The Film Daily wrote, "The David Belasco stage play became famous more for the acting of
David Warfield than for the importance of the play itself and so the picture becomes entertaining because of the characterization of George Sidney rather than for the story it tells. The theme is slight and of the familiar ''
Abie's Irish Rose'' variety. But Sidney's fine acting, his typical Jewish humor, plus a quantity of first class comedy incident, makes the picture satisfying. The introduction of the kangaroo offers one of the best laugh sequences of the picture. There is the usual heart interest twist and the happy ending."
Variety wrote, "
The Auctioneer has enough in its favor to make it a worthwhile major house booking. It is a wholesome picture, has comedy and pathos. Photographically it is splendid [...] Sidney stands out all the way and the continuity gets a gouge here and there to permit him a few extra comedy bits. The theme is deftly handled". Writing for
Chicago Daily Tribune, Mae Tinee wrote, "
The Auctioneer is a homely, heartsome picture that will linger pleasantly in your memory" and commented that a fighting kangaroo was the funniest thing in the film. A review in the
Woodward Daily Press of
Woodward, Oklahoma said, "Alfred E. Green, who directed the production, took advantage of every opportunity to make the picture more life-like and human, at the same time losing none of the spirit of the original play. It is, according to advance reports, one of the best pictures of its kind ever produced and promises to create as big a sensation as the play". ==Preservation==