Jerry of the Circus - Wanted Poster Spotted In Post Office

Summary

Podcast Summary

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: Jerry of the Circus – Wanted Poster Spotted In Post Office
Date: May 22, 2026
Host: Harold’s Old Time Radio

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Episode Overview

This episode transports listeners to the vibrant, close-knit world of a traveling circus, focusing on Jerry and his companions’ daily lives and adventures. The central storyline unfolds as Jerry, accompanied by friends Patsy and his dog Rags, visits the post office only to recognize a face on a wanted poster—a moment that hints at mystery and intrigue intruding upon the routine hustle of circus life. Notably, this story captures the warmth, camaraderie, and occasional tension inherent in Golden Age radio serials, blending slice-of-life moments with suspense.

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Key Discussion Points & Segments

1. Jerry’s Letter to Mr. Grayson

• [02:26 – 03:09]
  Jerry is seen finishing a letter to Mr. Grayson, fulfilling a previous promise to keep him updated, particularly about his father. Patsy arrives and offers to help mail the letter, leading to their plan to walk to the post office together.
  • Memorable Quote:
    • Jerry: “I just wrote a letter to Mr. Grayson, remember? I told him I’d write to him and tell him all about his father.” (03:00)

2. Last Night’s Circus Drama: Gertie the Elephant

• [03:41 – 04:59]
  Patsy brings up the incident with Gertie the elephant going wild. Jerry recounts how Zeke, a circus worker, allegedly put snuff in Gertie’s eyes, causing her distress and rage. Zeke has since disappeared, and his replacement sparks suspicion due to his nervous demeanor.
  • Notable Quote:
    • Jerry: “Olsen thinks Zeke put it in her eyes... because Zeke skipped the show. They haven’t been able to find him anywhere.” (03:58)
    • Patsy: “That’s a mean trick to torture Gertie that way. She’s such a nice old elephant, too.” (04:04)
  • The segment subtly builds a layer of suspicion and distrust, with a focus on justice within the circus community.

3. Animal Training and Circus Camaraderie

• [05:05 – 06:47]
  Jason, another circus performer, joins the group, discussing his ongoing efforts to keep animal cages secure after Gertie’s incident. The conversation shifts to training Fuzzy, a young lion cub, and the thrill of exciting and risky acts.
  • Notable Quotes & Moments:
    • Jerry: “Guess it would be awful if the lion or tiger got out and ran down the main street...” (05:36)
    • Patsy: “It’s funny how some young lions have more spunk than others. My father once told me of a lioness that was just as tame as a house cat all its life.” (06:22)
    • Jason: “But I prefer to work with the spunky ones. They put on a better show and after all, that’s what the audience wants to see.” (06:29)
  • The friendly banter among the cast underscores the family-like atmosphere of circus life.

4. At the Post Office: A Routine Errand Turns Suspenseful

• [08:05 – 10:00]
  The trio arrives at the post office. Jerry interacts with Mr. Bradley at the counter, buying a stamp and joking about stamp prices.
  • Mr. Bradley: "What’ll it be for you, son? Send your dog away parcel post?" (08:52)
  • Jerry: “No, sir, not him. I want a 3 cent stamp.” (08:56)
  • This segment is lighthearted until Jerry notices the wanted posters.

5. The Wanted Poster: Jerry Recognizes a Face

• [10:00 – 12:59]
  The tone shifts as Jerry notices a familiar face among the "criminals at large" posters. He becomes convinced he's seen one of the wanted men, Max Peters, although he can’t recall exactly where. Mr. Bradley encourages everyone to pay attention to these posters, highlighting the importance of public vigilance. Patsy is skeptical, yet Mr. Bradley insists their duty is to report such sightings.
  • Notable Quotes & Moments:
    • Jerry: “Look at this picture. I seen him someplace.” (10:16)
    • Mr. Bradley: “There’s a $500 reward for his capture. Let’s see what it says about him. Escaped convict Max Peters, scar in back of left ear.” (10:30)
    • Patsy: “Oh, Jerry, now how would you know him?” (10:47)
    • Mr. Bradley: “It’s best not to take this too lightly, Patsy. These posters are put up in places like this to help the police. And it’s our duty to look them over and be of assistance if we can.” (11:57)
    • Jerry: “I studied that picture real good. Now I’m going to try to remember where I saw that man.” (12:59)
  • This moment sows the seeds of a larger, possible mystery involving the circus and local crime.

