31 commentaires
When my grandparents broke down and got a television in the middle Fifties one of the first shows they liked was The Millionaire. I can still hear my grandmother, saying philosophically what a great thing it would be if Michael Anthony rang their doorbell and dropped a million tax free dollars in their laps. My grandparents were immigrants from the Ukraine and no one ever gave them anything. Still it was an entertaining fantasy.
As it was for any number of homes back in the day when the fabulously wealthy John Beresford Tipton whom we never saw, but whose voice was supplied by Paul Frees would summon his secretary Michael Anthony in played by Marvin Miller. With the spacious Tipton estate of Silverstone in the background, Tipton explains to Anthony who will be this week's beneficiary.
The next thing we see is Marvin Miller knocking on someone's door and giving them a check for a million dollars. What that individual did with it was the basis of the episode of that week. That in turn depended on the character of the individual. The variations on human character was the heart of each episode.
Tipton found 205 characters to be generous with for six seasons. Presumably he died or ran out of money. He might have had to sell Silverstone, from what little we saw of it, it looked as grand as San Simeon.
They were good episodes, The Millionaire crammed a lot of plot and character development into a thirty minute show. The players had to be good to convey it. I wish I could see some of those episodes on the TV Land Channel now.
As it was for any number of homes back in the day when the fabulously wealthy John Beresford Tipton whom we never saw, but whose voice was supplied by Paul Frees would summon his secretary Michael Anthony in played by Marvin Miller. With the spacious Tipton estate of Silverstone in the background, Tipton explains to Anthony who will be this week's beneficiary.
The next thing we see is Marvin Miller knocking on someone's door and giving them a check for a million dollars. What that individual did with it was the basis of the episode of that week. That in turn depended on the character of the individual. The variations on human character was the heart of each episode.
Tipton found 205 characters to be generous with for six seasons. Presumably he died or ran out of money. He might have had to sell Silverstone, from what little we saw of it, it looked as grand as San Simeon.
They were good episodes, The Millionaire crammed a lot of plot and character development into a thirty minute show. The players had to be good to convey it. I wish I could see some of those episodes on the TV Land Channel now.
- bkoganbing
- 18 mars 2009
- Permalien
John Beresford Tipton: his name evokes patrician wealth and breed. Using his executive secretary, Michael Anthony, Tipton chooses, apparently but not certainly, one person each week at random to receive, tax-free, the sum of one million dollars, in the form of a cashiers check. One million dollars was an enormous sum in the 1950s. And, if one remembers that the top tax bracket (which includes this amount) was 91% at that time, the gift becomes even more phenomenal.
Each recipient was required to sign an agreement never to reveal either the circumstances under which the money was received and the amount, other than to the spouse. (In one episode, a child received the money and a somewhat non-plussed Anthony told the child that he can reveal these details to his parents). The idea of each half-hour show was to see just how receiving the money would affect each recipient. At the end of the show, Tipton would briefly reviews what happened.
An excellent show, far and above the lunacy that pervades television today.
Each recipient was required to sign an agreement never to reveal either the circumstances under which the money was received and the amount, other than to the spouse. (In one episode, a child received the money and a somewhat non-plussed Anthony told the child that he can reveal these details to his parents). The idea of each half-hour show was to see just how receiving the money would affect each recipient. At the end of the show, Tipton would briefly reviews what happened.
An excellent show, far and above the lunacy that pervades television today.
Here's a program that really caught my fancy when I was growing up. Everyone dreams of wealth. Whether one million dollars is a lot of money now or not, I wouldn't mind having such an amount.
It is a fabulous amount, still. And the concept of instant wealth is still intriguing to us. Witness: the proliferation of money shows currently.
The best part of the program was the human lessons we all learned about Instant Wealth: it's problems, responsibilities and the greed and envy of others.
The program should be brought back. Maybe Hallmark can do us all the kind favor?
It is a fabulous amount, still. And the concept of instant wealth is still intriguing to us. Witness: the proliferation of money shows currently.
The best part of the program was the human lessons we all learned about Instant Wealth: it's problems, responsibilities and the greed and envy of others.
