Marvin Miller: Michael Anthony

Quotes 

• Michael Anthony : [Anthony enters the Silverstone estate outdoor garden, where he finds Tipton seated in a high-backed al fresco chair observing a bust of a young boy. It appears to be evening]  You sent for me, sir?

  John Beresford Tipton : Mike, you remember the legend of William Tell?

  Michael Anthony : Everybody remembers the Swiss tyrant Gessler who commanded William Tell to shoot an apple off his son's head with a bow and arrow.

  John Beresford Tipton : [Tipton places an apple atop the head of the boy's statue]  Yes, Mike - only it was an Austrian tyrant who held the Swiss patriot William Tell a prisoner.

  Michael Anthony : [Embarrassed]  Oh, ah... Yes, sir, that's what I meant.

  John Beresford Tipton : If Tell succeeded, he'd gain his freedom. And if he failed...

  Michael Anthony : He would kill his son.

  John Beresford Tipton : But he shot it off, clean as a whistle, destroyed the tyrant, and set his people free. What I remember most is the supreme confidence that boy had in his father.

  [Tipton hands over an envelope to Anthony] 

  John Beresford Tipton : Our next millionaire, Mike.

• Michael Anthony : [to the viewers]  I often wondered how Mr. Tipton singled out a person for his enormous gift. I never found out.

  [Holding up a file folder] 

  Michael Anthony : But this is the case history of Martin Scott and his million dollars.

• Lee Scott : [Lee Scott answers the doorbell of the Scott home]  Yes?

  Michael Anthony : [Martin joins his wife at the front door; Anthony speaks to Martin]  Mr. Scott? Mr. Martin Scott?

  Martin Scott : Yes.

  Michael Anthony : I realize it's late, but my plane just got in, and my business is most urgent. My name is Michael Anthony.

  Martin Scott : Well, I usually take care of my business affairs at the office.

  Michael Anthony : I won't take but a minute.

  Lee Scott : Won't you come in?

  Michael Anthony : [Entering]  Thank you.

  [to Lee] 

  Michael Anthony : Mrs. Scott?

  Lee Scott : I have been for over twenty years.

  Michael Anthony : [Anthony opens his briefcase and takes out some materials]  Then it's quite in order for you to see this, too.

  [to the couple] 

  Michael Anthony : I've, uh, brought you a check.

  Martin Scott : [Viewing the check]  But... this is made out to me for...

  [Martin stares in wonderment. Lee looks at check] 

  Michael Anthony : Yes, Mr. Scott, a million dollars. And it's a cashier's check.

  Martin Scott : It is. It's a cashier's check.

  Lee Scott : Well... Then it... it... it must be good. But... but why? Who would you...?

  Michael Anthony : Oh, the gift is not from me. The donor must be anonymous.

  Martin Scott : But... but why should anyone want to give me...?

  Michael Anthony : I can't tell the reason. But the money is yours, tax-free, to do with as you wish. So long as you and your wife tell no one the circumstances under which you received it or the exact amount. If you do, the money will be reclaimed.

  [Anthony gives the pledge to Scott] 

  Michael Anthony : Now, if you'll just sign this paper agreeing to that condition.

  Martin Scott : Agree? Agree? Why, well certainly I agree. Huh.

  [Scott signs the document, which Anthony returns to his briefcase] 

  Martin Scott : .

  Michael Anthony : Thank you. Good luck with your million dollars, Mr. Scott.

  [as he prepares to leave] 

  Michael Anthony : Or maybe... with a million, you won't need luck.

  [to Lee] 

  Michael Anthony : Good night, Mrs. Scott.

  Martin Scott : Thank you, Mr. ahh...?

  [Scott has forgotten Anthony's name] 

  Michael Anthony : Anthony. Michael Anthony.

  [Departs] 

• [first lines] 

  Michael Anthony : [to the viewers]  My name is Michael Anthony. Until his death, I was executive secretary to one of the world's richest men - John Beresford Tipton. He had what was perhaps the strangest hobby in the world, and one of the few fortunes large enough to indulge it. This is Silverstone, Mr. Tipton's fabulous 60,000-acre estate. Here, after his retirement from the world of business and high finance, he pursued his hobby, which was nothing less than, every now and then, giving away to a total stranger the sum of $1,000,000. And because he insisted on remaining anonymous, I was the man who actually delivered the check.