Deux secondes

There's no chance a movie like this is coming out of Hollywood this decade or the previous decade or in the nineties or eighties. Two Seconds is the story of an unhappy steel worker and his squalid little life. At times, Edward G. Robinson is very over the top, but when it matters, his performance is crackling with authenticity and passion and it is clear why this small and unattractive man became a huge Hollywood icon. His fire is undeniable.

Unpredictably plotted in the way many pre-code B pictures were, this piece is always engaging and alive and perhaps a bit too short. It contains an absolutely searing monologue that you will never forget and overall the work is a dirty window through which the desperation of life for the lower class in 1930 American can be gleaned.

A good film and a rich portrait.

(I saw 35mm prints of the movie at Film Forum, N.Y. on two occasions.)

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.

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.

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

"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.