The program should be brought back. Maybe Hallmark can do us all the kind favor?
- Enrique-Sanchez-56
- 21 janv. 2003
- Permalien
Unfortunately, the original creator of THE MILLIONAIRE, who also authored the pilot, has not been given any credit here. His name was Walter Goetz, son of Harry Goetz (Paramount Pictures) and this wonderful series was his baby from the get-go. Due to some kind of disagreement over rights or royalties (I forget the details now) he left it all behind in the very beginning and has now, apparently, been completely forgotten. Just thought I'd mention it, having personally known him. Subsequent to his short-lived career in California, he made a living playing the music of Cole Porter, George Gershwin etc. etc. in piano bars and restaurants in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Lucky us. He was a wonderful man and it was truly an honor to know him.
Wonderful television show.
Remember: "You sent for me sir."
"Mike."
We were well on our way to discover who was going to get the next million dollars.
Funny, how the writers of this show would never have the benefactors ask Mike Anthony to stay for a cup of coffee or danish.
The show was absolutely great because it took us into a world of fantasy where we could imagine what we would do with all that money.
A variety of people received the money at random. Did John Beresford Tipton use the phone book? I vividly remember where one such "lucky" person was on death row waiting to be executed for murdering someone. No, he wasn't guilty. P.S. He was spared at the end when his innocence was proved.
You never saw the Tipton character and that made the show even more engaging.
After Mike got the money, you would hear the most rousing musical score which I can still hum to this very day.
Of course, with inflation the way it is-the show would have to be retitled today as the trillionaire and would star among others- Mayor Bloomberg of NYC.
Remember: "You sent for me sir."
"Mike."
We were well on our way to discover who was going to get the next million dollars.
Funny, how the writers of this show would never have the benefactors ask Mike Anthony to stay for a cup of coffee or danish.
The show was absolutely great because it took us into a world of fantasy where we could imagine what we would do with all that money.
A variety of people received the money at random. Did John Beresford Tipton use the phone book? I vividly remember where one such "lucky" person was on death row waiting to be executed for murdering someone. No, he wasn't guilty. P.S. He was spared at the end when his innocence was proved.
You never saw the Tipton character and that made the show even more engaging.
After Mike got the money, you would hear the most rousing musical score which I can still hum to this very day.
Of course, with inflation the way it is-the show would have to be retitled today as the trillionaire and would star among others- Mayor Bloomberg of NYC.
A fellow was desperate for money and was driving a truck loaded with liquid explosives. He was crossing an old bridge that seemed destined to break somewhere on an isolated road.
I cannot remember after that. I've thought of it often. Just being so afraid he would not make it and wishing he had known they were looking for him with the money.
By chance, does anyone remember this episode? I can't recall if they all had happy endings. I was so young. Evidently it made an impression that I remember this so vividly years later. (I was born 1952)
It is odd how these old programs stay with us.
I cannot remember after that. I've thought of it often. Just being so afraid he would not make it and wishing he had known they were looking for him with the money.
By chance, does anyone remember this episode? I can't recall if they all had happy endings. I was so young. Evidently it made an impression that I remember this so vividly years later. (I was born 1952)
It is odd how these old programs stay with us.
Great show and pretty well written back then with gifts given to people from various social classes and facing a variety of problems, economic and otherwise. Holds up well even in the year 2020. It is currently broadcast on MeTV Tuesday through Saturday at 3 a.m. CST.
So, here is a question some of you may have wondered about. If the beneficiaries we're receiving $1,000,000 (with the taxes having already been paid) on it, how much did the donor have to ultimately pay to gift a net of 1,000,000?
In 1955 the year "The Millionaire" was first broadcast, the highest tax bracket was 91% and the lifetime exemption was around $60,000. So 91% of $940,000 equaled $855,400. That is the taxable amount on $1,000,000 back in 1955. So, that amount plus the $1,000,000 gift to the beneficiary meant that the donor had to pay a grand total of $1,855,400. Very generous indeed!
