Two Seconds

Two Seconds Review

The Warner's Archive Collection are no frills releases with unrestored prints and no extras except maybe the original theatrical trailers. The're very expensive too. The upside though is that many films are now available which otherwise may be not.

Released in 1932, "Two Seconds" is a Warner Brother's pre code gem. Edward G. Robinson gives an outstanding performance as a nice guy who is set up in marriage by dance hall cutie, Vivienne Osborne. The title refers to the premise that a man's life flashes before his eyes prior to death. In 2 seconds, he recalls the circumstances which brought him to a tragic end. The film is chock full of nasty characters, sleazy situations and coloquial dialogue. All the actors are good but it is Robinson who shines. His story is a masterpiece of irony and his solilquoy towards the end of the film brilliant. The writing in this one is absolutely outstanding.

Fortunately, the print is very good. In spite of the exorbitant price at which the film is available, don't miss it. It's been said that your whole life unfolds before your eyes during your last, fleeting moments of existence. Not so for convicted murderer John Allen. After he's strapped into the electric chair and the switch is thrown that sends the fatal current through his body, he - and the movie audience - sees the chain of events that turned Allen from amiable high-rise construction worker to brutal killer.

Edward G. Robinson reteams with Mervyn LeRoy, the director of his star-making Little Caesar, to portray Allen, a man descended into psychotic rage. Vivienne Osborne portrays the manipulative dime-a-dance dame who plays on John's good nature...and lives long enough to see it turn deadly.

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