6. Reflection and Family Atmosphere

• [07:39–08:05, 12:08–12:59]
  Conversation between Jerry and Patsy about life in the circus as being just like family.
  • Patsy: “You know, Jerry, he’s one of the nicest men I’ve ever trouped with.” (07:40)
  • Patsy: “It would be nice if Jerry would get that reward.” (12:38)

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Memorable Quotes & Moments

• On Circus Justice:

  • “Olsen thinks Zeke put it in her eyes... because Zeke skipped the show. They haven’t been able to find him anywhere.” — Jerry (03:58)
  • “Elephants are peaceful animals and they make wonderful friends, but just start to aggravate them and they can be dangerous enemies.” — Patsy (04:15)

• On Family-Like Camaraderie:

  • “That goes pretty much for every circus after the show is out on the road a few weeks and all the folks get to know each other just like one big family.” — Patsy (07:50)
  • “And even when new people join the show... it isn’t any time at all until you feel like you’ve known them all your life.” — Jerry (07:58)

• On Suspense at the Post Office:

  • “Look at this picture. I seen him someplace.” — Jerry (10:16)
  • “It’s best not to take this too lightly, Patsy... It’s our duty to look them over and be of assistance if we can.” — Mr. Bradley (11:57)
  • “I know I may be wrong, but I don’t think so. I could only remember.” — Jerry (11:17)

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Important Timestamps

| Time | Segment/Topic | |--------|-----------------------------------------------| | 02:26 | Jerry finishes letter for Mr. Grayson | | 03:41 | Discussion of Gertie the Elephant and Zeke | | 05:05 | Jason joins; discussion on animal training | | 07:50 | Camaraderie and circus as family | | 08:05 | Jerry and Patsy arrive at Post Office | | 10:00 | Jerry recognizes face on wanted poster | | 11:57 | Mr. Bradley insists on reporting criminals | | 12:59 | Jerry vows to remember where he saw suspect |

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Tone

The episode’s tone balances youthful curiosity and a strong sense of community with suspenseful undertones as the plot edges towards a potential mystery. The dialogue is warm, humorous, and authentic to the period, with a comforting sense of belonging and lighthearted banter interspersed with more earnest reflections on duty and justice.

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In Summary

This entry in the Jerry of the Circus series seamlessly weaves together the everyday joys and challenges of circus life with a tantalizing brush with criminal intrigue. Through lively dialogue and strong characters, listeners are swept into an era where every errand—like a visit to the post office—could spark an adventure. The episode ends on a cliffhanger of sorts, as Jerry commits to solving the mystery of the wanted man’s identity, keeping audiences eager for the next installment.

Transcript

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[Jason]

Jerry of the circus. Now for Jerry of the circus.

[Jerry]

There it is, Rags. All finished. Oh, I see. You want me to send your personal regard, too. Okay, now the envelope. Mr. Richard Grayson, Jackson City Trust and Savings Bank Building, Jackson City. Now what? Isn't that right? Oh, I see. It's Fancy. Hi, you Fancy.

[Patsy]

Hello, Jerry, old fellow.

[Jerry]

Is the show over already?

[Patsy]

You don't hear any music, do you?

[Jerry]

I was so busy I didn't pay any attention.

[Patsy]

What are you so busy with?

[Jerry]

I just wrote a letter to Mr. Grayson, remember? I. I told him I'd write to him and tell him all about his father.

[Patsy]

Good for you, Jerry.

[Jason]

See?

[Patsy]

Do you want me to mail the letter for you?

[Jerry]

Well, can I walk over with you?

[Patsy]

You surely can if you want to. Come on.

[Jerry]

Okay. Come on, Ray.

[Patsy]

I have to send some money home to Mother.

[Jerry]

Where is the post office, Patsy?

[Patsy]

Jim Bennett tells me he's just across the street from the back end of the lot. It'll only take us a minute to walk over there.