So, here is a question some of you may have wondered about. If the beneficiaries we're receiving $1,000,000 (with the taxes having already been paid) on it, how much did the donor have to ultimately pay to gift a net of 1,000,000?
In 1955 the year "The Millionaire" was first broadcast, the highest tax bracket was 91% and the lifetime exemption was around $60,000. So 91% of $940,000 equaled $855,400. That is the taxable amount on $1,000,000 back in 1955. So, that amount plus the $1,000,000 gift to the beneficiary meant that the donor had to pay a grand total of $1,855,400. Very generous indeed!
- rick-57355
- 29 juil. 2020
- Permalien
I remember "The Millionaire" well, as it was a family favorite throughout its run. I agree with the posted comment, with one significant exception. Even as a child, I couldn't help but notice that the "Money can't buy happiness" message of the show was very contrived. The Millionaire candidates in most of the episodes were losers, malcontents, people with real and serious social interaction problems, who suddenly turned into bubbling fountains of happiness and rectitude once they got the money. Maybe money couldn't buy happiness, but it's mere possession evidently conferred instant morality and wisdom. The final "Lessons learned" scenes between Anthony and Tipton were invariably of the "Well, now this benighted yahoo has seen the light and is back on his/her right path" variety. It was a VERY 1950's sort of "message." Yes, my family watched the show regularly - and laughed our cookies off every week! Two nits: Tipton was "seen", but only from the rear. Also, another "condition" was that the subject never reveal the exact amount of the gift. I never understood why revealing a nice round number like $1M would cause any problems. I guess I'm too benighted.
- MisterChandu
- 16 janv. 2007
- Permalien
A multi millionaire decides to give a million dollar check to strangers, the only string attached is they can't tell anyone how the got that money, except for their spouses. Each week, we see how it effects their lives. A total of 207 episodes were made, and although we never find out how much money he has, he gave away $207 million. Interesting show, that makes you wonder how you'd react to this situation.
- rbilotta-15437
- 12 mai 2022
- Permalien
- pmicocci-18908
- 24 août 2021
- Permalien
I used to work for a Los Angeles-based savings and loan company. Their pitch to retirees was to host "Golden Days of Television" personal appearances by 50's TV actors, including their spokesman, Harry Von Zell of Burns and Allen fame. I walked into the Alhambra, CA branch and spotted Marvin Miller holding court! I rushed over and asked the then-ultimate trivia question- "Who played John Beresford Tipton?" "Paul Frees" was the answer. He then whipped out an already-printed "check" from "The First National Bank of Silverstone", in the amount of "$1,000,000.00 in Good Wishes", signed it "Michael Anthony" and handed it to me. I've kept it for 30 years, hoping to cash it some day. As an additional bit of trivia, the establishing shot of "Silverstone" is the mansion at the corner of Orange Grove and Green Streets in Pasadena, now the headquarters of Ambassador College and built, as a winter residence, by a late president of U.S. Steel.
- jspotter1950
- 10 mars 2009
- Permalien
August 16, 2016-- I can remember watching this series when I was a teenager. What a great TV series! Never dull, and always fascinating and intriguing to see how the recipient would react receiving a tax-free gift of one million dollars. Anyone watching any episode could fantasize about being in the same situation.
There were also a lot of guest stars in the series. Many were unknowns at the time.
I have been looking for some source to buy the complete 206 series. Does ANYONE know if the complete series is yet available on DVD? If so PLEASE let me know? Thank you and ALOHA!
There were also a lot of guest stars in the series. Many were unknowns at the time.
I have been looking for some source to buy the complete 206 series. Does ANYONE know if the complete series is yet available on DVD? If so PLEASE let me know? Thank you and ALOHA!
- mhughes1947
- 15 août 2016
- Permalien
This show let you dream about what you would do if someone gave you a million dollars tax free. I wish they would show all the episodes on ME TV or TV land. The actor Marvin Miller had this fantastic voice and the kind of low-key character that made it believable that someone could possibly be generous enough to give this gift. I often wondered if a person was financially able to do this what really drives them to do so. And to do it anonymously without praise is interesting and surprisingly poignant. I wondered if this billionaire many times over had a family to share his wealth with. I thought maybe he was bored or that he had no one to leave it to so he chose deserving ones, not so deserving ones and persons who would do good things with it as in the case a preacher who received the money. In any case I enjoyed this series tremendously.
