- Michael Anthony: [Anthony enters the Tipton study, where he finds Tipton seated in a high-backed chair at his desk, examining a scale. Only Tipton's left arm is visible to the viewers] You sent for me, sir?
- John Beresford Tipton: Stand very still, Mike.
- Michael Anthony: Yes, sir.
- John Beresford Tipton: Mike, this is the Farrington Scale. It is so delicately balanced that it can register the weight of a single human hair. Under the proper conditions, it could probably register the weight of a single thought.
- [Using a tweezers, Tipton picks up a tiny particle and places it on the scale]
- John Beresford Tipton: Mike, the line that marks the difference between right and wrong is sometimes so delicate that it would take a scale like this to give us the answer.
- [Tipton hands an envelope to Anthony]
- John Beresford Tipton: Here is the name of our next millionaire.
- [Anthony accepts the envelope]
- [first lines]
- Michael Anthony: [to the viewers] My name is Michael Anthony, and during his lifetime, I was executive secretary to John Beresford Tipton, a fabulous multibillionaire. In addition to supporting many organized charities, he frequently gave away a million dollars - one million dollars, tax-free - to someone who had never met him and was, in fact, completely unaware of his existence. This is Silverstone, the fantastic 60,000-acre estate, where I served John Beresford Tipton. One night, I was told that Mr. Tipton wanted to see me in his study.
- Michael Anthony: [the bailiff escorts Anthony into the judge's chambers, then departs] Judge William J. Westholme?
- Judge William J. Westholme: [With humor] I believe you saw me preside in court this morning. My name's on that door and on the desk. Do you suppose I'm an imposter?
- Michael Anthony: [Also with humor] According to the rules of evidence, nothing is fact until it is verified.
- Judge William J. Westholme: A lawyer?
- Michael Anthony: No, sir. My name is Michael Anthony.
- Judge William J. Westholme: How do you do, Mr. Anthony? Sit down.
- Michael Anthony: [as he sits, he opens his briefcase] Thank you. I have been authorized to present you with a check for a million dollars - one million dollars, tax-free.
- [Anthony places the check on the desk in front of the judge, who glances at it]
- Judge William J. Westholme: [Getting serious] Just like that, huh?
- Michael Anthony: Yes, sir.
- [Withdrawing a document from his briefcase]
- Michael Anthony: Now, if you'll, uh, just sign this.
- Judge William J. Westholme: [Calling out to bailiff] Ben!
- Michael Anthony: Just a moment, sir. If you'll look at that, you'll see that it's a cashier's check. With your legal background, this should convince you.
- Judge William J. Westholme: [Judge reviews check as his bailiff enters the chambers. The judge waves him off] Never mind.
- [Bailiff leaves]
- Michael Anthony: All you have to do is sign this and observe a few simple rules. You must tell no one but your wife. If you do, the balance of the money will be reclaimed.
- Judge William J. Westholme: Any restrictions on how I spend it?
- Michael Anthony: None, sir.
- Judge William J. Westholme: It's strange that this gift should come just at this time. I was about to retire, feeling my work was unfinished.
- Michael Anthony: [Seriously] No man's work is finished while he lives.
- Judge William J. Westholme: While he lives. Mr. Anthony, in my hands, I hold a new lease on life, or should I say, a new lease on a dream. I hope I have the time.
- Michael Anthony: With that, you can stretch time, Your Honor.
- Judge William J. Westholme: Yes. and it makes one thing clear. No man can, or should, retire if he can fulfill a dream.
- [the judge signs the pledge]
- Michael Anthony: [Reviewing a file folder, to the viewers] This is the case history that developed after Mr. Tipton gave me this envelope that night in his study. The case history of Judge William J. Westholme.