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.

Director:

Mervyn LeRoy

Writers:

Elliott Lester (play), Harvey F. Thew (adaptation)

Stars:

Edward G. Robinson, Vivienne Osborne, Guy Kibbee

1 win.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Edward G. Robinson	...	John Allen
Vivienne Osborne	...	Shirley Day
Guy Kibbee	...	Bookie
Preston Foster	...	Bud Clark
J. Carrol Naish	...	Tony (as J. Carroll Naish)
Frederick Burton	...	Judge
Harry Beresford	...	Doctor
Dorothea Wolbert	...	Lizzie, Cleaning Lady
Berton Churchill	...	The Warden
William Janney	...	College Boy at Execution
Edward McWade	...	The Prison Doctor
Gladys Lloyd	...	Woman

Storyline

Allen claims he his being executed for the wrong murder. Flashbacks show him working with Clark as a riveter. When he makes a killing on the horses he meets Shirley and gets married. When Clark tells him Shirley is unfaithful they fight and Clark falls to his death. Later he finds that Clark was telling the truth.

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Plot Keywords:

riveter | murder | electric chair | manhattan new york city | sexy woman | 

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Taglines:

In two seconds he became the slave of the woman he hated! Two blinding, flashing seconds that stripped him of honor and branded his soul!

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Genres:

Drama

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

28 May 1932 (USA)

Also Known As:

Dois Segundos

Filming Locations:

Warner Brothers Burbank Studios - 4000 Warner Boulevard, Burbank, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

First National Pictures, Vitaphone Corporation, The

Technical Specs

Runtime:

67 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The premise behind this film was previously used in The Last Moment.

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Quotes

John Allen: [to Bud] Yeah, now look here, anytime I take a dame out, she knows what it is to be out. I satisfy!

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Soundtracks

"Why Did It Have to Be Me?"
(uncredited)
Music by Carmen Lombardo and Sam H. Stept
Lyrics by Bud Green
Sung by the nightclub singers

User Reviews

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.