- A_Different_Drummer
- 12 nov. 2013
- Permalien
I watched this show during its original run and somewhere in one episode they played the song "Someome Tp Watch Over Me". It instantly became my all time favorite song. I have been thinking about this episode for long time and am wondering if anyone knows which one it was. The only thing I can remember about the story was that the recipient of the check was a blonde girl who had been a singer and was confined to a wheelchair. Can anyone help me with this?
- LadyCapulet-1
- 20 janv. 2018
- Permalien
I thought year one started with:
My name is Michael Anthony, and until his death just a few years ago, I was the male secretary to the late John Beresford Tipton.
Note the word male. I may be mistaken but it's what I remember.
My name is Michael Anthony, and until his death just a few years ago, I was the male secretary to the late John Beresford Tipton.
Note the word male. I may be mistaken but it's what I remember.
At the time, the last years of the age of innocence were waning into the past. The nation was busy creating its middle class with blood, sweat and tears. Russia and the USA had their differences (still do). And the TV was filled with offers "you got to have." But the problem was, where's the money? Our whole family loved The Millionaire. If someone got up during the commercial break, we would yell out "It's starting, It's starting!" After the show we'd each tell what a million dollars would be like, if we had it. At that time I remember wanting Western outfits like Kit Karson's, Daniel Boone,Davy Crocket. So my dream would be to spend some on that. Or get my mom a new car, etc. The show, I feel, gave the general audience a thrill, a moral lift and a little time to dream of eliminating poverty. And it goes without saying that we were happy for the person getting the million dollars in the first place.
- robert_ponce
- 18 mars 2014
- Permalien
In the days before lotteries, back when having a million dollars meant you were FABULOUSLY wealthy, this show had an interesting and effective premise. An unseen and mysterious multi-millionaire has his servant give a million dollars tax-free to a complete stranger, apparently picked at random. The only conditions were that he couldn't reveal to anyone how he got the money and how much money it was. The rest of the show would follow this person and show how his life was changed by the sudden wealth. The show worked so well because it's writers were able to create an interesting cross section of recipients and consequences. I actually haven't seen this show since it's syndication days in the sixties but it was interesting at the time and I remember it fondly.
Actually, there were about 16 billionaires in 1957, although this was only about half the number that had existed in 1925. The number has risen and fallen over the decades, depending on things like the economic climate and the advent of new, lucrative industries that certain individuals are able to capitalize on, such as railroads, oil, steel, aluminum, software, etc.
So the first billionaires appeared long before this TV show ever aired. Some of them were around in the 19th century (e.g., the robber barons). By the way, there were only about a dozen by 1968, and about twice that many by the early 1980s. As of 1996 there were approximately 130. I think there are a few more than that today, but not a lot more.
So the first billionaires appeared long before this TV show ever aired. Some of them were around in the 19th century (e.g., the robber barons). By the way, there were only about a dozen by 1968, and about twice that many by the early 1980s. As of 1996 there were approximately 130. I think there are a few more than that today, but not a lot more.
I wonder why shows like this can't be brought to the Caribbean? We have the need for the vast sums of money that the game shows seem to dish out as prizes and we also have the intelligence to constructively spend money. On some of these reality shows, I get so mad when I see young teens doing foolishness with their winnings. I know for a fact that Trinidadians would never do the things that I see some of the winners do on the show. Well, though, I guess it's just entertainment- for you. "If wishes were horses" and all that stuff!I have ideas for game shows that encourage Education and less shock and awe. I have been earnestly seeking support from my Television stations in Trinidad, all to no avail. They are finding it hard to invest in a newcomer. The idea is a good one but it's just that i don't know the right people. I wish I lived in America, because I know the idea would have been in Production by now. Does any one know how a girl can get a Television Game show network interested in her ideas?
