Steve Brodie: Rip Matson

Quotes 

• Michael Anthony : [Anthony knocks at the door of a jet testing range office. Inside the room, Anthony meets two men]  Pardon me. I'm trying to locate Mr. Rip Matson.

  Rip Matson : I'm Matson. What can I do for you?

  Michael Anthony : I have business with you of a confidential nature, Mr. Matson. Is there someplace where we might talk privately?

  Dr. Scott : You can talk here. I'll go get some coffee.

  Rip Matson : Thanks, Doc.

  Dr. Scott : It's okay.

  Michael Anthony : Thank you, sir.

  Dr. Scott : Not at all.

  [Scott departs] 

  Rip Matson : I'm afraid you'll have to make this short, Mister...?

  Michael Anthony : Anthony. Michael Anthony.

  Rip Matson : Well, Mr. Anthony, I've got to test a plane in about an hour. What did you want to see me about?

  Michael Anthony : [Opening his briefcase and removing two items]  I want to give you one million dollars, Mr. Matson.

  Rip Matson : [laughs]  Who are you? Who let you in here?

  Michael Anthony : My name is Michael Anthony. I've been instructed by an anonymous donor to present you with a cashier's check for $1,000,000.

  Rip Matson : Oh, come on, mister. Who are you kidding?

  Michael Anthony : I am as much in earnest, Mr. Matson, as you are testing the X-10B. Now,

  [Presenting an agreement] 

  Michael Anthony : this gift is subject to one condition.

  Rip Matson : Oh, now it comes.

  Michael Anthony : Before turning the check over to you, I will ask you to sign this document.

  Rip Matson : [Grabbing the agreement]  Yeah, well, let's take a look a it.

  [Reads the pledge] 

  Michael Anthony : [Further explaining]  Uh, this sum is net, Mr. Matson, all of it. The donor has paid the taxes.

  Rip Matson : [Finishes reading]  There's nothing to this. It just says that I'm not to tell anybody where I got the dough or how much I got. And if I do, this... this donor, whoever he is, takes back what's left.

  Michael Anthony : That is correct, Mr. Matson. If you reread it, you'll notice an exception is made in the case of your wife, should you marry.

  Rip Matson : Yeah, well, that... that's got nothing to do with me.

  Michael Anthony : Will you sign here?

  [Matson signs and Anthony retrieves] 

  Michael Anthony : Thank you, Mr. Matson. Here is your check

  [Hands check to Matson] 

  Michael Anthony : . I hope it will bring you a lot of happiness. Good day, sir. It was a privilege to meet you.

  [Turns to leave] 

  Rip Matson : Well, uh, just a minute. Uh, this... this donor you work for, he must have all the money in the world. I'd like to ask you a question.

  Michael Anthony : Well, of course.

  Rip Matson : Well, what does a guy like me do with a million bucks? I... I've always carried my money in my pants pocket.

  Michael Anthony : [Smiling]  A million bucks would make quite a bulge in your pants pocket, Mr. Matson.

  Rip Matson : Yeah.

  Michael Anthony : Uh, forgive me for being obvious but, your whole life has been spent in serving your fellow citizens, building our air defense, and advancing science.

  Rip Matson : Let's not go overboard. I'm a test pilot because I like airplanes, and it pays well.

  Michael Anthony : The good pay will hardly enter into it anymore, will it? Money will no longer make you do anything, or keep you from doing anything. Well, goodbye, Mr. Matson. Congratulations and good luck.

  [they shakes hands] 

  Rip Matson : Thanks.

  [Anthony departs]