Paul Frees: John Beresford Tipton

Quotes 

• Michael Anthony : [Viewers see Anthony enter the greenhouse, where he finds Tipton pruning a plant. Tipton is off-camera with only his right arm visible to viewers]  You sent for me, sir?

  John Beresford Tipton : [as he continues pruning, Tipton quotes from act 2, scene 3 of Romeo and Juliet]  "Within the infant rind of this small flower, poison has residence and medicine power."

  Michael Anthony : Shakespeare, sir?

  John Beresford Tipton : He always saw into the heart of the matter, didn't he, Mike?

  Michael Anthony : Yes, sir.

  John Beresford Tipton : [Indicating the flower to Anthony]  This is Solanum delcamaras, more commonly known as the deadly nightshade. Properly used, this blossom has curative benefits. Improperly used - poisonous.

  Michael Anthony : Isn't that true of most things, sir? Almost everything has either the power of good or evil.

  John Beresford Tipton : Exactly, Mike.

  [Tipton hands an envelope to Anthony] 

  John Beresford Tipton : Suppose we see how the power is used in the case of our next millionaire.

  [Anthony accepts the envelope, bows, gives a final glance at the flower, and turns to leave]