- celenaoxley
- 13 avr. 2008
- Permalien
My dad and I used to watch this television series in the 1950s. And I remember my dad always asking, "why doesn't this guy show up at our front door?"
The only other time I heard my father ask a similar question, was back in the 1980s, after Ronald Reagan was elected President and had promised a tax break for working Americans, when my father asked me after I had prepared his tax return: "Where's the 10% tax break Ronald Reagan promised us?"
The moral of my review is simply this: don't believe anything said on television or by those in Washington D.C. It's all fiction, folks!
The only other time I heard my father ask a similar question, was back in the 1980s, after Ronald Reagan was elected President and had promised a tax break for working Americans, when my father asked me after I had prepared his tax return: "Where's the 10% tax break Ronald Reagan promised us?"
The moral of my review is simply this: don't believe anything said on television or by those in Washington D.C. It's all fiction, folks!
- wbrighenti
- 19 janv. 2015
- Permalien
I watch this show every morning, Decades network. I really love it and dream that Mr. Anthony comes to knock on my door to hand me a check for a Million Dollars.
As I watch i noticed a woman in the back round of every show. Then I noticed a picture hanging of her, anyone know who she is??
Donna Jackson.
As I watch i noticed a woman in the back round of every show. Then I noticed a picture hanging of her, anyone know who she is??
Donna Jackson.
- jacksondj-16066
- 19 juin 2022
- Permalien
Born in 1950, I've probably watched every episode at one time or another. At the time, it was an excellent show for its half-hour time-slot. But, it did leave one issue I didn't find out about until later.
The checks were touted as "tax-free" checks. On a few occasions, I think I remember Michael Anthony saying that "taxes have already been paid" - leading many to believe that their unknown benefactor was a swell guy for paying them. But, it just isn't so.
As far back as 1926, there was a gift tax ... though it was suspended until it was re-enacted in 1932. And in the long history of gift tax, the responsibility for paying it has *ALWAYS* fallen on the benefactor - not the recipient. Recipients of large cash gifts have *NEVER* been held liable for taxes or any kind - only the benefactors of those gifts.
So, contrary to popular belief, John Beresford Tipton was less of a "swell guy" than believed. He was just obeying tax law. But, it does add a new wrinkle to the show. Over the 6 seasons, Tipton gave away $208,000,000. But, the gift-tax "tax bite" on that money must have been quite large ... putting his real expenditures between $300,000,000 and $400,000,000. He would have HAD to be a billionaire to pull off this kind of generosity while, at the same time, remaining solvent himself. In fact, it could be said that maybe the show was canceled because Tipton had reached a point where he could no longer "afford" his own generosity (grin).
The one thing I've always wondered about the series (and never discussed anywhere as far as I know) is how much Michael Anthony's "salary" was. Anybody know?
The checks were touted as "tax-free" checks. On a few occasions, I think I remember Michael Anthony saying that "taxes have already been paid" - leading many to believe that their unknown benefactor was a swell guy for paying them. But, it just isn't so.
As far back as 1926, there was a gift tax ... though it was suspended until it was re-enacted in 1932. And in the long history of gift tax, the responsibility for paying it has *ALWAYS* fallen on the benefactor - not the recipient. Recipients of large cash gifts have *NEVER* been held liable for taxes or any kind - only the benefactors of those gifts.
So, contrary to popular belief, John Beresford Tipton was less of a "swell guy" than believed. He was just obeying tax law. But, it does add a new wrinkle to the show. Over the 6 seasons, Tipton gave away $208,000,000. But, the gift-tax "tax bite" on that money must have been quite large ... putting his real expenditures between $300,000,000 and $400,000,000. He would have HAD to be a billionaire to pull off this kind of generosity while, at the same time, remaining solvent himself. In fact, it could be said that maybe the show was canceled because Tipton had reached a point where he could no longer "afford" his own generosity (grin).
The one thing I've always wondered about the series (and never discussed anywhere as far as I know) is how much Michael Anthony's "salary" was. Anybody know?