Paul Dubov: Bruce

Quotes 

• Bruce Lesser : [Anthony arrives via taxi at the Herbert home. He rings the doorbell]  Don't answer that.

  Madeleine Herbert : I have to answer. Once in a great while, Noble comes to see us.

  Bruce Lesser : Noble?

  Madeleine Herbert : [Motioning to a side room]  You'd better get in there.

  [Doorbell rings again. Bruce hides in the side room while Madeleine walks to the door and opens it] 

  Michael Anthony : I beg your pardon. Is this Russell Herbert's residence?

  Madeleine Herbert : Who are you?

  Michael Anthony : I might ask you the same thing.

  Madeleine Herbert : I'm Mrs. Herbert.

  Michael Anthony : [Anthony starts to enter the house]  Well, in that case...

  [Anthony is blocked by Madelene] 

  Madeleine Herbert : You haven't told me yet who you are.

  Michael Anthony : I'm Michael Anthony. Didn't your husband inform you I have an appointment with him?

  [Glancing at his wristwatch] 

  Michael Anthony : I'm sorry, I am a few minutes late.

  Madeleine Herbert : I can't bother my husband unless I know what you want.

  Michael Anthony : I can tell you one thing. My mission concerns a matter of great financial benefit to him, very great financial benefit.

  Madeleine Herbert : Please wait a moment.

  [Madeleine closes the door, leaving Anthony on the stoop, and returns to the living room to consult Bruce] 

  Madeleine Herbert : You heard?

  Bruce Lesser : Every word. I'd like to hear more about this mysterious fortune

  Madeleine Herbert : What can I do?

  Bruce Lesser : He wants to see Russell Herbert, doesn't he? Mrs. Herbert,

  [bowing] 

  Bruce Lesser : allow me to introduce Mr. Herbert. And if he makes any trouble,

  [holding a revolver] 

  Bruce Lesser : two can be buried as easily as one.

  Bruce Lesser : [the scene changes to several minutes later, after Anthony has explained the gift to Bruce, posing as Herbert. Bruce reviews the check]  I... I... I just can't believe it.

  Bruce Lesser : GET RID OF LINE 19

  Michael Anthony : Fortunately for you, it's true.

  Bruce Lesser : A million dollars. Why should anyone give

  [catches himself] 

  Bruce Lesser : me a million dollars?

  Michael Anthony : I can't tell you that, Mr. Herbert.

  Bruce Lesser : [Still staring at check]  A million dollars. And you say it's tax-free.

  Michael Anthony : That's right. There are just the two points I've already mentioned. If you tell anyone, except your wife, the exact amount of this gift or how you came into possession of it, you must return it.

  Bruce Lesser : A cashier's check. I can cash this anywhere in the world, can't I?

  Michael Anthony : Any time, any place.

  [Offering the pledge] 

  Michael Anthony : If you'll, uh, just sign here, please.

  [Bruce signs and Anthony places the document into his briefcase The birds begin squawking in unison] 

  Bruce Lesser : [to the birds]  Oh, shut up! Shut up!

  [catches himself again] 

  Bruce Lesser : Even though I... I do love them, they... then get to be an awful nuisance sometimes.

  Michael Anthony : I can believe it. This concludes our transaction, Mr. Herbert. Congratulations and good luck.

  Bruce Lesser : Thank you.

  [Anthony departs to his waiting taxi]