Jay Novello: Harvey Blake

Quotes 

• Michael Anthony : [Anthony raps at the rooming house door of Harvey Blake. The Professor, Chester and Blake all answer the door]  I beg you pardon. Is there a Harvey Blake here?

  Harvey Blake : [Stepping forward]  Oh, yes, I'm Harvey Blake. What is it?

  Michael Anthony : It's a rather confidential matter. May I come in?

  Harvey Blake : Oh, yes, please do, please do.

  [Anthony enters a cluttered apartment] 

  Harvey Blake : You must excuse the appearance of things. Chester was just cleaning up after our dinner.

  Michael Anthony : I understand, but

  [Looking around the room for privacy] 

  Michael Anthony : is there any place where we can talk alone?

  Prof. Ridgely : Chester and I were just about to go for our evening stroll, weren't we, Chester?

  Chester Pips : [a little upset]  Are you kidding? I've been on my feet all day!

  Prof. Ridgely : [Glaring]  Chester!

  Chester Pips : [Catching on]  But I like going for stroll at night - especially at night. So long, Harv.

  [They depart] 

  Harvey Blake : Oh, won't you be seated, Mister...?

  Michael Anthony : Anthonyy. Michael Anthony..

  [as he sits, a chair arm breaks off] 

  Harvey Blake : Oh, I'm sure I'll have to fix it one of these days.

  Michael Anthony : I'll come right to the point, Mr. Blake. I came here on a matter concerning money.

  Harvey Blake : Oh, then you've heard some of my speeches and want to join our crusade?

  Michael Anthony : Pardon me, Mr. Blake. You don't understand. I've been commissioned to turn over to you the sum for $1,000,000.

  Harvey Blake : [Voice rising]  For centuries, money has been the downfall of man.

  [Stops, gulps] 

  Harvey Blake : One million what?

  Michael Anthony : Dollars, Mr. Blake.

  Harvey Blake : You must be mistaken. People don't just go around passing out $1,000,000.

  Michael Anthony : These are the conditions. I'm merely a go-between. But you must never attempt to learn your benefactor's identity. Second, you must never tell anyone you received the million dollars, because the benefactor doesn't want any newspaper reporters snooping around. If you do, the bank will reclaim all the million or what's left of it on behalf of the donor. Otherwise you can spend the money anyway you see fit.

  Harvey Blake : But I don't understand.

  Michael Anthony : [Producing a document]  Would you please sign this agreement?

  Harvey Blake : Yes, of course

  [Signs] 

  Michael Anthony : [Returning the agreement to his briefcase]  Thank you. And here's your check.

  Harvey Blake : [Closely examining the check]  I've never seen so many zeros in my life.

  Michael Anthony : [Closely examining the check]  I've never seen so many zeros in my life. There's a lot more when you put a number one in front of them. Oh, by the way, if you have any trouble at the bank cashing the check, just ask for Mr. McMahon. Good day, Mr. Blake.

  [Departs] 

• Andrew V. McMahon : [At the bank]  I'm the president here. McMahon is the name.

  [Shakes hands with Blake] 

  Andrew V. McMahon : Mr. Anthony called and told me I could expect you.

  Harvey Blake : Mr. Anthony is a wonderful person. I'm very happy to meet you.

  Teller : Here you are, Mr. Blake. Twenty bundles each containing $1,000 bills.

  Harvey Blake : That's the million dollars?

  Teller : That's the million. One thousand $1,000 bills.

  Harvey Blake : Remarkable! Thank you.

  Andrew V. McMahon : Pardon me, Mr. Blake. I may be overstepping my bounds but I'd like to ask you a personal question.

  Harvey Blake : What is it?

  Andrew V. McMahon : What business are you in?

  Harvey Blake : I'm a lecturer and author. Would you like one of my pamphlets?

  Andrew V. McMahon : By all means.

  Harvey Blake : [Blake hands McMahon a pamphlet]  That'll be ten cents, please.

  Andrew V. McMahon : [Embarrassed]  Oh, of course

  [Gives Blake a dime] 

  Harvey Blake : Good day.