Marvin Miller: Michael Anthony

Quotes 

• Michael Anthony : [Anthony enters the study to discover Tipton seated in a high-backed chair reading a book, with only his right hand, holding the book, visible to viewers]  You sent for me, sir?

  John Beresford Tipton : Mike,

  [Presenting the book] 

  John Beresford Tipton : I've just acquired this first edition of "Walden" by Henry David Thoreau. Ever read it?

  Michael Anthony : As I matter of fact, I have, sir. I'm a great admirer of Thoreau.

  John Beresford Tipton : Mike, he once said that money is never required to buy any necessity of the soul. I believe that. But I wonder how many other people do.

  Michael Anthony : Quite a few, I imagine, sir.

  John Beresford Tipton : I'm curious, Mike.

  [Tipton hands an envelope to Anthony] 

  John Beresford Tipton : Suppose we find out from our next millionaire.

  [Anthony accepts the envelope] 

• Dr. Swanson : [Dr. Swanson has escorted Anthony to the room of Simpson]  Here's Charlie Simpson, Mr. Anthony.

  Michael Anthony : Mr. Charles Hartford Simpson?

  Charles Hartford Simpson : How do you know my middle name?

  Michael Anthony : May I come in?

  Charles Hartford Simpson : Well, sure.

  Michael Anthony : [as Anthony enters]  Thank you, Dr. Swanson.

  [Doctor departs] 

  Charles Hartford Simpson : Ah, do I know you? How'd you know my middle name?

  Michael Anthony : We've never met, Mr. Simpson. My name is Michael Anthony.

  [They shake hands] 

  Charles Hartford Simpson : Are we relatives?

  Michael Anthony : I'm afraid not.

  [Opening his briefcase] 

  Michael Anthony : I'm here at the request of an anonymous friend.

  Charles Hartford Simpson : Oh?

  Michael Anthony : [Displaying a check]  I have here a cashier's check, made out to Charles Hartford Simpson, for $1,000,000, tax-free.

  Charles Hartford Simpson : Tax-free?

  Michael Anthony : That's correct.

  Charles Hartford Simpson : [It finally dawns on Simpson]  What did you say?

  Michael Anthony : [Hands check to Simpson]  Here you are.

  [Retrieving a document from his briefcase] 

  Michael Anthony : All you must do in return is to sign this pledge, promising not to divulge that you have this money or where it came from, under penalty of forfeiture.

  [Simpson signs that agreement] 

  Michael Anthony : Thank you, Mr. Simpson

  [Anthony returns the paper to his briefcase] 

  Michael Anthony : It was a pleasure meeting you.

  Charles Hartford Simpson : Oh, Mr. Anthony?

  Michael Anthony : Yes.

  Charles Hartford Simpson : What... what do I do with it?

  Michael Anthony : Whatever you like.

  [Preparing to leave] 

  Michael Anthony : Good luck, Mr. Simpson.

  Charles Hartford Simpson : Well thank you. Good luck to you and... goodbye.

• Michael Anthony : [to the viewers]  Charles Hartford Simpson had served his country well, as had his friends. In their eyes was reflected the havoc of such battles of World War I as the Marne, Château-Thierry, and Belleau Wood. This is the Wilson Veterans Hospital and Domiciliary. As our case history opens, these grounds and buildings had been home to Charles Hartford Simpson for the past 25 years.

• [first lines] 

  Michael Anthony : [to the viewers]  My name is Michael Anthony. Prior to his death, I served as executive secretary to John Beresford Tipton, a multibillionaire, who, as an avid student of human nature, indulged in a most fascinating and unusual hobby. Mr. Tipton created millionaires. There were many occasions when persons who had never heard of him, found themselves the startled recipients of cashier's checks in the amount of $1,000,000, tax-free. It was when I lived and worked here at Silverstone, John Beresford Tipton's 60,000-acre estate, that I frequently assisted Mr. Tipton in the pursuit of his favorite pastime.