[Jerry]

Well, how did your new trick go today? I'm sorry, but I forgot to watch. I got so interested in writing this letter to Mr. Grace and I didn't even think.

[Patsy]

You didn't even remember that you were one of my best fans. I'm really ashamed of you, Jerry.

[Jerry]

Well, I won't forget tonight, though, honest. I won't take my eyes off you all the time you're up on the traffic.

[Patsy]

Oh, that's the boy. Well, Jerry, what do you know?

[Jerry]

Nothing.

[Patsy]

I heard you were in on all the excitement with Gertie this morning.

[Jerry]

Golly, wasn't that awful?

[Patsy]

Well, I didn't hear much about it. What all happened?

[Jerry]

Well, the reason Gertie went mad and ran around and acted so wild was because she had that pottered tobacco in her eyes.

[Patsy]

You mean snuff?

[Jerry]

Yeah. That burns something awful.

[Patsy]

Imagine it does.

[Jerry]

Olsen thinks Zeke put it in her eyes. It looks like he's right. Because Zeke skipped the show. They haven't been able to find him anywhere.

[Patsy]

Surely was a mean trick to torture Gertie that way. He's such a nice old elephant, too.

[Jerry]

Zeke's been teasing Gertie for a long time. And the other day when Gritty tipped that wagon over and pretty nearly got Zeke caught under, it made him pretty mad.

[Patsy]

Well, he had it coming. Elephants are peaceful animal and they make wonderful friends, but just start to aggravate them and they can be dangerous enemies.

[Jerry]

Olson said Zeke probably figured Gertie would appear as though she'd gone wild and turned into a killer, then have to be shot.

[Patsy]

I bet that's right. I just can't understand a man that would stoop so low.

[Jerry]

I guess he wasn't very important because it sure didn't take Mr. Murray long to fill his job.

[Patsy]

What do you mean, Jerry?

[Jerry]

He hired another man to take his place right away. Oh, the man that was hanging around looking for work.

[Patsy]

There's always plenty of men ready to join up with the circus. And every time we play.

[Jerry]

This man that took Zeke's place is sure funny, though. He acts kind of nervous and his eyes keep moving back and forth real fast.

[Patsy]

What do you make of that?

[Jerry]

I don't know.

[Patsy]

Oh, maybe he's just upset about getting a job. Most likely he's been out of work a long time.

[Jerry]

Maybe. Hey, look, there's Jason.

[Patsy]

Hello, Jason.

[Jerry]

Hiya.

[Mr. Bradley]

Well, hello.

[Patsy]

Wow. What are you doing?

[Jason]

Oh, just checking up in some of the cages with the carpenter here. Well, hello, Rags.

[Jerry]

I thought maybe you were building an ark.

[Jason]

I'll have to if you continue to fly me with jokes.

[Jerry]

No fooling, though. What are you doing?

[Jason]

Just what I said. I'm having the carpenter check up in some of the cages. We do that every once in a while, just to make sure they're good and strong.

[Patsy]

Did Gertie do any damage to them when she went on the rampage?

[Jason]

I don't know. That's one reason I'm having them looked at today. It's better to be safe than sorry.

[Jerry]

Guess it would be awful if the lion or tiger got out of his skate and got loose around the lot

[Patsy]

and then ran down the main street of the town.

[Jason]

I've heard of that happening a few times, but luckily it never happened to me.

[Jerry]

Greggs. Greggs, get away from that cage.

[Jason]

You better go get him, Jerry. He's barking at Fuzzy.

[Patsy]

I guess he'd like to get eaten

[Jerry]

with Fuzzy from hurting his leg now. Never mind. You and Fuzzy aren't gonna mix anymore. Yes, you heard me.

[Jason]

You're right, Jerry. Those two were never meant to be pals.

[Patsy]

Isn't Fuzzy growing fast? My Goodness, he just shoots up more every day.

[Jason]

He won't be a cub much longer.

[Jerry]

Have you taught him any more tricks?

[Jason]

Oh, a few. I've got him used to taking orders now.

[Jerry]

You mean without giving him some meat as a reward?

