Richard Garland: John Smith

Quotes 

• John Smith : [a hospital staff member escorts John Smith into a large conference room, where Michael Anthony is seated at a large table with his briefcase before him. The staffer departs. Smith stands at one end of the table. To Anthony]  Do you know me? You're a friend of mine?

  Michael Anthony : No, Mr. Smith. I never saw you before. My name is Michael Anthony.

  John Smith : [Moving closer to the seated Anthony]  I hoped you could tell me what mine was.

  Michael Anthony : I'm sorry, Mr. Smith, I know nothing about your past. I came here about your future. To give you this:

  [Displays a check] 

  Michael Anthony : a cashier's check for one million dollars - a gift from an anonymous donor.

  John Smith : What?

  [Inspects the check] 

  John Smith : A million dollars. I don't even know who I am, and you just walk in and hand me a million dollars. Why? From whom?

  Michael Anthony : I'm not permitted to divulge that information, Mr. Smith.

  John Smith : [Examines the check further]  For me? Mr. Anthony, do you know what it means not to be able to remember anything?

  Michael Anthony : You can't even remember the fire?

  John Smith : Well, I think I remember somebody yelling that the hotel was on fire and I'm trying to get out the window.

  Michael Anthony : No identification in your clothing?

  John Smith : No clothes left. No record from the Bureau of Missing Persons. Nothing except a pair of torn pajamas. Who am I?

  Michael Anthony : You're a man with a million dollars. At least you have a financial identity.

  John Smith : Look, even if this were good, I couldn't use it. My signature is no good.

  Michael Anthony : [Presenting a document]  It's been arranged with this bank. Your signature as John Smith will be acceptable. The money is yours, tax-free, if you'll sign this paper

  [Offering another document] 

  Michael Anthony : agreeing to tell no one the exact amount you have received or the conditions under which you received it. If you do, it'll be reclaimed by your unknown benefactor. You must tell no one but your wife - if you have one.

  John Smith : I don't know whether I've got a wife or not.

  Michael Anthony : With all of this money, you should be able to find your family. Go to the newspapers. Have the police...

  John Smith : [Abruptly]  No. No. Thank you, Mr. Anthony.

  [Smith signs the pledge] 

  Michael Anthony : [Returning all documents to his briefcase. Dejectedly]  I wish I could help you.

  John Smith : With a million dollars, a man ought to be able to help himself.

  Michael Anthony : [Departing, sadly]  Well, good luck, Mr.

  [pauses] 

  Michael Anthony : Smith.