The Millionaire (TV Series)

The Margaret Browning Story (1955)

Marvin Miller: Michael Anthony

Quotes 

• Michael Anthony : [to the viewers]  My name is Michael Anthony.

  [Indicating a pile of folders atop his desk] 

  Michael Anthony : These files contain the case histories of millionaires. These men and women received an outright gift of $1,000,000, and they never knew the identity of their benefactor. He was John Beresford Tipton, a multibillionaire, whose hobby was creating millionaires. I was John Beresford Tipton's Executive Secretary. Here is another view of Silverstone, a 60,000-acre retreat where John Beresford Tipton lived, alone. From here, he ruled his financial empire. The vast holdings of John Beresford Tipton held every type of business, even motion pictures. And because he rarely left Silverstone, he had his own, private film projection room.

• Carl Browning : [Anthony enters the projection room, with a film playing. Tipton is seated in a typical movie theater seat, smoking a cigar. Only his right hand is visible to the viewers. Anthony sits beside Tipton, while the film continues]  I'll have grounds more reliable than this. The play's the thing wherein I'll catch the conscious of the King.

  Michael Anthony : You called me, sir?

  John Beresford Tipton : [Tipton turns off the film]  Mike, that was Carl Browning, the greatest actor of our day. His widow is living in Hollywood.

  Michael Anthony : Carl Browning's widow? Strange. I saw every play he appeared in, I never missed one of his pictures, but I completely forgot he was married.

  John Beresford Tipton : Carl Browning frequently forgot, too.

  [Anthony knowingly smiles] 

  John Beresford Tipton : But never completely. I want you to find Margaret Browning

  [Tipton gives Anthony an envelope] 

  John Beresford Tipton : and give her one million dollars.

• Michael Anthony : [to the viewers]  When I reached Hollywood, I found that almost no one knew Margaret Browning, but everyone at the Sterling Studios knew 'Brownie.'

• Michael Anthony : [At the Sterling rehearsal/shooting studio, surrounded by cast and crew]  Margaret Browning?

  Margaret Browning : Yes.

  Michael Anthony : My name is Michael Anthony. May I speak with you privately, please?

  Margaret Browning : [Reluctantly]  Well, I...

  Michael Anthony : I have very good news for you. It's personal and important.

  Margaret Browning : I'm very sorry, Mr. Anthony, but I have nothing to do with Miss Strong's business affairs.

  Michael Anthony : I have been empowered to turn over a large sum of money to you. I have reservations on a plane that leaves

  [Glances at his wristwatch] 

  Michael Anthony : an hour from now. Won' you please talk to me?

  Margaret Browning : Oh, why, of course. Excuse me a moment.

  [to the nearby Hilda Strong] 

  Margaret Browning : Excuse me, Hilda, this man has something to say to me. If you don't need me for the next hour..

  Hilda Strong : [Looks at but quickly dismisses Anthony]  Sorry, Brownie, I may need you. Tell him to come back later.

  Margaret Browning : Yes, Miss Strong.

  [Hilda rushes off] 

  Margaret Browning : I'm very sorry, Mr. Anthony, but whatever it is, you'll have to tell me right here.

  Crew Member : [Background]  Quiet for rehearsal.

  Michael Anthony : [Guides Margaret a few yards away]  Miss Browning, an anonymous donor has authorized me to give you this cashier's check for $1,000,000.

  [Hands Margaret the check] 

  Crew Member : [Background]  Will you please hold it quiet back there?

  Margaret Browning : A million dollars? For me?

  [Anthony nods] 

  Margaret Browning : Why, this is crazy. What's expected of me in return?

  Michael Anthony : Nothing. Absolutely nothing. It's yours to do with as you please. The taxes have been paid.

  Crew Member : [Background]  Makeup!

  Margaret Browning : Why this is fantastic! Who would give me a million dollars?

  Michael Anthony : I can't answer that. The donor makes the selections.

  Margaret Browning : But why?

  Michael Anthony : The only restriction on you is that no one, absolutely no one, is to know how this money came into your hands. Otherwise, it will be reclaimed on behalf of the donor.