Marvin Miller: Michael Anthony

Quotes 

• Michael Anthony : [Anthony enters a workshop where he finds Tipton working on a grindstone polishing gems. Tipton is off-camera with only his hands visible to the viewers]  You sent for me, sir?

  John Beresford Tipton : Mike,

  [displaying a jewel] 

  John Beresford Tipton : this was once a dull, course gem, just like

  [displaying a second stone] 

  John Beresford Tipton : this. Naturally, this

  [indicating the first gem] 

  John Beresford Tipton : is worth infinitely more than this

  [indicating the second rock] 

  John Beresford Tipton : . Just like people, who sometimes need to be shaped and polished to bring out the best in them. However, as we know, this doesn't always work.

  [Tipton hands an envelope to Anthony] 

  John Beresford Tipton : I'm curious to find out what a million dollars will do to this person.

• Michael Anthony : [to the viewers]  My name is Michael Anthony. I have another story of a millionaire created overnight by John Beresford Tipton. Before his death, I worked for this multibillionaire as Executive Secretary. Though he contributed lavishly to charities and research organizations, his greatest pleasure was giving away $1,000,000 anonymously. To John Beresford Tipton it was relaxation, and my job was to make a complete report on the lucky recipient of the million dollars. John Beresford Tipton lived at Silverstone, his secluded estate, headquarters of his far-flung empire. I remember one day he called me to his workshop, where he liked to work with his hands.

• Michael Anthony : [Voiceover]  J. Peveril Johnson had a daily routine which he followed religiously. He left his house promptly after breakfast, greeting his neighbors cordially and was cordially greeted in return; encouraged his friends, especially his small friends and never failed to tip his hat to their mothers; Yes, everybody liked Pev Johnson, good neighbor and staunch friend. At the shoeshine stand, he got himself a real professional shine. Pev would never dream of shining his own shoes any more than he would dream of doing the dishes or reading the want ads. He had 25 cents left after the shine, enough for a five-cent cigar and a little modest gambling money for his favorite game with his cronies, say, at five cents a game.

• Michael Anthony : [to the viewers]  I never knew how John Beresford Tipton selected his legatees. J. Peveril Johnson lived in a small town where he was known as the town's ne'er do well.

• Michael Anthony : [Johnson opens the front door to Anthony]  How do you do, Mr. Johnson?

  J. Peveril 'Pev' Johnson : Yes. J. Peveril Johnson.

  Michael Anthony : [Instead of his customary request to be admitted, Anthony simply walks into the living room]  I've come here to give you a million dollars.

  [Anthony begins opening his briefcase] 

  J. Peveril 'Pev' Johnson : [Mockingly]  Only one million? What wrong with two million or three million dollars?

  Michael Anthony : Mr. Johnson, I don't think you understand.

  [Shows the check to Johnson] 

  Michael Anthony : I've been ordered to give you this cashier's check for $1,000,000.

  [Retrieves another document from his briefcase] 

  Michael Anthony : If you'll just read this pledge, I think this will explain everything.

  [Shows the agreement] 

  J. Peveril 'Pev' Johnson : [Getting agitated]  Now, my good man, you've picked the wrong man

  [Wagging his finger] 

  J. Peveril 'Pev' Johnson : to joke with about financial matters. This happens to be my life's work.

  Michael Anthony : Very good, Mr. Johnson. Then you'll understand the significance of this agreement.

  [Gives the document to Johnson] 

  J. Peveril 'Pev' Johnson : [Reading the stipulations]  I can't tell anyone that I've got it and that I have a million dollars. Otherwise it will be claimed on behalf of the donor. Very reasonable.

  Michael Anthony : Now, will you please sign his form if you find them agreeable.

  J. Peveril 'Pev' Johnson : Agreeable! They're the most agreeable terms I've ever read.

  [Johnson signs the form while a bemused Anthony looks on]