Marvin Miller: Michael Anthony

Quotes 

• 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 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.

• Michael Anthony : [Anthony enters a study to see Tipton seated in a highbacked chair at his desk, with only his right hand visible to viewers. On the desk is a large, glass container with a miniature submarine on the bottom of the tank]  You sent for me, sir?

  John Beresford Tipton : [Tapping the container]  Mike, can you see what's happened here?

  Michael Anthony : [Observing]  I'd say one of our submarines has been sunk, sir.

  John Beresford Tipton : Yes, but if this had been a real sub, there was only one chance of survival.

  Michael Anthony : What would that be, sir?

  John Beresford Tipton : Pull the string and you'll see.

  [Anthony pulls a string near the top of the tank and an escape hatch opens and frees a sailor, who rises to the surface] 

  John Beresford Tipton : An escape hatch, Mike.

  [Anthony momentarily examines the tiny sailor] 

  John Beresford Tipton : Life is full of such escape hatches, but sometimes they turn out to be traps.

  [Hands an envelope to Anthony] 

  John Beresford Tipton : Our next millionaire, Mike.

  [Anthony accepts the envelope, pockets it, and, after one final glance a the sub, leaves] 

• Michael Anthony : [to the viewers]  Our next millionaire was Lorraine Daggett. Lorraine was on her honeymoon, married to a man she had only known for a few weeks.

• Michael Anthony : [Anthony rings the doorbell of Lorraine. She responds]  Mrs. Lorraine Daggett?

  Lorraine Daggett : Yes.

  Michael Anthony : My name is Michael Anthony. I have something for you. May I step in?

  Lorraine Daggett : Come in.

  Michael Anthony : [Anthony enters and opens his briefcase]  This is a cashier's check made out to you in the amount of $1,000,000, tax-free.

  Lorraine Daggett : [Examining check]  A million dollars? Oh, this is a joke. Who would give me a million dollars?

  Michael Anthony : Your benefactor insists of remaining anonymous, However, I assure you the check is genuine. It's a cashier's check, you'll see.

  [Removing a document from his briefcase] 

  Michael Anthony : If you accept it, I must ask you to sign this agreement in which you promise never to reveal the amount of the gift or the manner in which you received it. Otherwise, you will forfeit whatever money remains.

  Lorraine Daggett : This is really mine?

  Michael Anthony : All yours, to do with it as you wish.

  Lorraine Daggett : A million dollars.

  Michael Anthony : However, I must emphasize you can tell no one about this.

  Lorraine Daggett : No one?

  Michael Anthony : [Sadly]  You could have told your husband. I know about your tragic loss. Should you remarry, you would free to tell your spouse.

  Lorraine Daggett : I just don't understand.

  Michael Anthony : Of course, you don't, Mrs. Daggett. But it is real.

  [Offers the pledge] 

  Michael Anthony : If you will just sign here, please.

  [Lorraine signs and Anthony returns the document to his briefcase] 

  Michael Anthony : I hope it will bring you comfort and happiness.