Robert Vaughn: Jay Powers

Quotes 

• Michael Anthony : [Anthony has knocked at the boarding house door of Powers. When there is no response, Anthony opens the door to find Powers, despondent, on his bed]  Mr. J. J. Powers?

  Jay Powers : Yeah.

  Michael Anthony : My name is Michael Anthony. May I come in a moment?

  Jay Powers : Probably from the parole board. I don't know any way to keep you out.

  Michael Anthony : [Anthony enters]  I'm not from the parole board.

  [Opening his briefcase] 

  Michael Anthony : I have something for you.

  [Displays a check] 

  Michael Anthony : A check for a million dollars.

  Jay Powers : That must be something new. They already gave me ten dollars and a new suit when they unlocked the gate.

  Michael Anthony : I have no connection with your past.

  Jay Powers : You know I was in jail?

  Michael Anthony : I know, yes. But that has nothing to do with the fact that a benefactor, whose name you will never learn, sent me to give you this.

  Jay Powers : All right, Is this a joke or what?

  Michael Anthony : A cashier's check is not a joke.

  [Anthony hands the check to Powers] 

  Jay Powers : [Staring at check]  A million dollars.

  Michael Anthony : [Retrieving a document from his briefcase]  If you agree to these conditions, sign this and the million is yours, tax-free.

  Jay Powers : What conditions?

  Michael Anthony : To tell no one the circumstances under which you received the money or the amount. If you were married, you'd be allowed to tell your wife. But if you do tell anyone else, the money will be reclaimed on behalf of the donor.

  Jay Powers : Well, even if it is a joke, I've got nothing to lose, huh?

  [Powers signs the agreement, which Anthony retains] 

  Michael Anthony : Thank you.

  Jay Powers : An awful lotta dollars.

  Michael Anthony : [Wryly]  But you'll probably think of some way to use them.

  Jay Powers : If this check is any good, Mr. Anthony, I'm going back to my hometown, and repay my debt to society.