[Patsy]

Who said you thought he'd be so hard to manage? Do you still think so?

[Jason]

Yes, I do, Patsy. That little fella has a mind of his own.

[Jerry]

But he'll be a good performer when you finally get him trained, won't he?

[Mr. Bradley]

Yeah.

[Jason]

I think I can count on you and put on a good show all right.

[Patsy]

It's funny how some young lions have more spunk than others. You know, my father once told me of a lioness that was just as tame as a house cat all its life.

[Jason]

I've seen cats like that. But I prefer to work with the spunky ones. They put on a better show and after all, that's what the audience wants to see.

[Jerry]

Sure. If all your animals minded you and did all their tricks without fighting back there wouldn't be much to your act at all.

[Patsy]

I guess that's right.

[Jason]

It is right. Folks pay their money to see something exciting and dangerous in the steel. So that's what I try to give them.

[Jerry]

You put on a good show every time you go into the steel.

[Patsy]

Oh, don't tell him anymore, Jerry. He likes to hear things like that.

[Jason]

I suppose you don't like to hear something nice about your work.

[Jerry]

She sure does. When I tell her how good her act is, she smiles and her eyes sparkles and she even blushes.

[Jason]

There you are, young lady.

[Patsy]

You could give me away, Jerry.

[Jason]

What are you two heading for?

[Patsy]

Oh, Jerry and I are going over the post office.

[Jerry]

I'm going to mail this letter to Mr. Grayson.

[Jason]

Getting a letter off to Mr. Grayson like you promised. Did you send him my regards?

[Jerry]

Sure. I said everybody sends a regard.

[Jason]

Well, I guess that's good enough. That takes me in too.

[Patsy]

Let's get going, Jerry. We can't stand here all morning and tell Jason how good he is. He won't be able to work this afternoon.

[Jason]

Oh, I think I can take it.

[Patsy]

Okay, Jason. Come on, Jerry.

[Jerry]

You're right.

[Jason]

See you after a while.

[Patsy]

Okay. Well, goodbye, Jason the Great.

[Jerry]

Why do you kid Jason like you do, Patsy?

[Patsy]

Oh, I don't know. I like to. He's so good natured about being kidded.

[Jerry]

Yeah, he sure is swell.

[Patsy]

You know, Jerry, he's one of the nicest men I've ever trouped with.

[Jerry]

You know, everybody's nice in this circus.

[Patsy]

Yes, they are. But that goes pretty much for every

[Jerry]

circus after the show is out on

[Patsy]

the road a few weeks and all the folks get to know each other just like one big family.

[Jerry]

That's just the way I feel about it.

[Patsy]

Yes, you made a lot of friends, Jerry.

[Jerry]

And even when new people join the show, well, like the Bendinis, it isn't any time at all until you feel like you've known them all your life.

[Patsy]

Oh, look, Jerry. There's the post office across the street. Better watch, Rags. When we cross here, I'll pick him

[Jerry]

up and carry him. You're right. Oh, yep.

[Patsy]

Look at that pup jump into your arms. Oh, that's cute.

[Jerry]

He likes to be carried across the street. And do you know, he'll never cross the street by himself.

[Patsy]

Well, here we are.

[Jerry]

Down you go, boy. Nice looking post office, isn't it?

[Patsy]

Surely is for a town this size. Go ahead, Jerry. You open the door. You're the gentleman, you know.

[Jerry]

Okay, ladies first.

[Patsy]

Thank you, sir. I'll go over to the money order window. You better get a stamp for your letter.

[Jerry]

Okay.

[Mr. Bradley]

What'll it be for you, son? Send your dog away parcel post.

[Jerry]

No, sir, not him. I want a 3 cent stamp.

[Mr. Bradley]

All right. Here you are.

[Jerry]

Thank you. Where's the mailbox?

[Mr. Bradley]

Well, I'll take the letter right here.

[Jerry]

What's the matter, Rags? Hello, Mr. Bradley. Hello.

[Mr. Bradley]

Well, hello, Jerry, my boy. And Rags, old fellow, what are you doing at the post office? Is there a sale on stamps? Why, that's funny. I heard they were selling three cent stamps. Two for six cents.

