although he called it "a sordid and melancholy study" that was "glum and gruesome" and "minus any comedy relief", "new york times" critic mordaunt hall also found a lot to like in "two seconds". "edward g. robinson contributes a remarkably forceful portrayal," he wrote, adding that the film was "adroitly done [and] compels attention." he called leroy's direction "imaginative and lifelike" and praised the supporting cast: "preston foster plays bud clark, a rôle he also interpreted on the stage. his acting is capital. vivienne osborne is very real as the conscienceless shirley. j. carroll naish makes the most of the part of tony." in summary, he writes: "in spite of its drab tale, it calls forth admiration, for it never falters."