Marvin Miller: Michael Anthony

Quotes 

• Michael Anthony : [Anthony enters the Music Room, containing various instruments, including a cello and a harp, to discover Tipton seated in a high-backed chair at a desk and playing a violin. Only Tipton's hands are visible to the viewers. He is wearing a smoking jacket]  You sent for me, sir?

  John Beresford Tipton : Recognize this violin

  [handing the violin to Anthony] 

  John Beresford Tipton : , Mike?

  Michael Anthony : [Receiving the instrument, beaming]  Oh, yes, sir. When I was a boy, it was my dream to play a Stradivarius someday.

  [Anthony raises the violin in its customary place on a musician's shoulder and plinks two notes, smiling widely] 

  John Beresford Tipton : That's right - you did study the violin at one time, didn't you?

  Michael Anthony : Yes, sir - a very short time.

  [Anthony looks longingly at the instrument] 

  John Beresford Tipton : Oh? Unfortunate. No finances, Mike?

  Michael Anthony : [Handing back the violin with a sheepish grin]  No, sir. No talent.

  John Beresford Tipton : [Chuckles]  An honest answer, Mike. But then, you are a realist.

  [Tipton hands an envelope to Anthony] 

  John Beresford Tipton : I'm wondering if our next millionaire will be as realistic, especially when given the power to make a dream come true.

  [Anthony accepts the envelope and bows] 

• [first lines] 

  Michael Anthony : [to the viewers]  My name is Michael Anthony, and for many years, I was executive secretary to John Beresford Tipton, the multibillionaire, whose charity was as boundless as it was mysterious. For it was his hobby to give away, anonymously and tax-free, $1,000,000 apiece to various people he never knew. This is Silverstone, a fabulous estate of 60,000 acres, the residence and private domain of John Beresford Tipton. I recall one afternoon when Mr. Tipton summoned me to the Music Room, where he was looking over his collection of priceless instruments.

• Michael Anthony : [Anthony enters the restaurant's kitchen where he discovers Martha Crockett preparing a customer's meal]  Mrs. Crockett?

  Martha Crockett : !... I'm awfully busy.

  Michael Anthony : Mrs. Harry Crockett?

  Martha Crockett : Yes, but, uh, my husband always takes care of everything.

  Michael Anthony : My name is Michael Anthony.

  [Anthony retrieves some documents from his briefcase] 

  Martha Crockett : You selling something?

  Michael Anthony : No, giving something.

  [Displaying the check] 

  Michael Anthony : I have here a cashier's check from an anonymous benefactor made out to you in the amount of $1,000,000, tax-free.

  Martha Crockett : [Continuing meal preparation]  Oh, sure. Now would you get out of my kitchen? And you can leave your... your free samples on the... on the counter.

  [Anthony places the check in the food-prep area as Martha continues to work. Eventually, she pauses and looks at the check] 

  Martha Crockett : This is a cashier's check for a million dollars.

  Michael Anthony : That's what I just said.

  Martha Crockett : Why?

  Michael Anthony : I'm afraid I can't give you any more information, Mrs. Crockett.

  [Retrieving paperwork from is briefcase] 

  Michael Anthony : Now, if you'll just sign this document agreeing never to divulge how you got the money or the amount to anyone except your husband, of course.

  Martha Crockett : Of course.

  Michael Anthony : Should you violate this agreement, you automatically lose all rights to the money.

  Martha Crockett : Yes, of course. The money.

  [almost whispering] 

  Martha Crockett : The money.

  [Martha signs the pledge, which Anthony returns to his briefcase] 

  Martha Crockett : There's so many things we can do with this. So many things we need. Thank you. Harry - Harry, my husband he... - he can go to New York

  [pauses] 

  Martha Crockett : and give a concert at Carnegie Hall.

  Michael Anthony : Well I... I hope this will bring you everything you've ever wished for.

  Martha Crockett : [as Anthony leaves the kitchen]  Oh, thank you.

• Michael Anthony : [selects the top file from a pile on his desk; to the viewers]  Martha and Harry Crockett had been happily married for ten years. But while their restaurant flourished, Harry cherished a dream: One day he would play his violin in Carnegie Hall. He kept his dream in a container

  [viewers see a container marked "Carnegie Hall Fund"] 

  Michael Anthony : . Every time he put money in the cash register, he would also put away a nickel or a dime, to help him realize his dream.