- John Beresford Tipton: [Anthony enters the laboratory to witness Tipton working on a scientific experiment. Tipton, wearing a lab coat and gloves, is off-camera with only his hands visible to the viewers as he moves powder around] The essence of drama, Mike, is a situation where a person is faced with the unexpected and the unfamiliar. Like taking a fish out of water. What does the fish do?
- Michael Anthony: Darwin's Theory of Evolution says the fish develops lungs because lungs would be necessary for survival.
- John Beresford Tipton: Ah, then under the pressure of necessity, we sometimes achieve the impossible.
- Michael Anthony: That's another way of saying we reach our own Heaven, Mr. Tipton.
- John Beresford Tipton: Maybe having a million dollars would be Heaven to one person - but to another?
- [Tipton hands an envelope to Anthony]
- John Beresford Tipton: This Quentin Harwood, Mike, I think might be very like a fish out of water with my million dollar gift.
- Julia Harwood: [Anthony arrives at an open front door with Julia Harwood, suitcase in hand, preparing to depart the home with divorce a distinct possibility. She has been arguing with her husband, Quentin, over his extreme tightness in financial matters. Anthony clears his throat] What is it?
- Michael Anthony: I beg your pardon. I didn't mean to interrupt a family quarrel.
- Julia Harwood: You're not. It's all over.
- [She starts to leave]
- Michael Anthony: Please, one moment. Is this the residence of Quentin Harwood?
- Julia Harwood: Yes, that's right.
- Michael Anthony: Are you Mrs. Hargrove?
- Julia Harwood: As of right now, but I wouldn't guarantee it.
- Michael Anthony: [the three are still at the front door] This concerns you, too, Mrs. Hargrove. Pardon me, while I take us into the light.
- [Enters the home and walks to the lighted living room. To Quentin]
- Michael Anthony: The bank sent you two letters but you didn't answer them. I tried to reach you by phone, but I couldn't find a listing.
- Julia Harwood: Well, there's a good reason for that. We don't have a phone.
- Michael Anthony: I see.
- [Producing a document from his briefcase]
- Michael Anthony: Now, if you'll just sign this paper. It'll explain all the terms and provisions of the gift.
- Julia Harwood: Gift?
- Quentin Harwood: Gift?
- Michael Anthony: That's right. One million dollars.
- Julia Harwood: A million dollars? Oh, this is ridiculous!
- Michael Anthony: It's not ridiculous at all, I assure you.
- Quentin Harwood: A million dollars? Even if it were true, the taxes would eat it up.
- Michael Anthony: It is true, and the taxes have already been paid. This money is yours, tax-free, to do with as you wish. Will you sign this?
- [Quentin signs and Anthony returns the promise to his briefcase]
- Michael Anthony: Thank you. Good luck.
- [Starts to depart]
- Julia Harwood: Wait a minute. Where are you going?
- Michael Anthony: My business here is through, Mrs. Harwood.
- Julia Harwood: You brought us such a wonderful gift, the least we can do is
- [Julia hugs Anthony, then picks up her suitcase]
- Quentin Harwood: Please, Julia, don't leave me!
- Julia Harwood: Don't worry, darling, I won't.
- Michael Anthony: [Anthony gives a knowing look, then departs] Good night.
- Michael Anthony: .
- [to the viewers]
- Michael Anthony: My name is Michael Anthony. For many years, I was Executive Secretary to John Beresford Tipton, one of the most eccentric, but one of the richest men in the world. Mr. Tipton instituted the practice of the giving away a million dollars, tax-free, to some man or woman xx He liked to see the results of his intrusion on fate. This is Silverstone, the estate of John Beresford Tipton. I remember one day he called me into his laboratory.
- Michael Anthony: [to the viewers] It was a rather incongruity given that Quentin Harwood was, if not the first, at least the second stingiest person on Earth. One million dollars.