even though she appears calculating at times.

    The story plays out on the hard times of the Great Depression, when jobs and money are in short supply, to say the least. The fact that Allen's got a good job places him somewhat on a pedestal, and except for lack of a social life he's pretty well insulated from what millions of others are experiencing. Thus his story stands as something a tragedy, brought about indirectly by that same Depression that now seems inescapable.

    The premise of a two-second flashback's an imaginative one. Another reviewer suggests the movie's too short for its threads, and I agree. The screenplay has some unexpected twists, so daring to think outside the box is not a problem, especially in that pre-Code year (1932). Happily, there's plenty bouncy music from that era along with dancing couples. Times may be tough, still folks need relief. For fans of Robinson, Allen is totally unlike any role I've seen him in. At first the character's poignantly reserved, but soon wobbles into a directionless paranoia and finally into florid hysterics. I suspect it's not a role the actor fondly remembered.

    Anyway, the 60+ minutes remains an interesting oddity of the time, mainly for its twisty and revealing development.
    8krocheav

    Two Seconds - And A Lifetime Of Regret

    Two Seconds is quite a one of a kind picture and not seen as much as it should be. I've also seen it said that some thought the magnificent Edward G. Robinson performance is over the top - but, these folk don't seem to realise that's just as it should have been!. Playing high rise construction riveter John Allen, he's giving us is a character performance as true to type as we're ever likely to see. A common everyman who understands that there's so much more to know, and he wants to delve into learning more about everything. In fact, it's a serious study of the common people who make up the majority of working-class society. The pre-code dialogue tells it just the way they did in these circles, and the perverse characters that cruise within these situations - see in this simple idealistic man - a choice target for their predatory vulgarity.

    A strong compliment of supporting cast members brings them to the screen bristling with life. Legendary director Mervin LeRoy keeps his story moving along its unpredictable path - with superb Sol Polito cinematic photography, creating eye-popping visuals that carry the viewer to the haunting finale within a darkened courtroom, then onto the final jolt. For a motion picture produced in 1932, the use of sound (especially in the linking devices) is exemplary.

    No-one serious about the development of motion pictures as a dramatic art form or the sterling career of the one and only Mr Robinson should miss this minor classic. The Warner Archive DVD is so cheaply packaged they even have a still from another movie on the cover! Thank goodness the original film source supplies images clean enough to enjoy. Highly recommended.
    9dale_durnell

    Superior Acting by Edward G. Robinson

    The movie, itself, may not be the finest available for viewing entertainment. However, the outstanding acting skills of Edward G. Robinson are fulling exploited and beautifully captured. And, that talent, that genius, makes "Two Seconds" a must see.

    Robinson shows the depth of his talents and the emotions he is capable of demonstrating. Ah, that contemporary actors could act so well. Watch the expressions on his face, watch his hands, watch his walk, watch the pain -- this is not melodrama, this is a thespian par excellence showing the world how it is done.

    Alas, the movies does not appear to be available for purchase, but this is one outstanding film that should be in any collection of those who are serious about studying drama and acting skills.
    acampbell1

    GENIUS

    I caught this movie last night when I couldn't sleep.Not being a fan of Edward G Robinson I decided to watch for the kitch appeal I guess I was expecting to see him play some world weary mob gut who would say funny things that I could repeat at work,well about 30 minutes in I was absolutely gob-smacked It was like watching a train wreck I could not take my eyes off it. I am not exaggerating when I say I will always remember this movie and be haunted absolutely haunted by the riviting almost painful job done by Mr.Robinson I thought I knew who this man was I thought I could judge his body of work with out ever seeing this movie I was wrong This movie will stay with me for a long long time
    7alexanderdavies-99382

    Minor "Warner Bros" film given life by Robinson.

    "Two Seconds" is a relatively minor film by "Warner Bros." The story is fairly basic and low key. The cast is quite small and the entire film was made on soundstages. It is the performance of Edward G. Robinson that makes "Two Seconds" so memorable. He gives a truly in-depth performance that is a mixture of humour, tension and then despair. The film's plot is mainly a flashback, with Robinson looking back on the circumstances that led to his being incarcerated in the first place. He is unfortunate enough to be in the hands of a callous and vindictive woman and he can only tolerate her for so long..... I particularly enjoyed the scene where Robinson talks to the camera, to give the impression that he is addressing a person. His monologue lasts for a few minutes as the camera slowly draws closer to Robinson and the set goes dark apart from one light that is focused upon him. It is a powerful scene and captivating. The film isn't a long one and the time races by.

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    Related interests

    Rosamund Pike in Gone Girl (2014)
    Psychological Thriller
    James Gandolfini, Edie Falco, Sharon Angela, Max Casella, Dan Grimaldi, Joe Perrino, Donna Pescow, Jamie-Lynn Sigler, Tony Sirico, and Michael Drayer in The Sopranos (1999)
    Crime
    Mahershala Ali and Alex R. Hibbert in Moonlight (2016)
    Drama
    Cho Yeo-jeong in Parasite (2019)
    Thriller

    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      Bud refers to a "Peggy Joyce" twice when talking to John about setting him up with dates. He is referring to Peggy Hopkins Joyce, a well-known actress, model, and dancer at the time, who had already married and divorced four (eventually six) wealthy men and led a lavish and scandalous lifestyle. At one point in 1928, she was so wealthy that she purchased the 127 ct. Portuguese Diamond for $373,000 ($6.58M in 2023). The diamond is in the Smithsonian's National Gem Collection.
    • Goofs
      When John is talking to Bud while sitting on the building beam, he starts to slowly take off his work glove on his right hand. On the next immediate cut, the glove is completely off. Then, on each successive cut after that as he smokes a cigarette, he alternates between holding the cigarette with his left and right hand.
    • Quotes

      College Boy at Execution: Look, Doctor, when that current's turned on, how long will it take before it's all over?

      The Prison Doctor: You mean before I'll pronounce him dead?

      College Boy at Execution: No, before he actually is dead. Will he pass out as soon as the current hits him?

      The Prison Doctor: No.

      Reporter: He won't? I thought it was all over just like that!

      [He snaps his finger]

      The Prison Doctor: Not with a powerful fellow like John Allen. His body will be paralyzed but his brain will continue to function for... maybe two seconds.

      College Boy at Execution: Gee, those'll be the longest two seconds he ever lived!

      The Prison Doctor: Long enough for him to relive his whole life!

    • Connections
      Referenced in Public Enemies: The Golden Age of the Gangster Film (2008)
    • Soundtracks
      Lucky Day
      (uncredited)

      Music by Ray Henderson

      Lyrics by Lew Brown and Buddy G. DeSylva

      Sung by Preston Foster

      Also played when Bud and John are waiting for the bookie

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    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • May 28, 1932 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Zwei Sekunden
    • Filming locations
      • Warner Brothers Burbank Studios - 4000 Warner Boulevard, Burbank, California, USA(Studio)
    • Production company
      • First National Pictures
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

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    • Budget
      • $310,000 (estimated)
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Tech specs

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    • Runtime
      • 1h 7m(67 min)
    • Color
      • Black and White
    • Sound mix
      • Mono
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.37 : 1

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