[Jerry]

They are?

[Mr. Bradley]

You bet. Why, it's a real bargain.

[Jerry]

Two for six. Aw, I sure didn't. There's Patsy over there. Hey, look who's here. Patsy.

[Patsy]

Hello, Johnny.

[Mr. Bradley]

Greetings, Ms. Patsy.

[Patsy]

Looks like the post office is getting a lot of business from the circus.

[Mr. Bradley]

Yes, it does.

[Patsy]

Oh, say, excuse me a second. I gotta mail this letter.

[Mr. Bradley]

Well, of course, Ms. Patsy.

[Jerry]

Look, Mr. Bradley, all those pictures on the wall here.

[Mr. Bradley]

Yes. Why, those are pictures of criminals at large, Jerry.

[Jerry]

Criminals at large?

[Mr. Bradley]

Yes, sir. You see this one? It says, wanted for grand larceny. And then it gives a description of the man. 5ft 9 inches tall, weight 185 pounds, gray hair, age about.

[Patsy]

Look.

[Jerry]

Look at this picture. I seen him someplace.

[Mr. Bradley]

Which one is it, J?

[Jerry]

Right here.

[Mr. Bradley]

Well, you think you know who this is?

[Jerry]

I wouldn't be sure, but he sure looks like someone I've seen someplace.

[Mr. Bradley]

There's a $500 reward for his capture. Let's see what it says about him. Escaped convict Max Peters, scar in back of left ear.

[Patsy]

Are you ready to go back to the lot, Jerry?

[Jerry]

Wait a minute, Patsy.

[Mr. Bradley]

Jerry thinks he knows who this man is, Patsy.

[Patsy]

What? Well, that's a criminal. It says he just recently escaped from State's prison. Oh, Jerry. Now how would you know him?

[Jerry]

Well, I don't know, but I'm pretty sure I've seen him someplace.

[Mr. Bradley]

Five feet seven inches tall, thin brown hair, blue eyes, 140 pounds.

[Patsy]

It says he served four years of a 20 year sentence. Oh, it's absolutely impossible, Jerry. You've never seen him. He most likely just looks like someone you've seen.

[Jerry]

I know I may be wrong, but I don't think so. I could only remember.

[Mr. Bradley]

Now, it would be very much worth your while with that $500 reward on his head.

[Jerry]

Does that mean that if I can tell the police where I've seen him or where he is now, I'll get the reward?

[Mr. Bradley]

Exactly.

[Patsy]

Come on, Jerry, you're always playing detective.

[Jerry]

Now wait a minute, Patsy. Wait till I see what else it says about him.

[Mr. Bradley]

But that's all there is. Jerry, I. No, wait. It says he's left handed and has a sallow complexion. Well, that's not much information to track a man down with.

[Jerry]

I don't know what it is about his face, but I'm sure I know who he is.

[Mr. Bradley]

It's best not to take this too lightly, Patsy. These posters are put up in places like this to help the police. And it's our duty to look them over and be of assistance if we can.

[Patsy]

Well, I never looked at it that way before. I guess you're right, John.

[Mr. Bradley]

All these men at some time or other are captured and put behind bars. And many times their capture is effected by some alert person who has made a mental note of these posters and then has seen the wanted man and tipped off the police.

[Jerry]

Well, I can't think of who it is now, but I'm gonna keep trying.

[Mr. Bradley]

That's the boy, Jerry. Well, ready to go now, huh?

[Jerry]

Come on, rag here, boy.

[Patsy]

It would be nice if Jerry would get that reward.

[Mr. Bradley]

It would be nice for anyone to get it. You know, it's very generous of the authorities to offer such large sums of money for the little assistance they ask.

[Jerry]

I think it's fun playing detective.

[Mr. Bradley]

It is fun, Jerry. He sharpens your mind too.

[Patsy]

Well then, now you've got something to work on that's really worthwhile.

[Jerry]

I studied that picture real good. Now I'm going to try to remember where I saw that man. Ram,

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[Patsy]

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[Patsy]

Yeah, the bird looks out of your league.

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[Mr. Bradley]

Liberty. Liberty.

[Patsy]

Liberty. Liberty.