Jerry of the Circus 37-07-02 -005- Jason Pays the Twenty Two Dollars

Summary

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Podcast Summary: “Jerry of the Circus 37-07-02 -005- Jason Pays the Twenty Two Dollars”

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Date: November 15, 2025
Episode Focus: Golden Age radio drama episode – Jerry of the Circus: Jason Pays the Twenty Two Dollars

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Episode Overview

This episode of Jerry of the Circus follows young Jerry Dugan, who finds himself in trouble with the law after being accused of skipping out on a lodging bill. The heart of the story revolves around loyalty, friendship, and the value of found family, as Jason, Jerry’s circus friend, goes to great lengths to help clear Jerry’s name and reunite him with the circus—and his beloved dog, Rags. The tension unfolds during a race against time, with the threat of Jerry being sent to an orphanage unless the debt is paid and charges dropped before the circus leaves town.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Beats

1. Jerry’s Dilemma at the Police Station

• [01:06–03:15]

  • Officers discuss how tough it is to see “a nice enough kid” like Jerry behind bars.
  • The officers recap the circumstances: Jerry is suspected of running away and owing a boarding house bill, thanks to a report from Mrs. O'Brien.

• Sergeant: “I sure hate to lock up a youngster like that.” (02:46)

• Officer Rooney: “It was pretty good story he told. Yeah, not quite good enough.” (03:12)

2. Jason’s Arrival and Plea

• [03:20–05:18]

  • Jason, from the Randall Brothers Circus, arrives looking for Jerry, explaining that the boy is now part of the circus family and crucial to their plans.
  • Jason negotiates with the sergeant, eager to resolve the situation before their train leaves, and suggests paying Jerry’s debt if the complainant drops charges.

• Jason: “Supposing you had a son and he was in trouble, but some responsible people wanted to take care of him. Now, if I pay the bill and this woman agrees over the phone to withdraw the charges, well, she won't have any reason to hold him.” (05:01)

3. Negotiating with Mrs. O’Brien

• [05:18–06:46]

  • The sergeant reluctantly calls Mrs. O'Brien in the middle of the night to negotiate.
  • Mrs. O'Brien agrees to drop charges if she is paid.

• Sergeant: “All right, then. Come down in the morning, sign the release, and I'll turn the money over to you. And thank you. Mrs. O' Brien hung up on me. He's a nice customer. Good work.” (06:35)

4. The Race Against Time—and a Heartfelt Reunion

• [06:46–10:16]

  • Jason pays the $22, and Jerry is released. They race to make the circus train in the nick of time.
  • Jerry fears leaving without Rags, his faithful dog, but is overjoyed to learn Rags is safe.
  • The reunion between Jerry and Rags is emotional, underscoring the theme of loyalty.

• Jerry Dugan: “But I can't go, Jason. Not without Rags. I'd sooner go to the orphanage, but—”

• Jason: “Jerry, I found Rags! I found him!” (07:08–07:15)

• Patsy: “Look at that dog run.” (09:43)

• Jerry Dugan: “Rags, you crazy little mutt. I was afraid I'd never see you again.” (09:44)

• Jason (joking): “I'm sure that boy doesn't like that dog much.” (09:54)

5. A Restless Night and Hints at Suspense

• [10:24–13:36]

  • Jerry settles into the sleeper car, too excited to sleep after his whirlwind day.
  • Patsy assures Jerry that a letter has been sent to her father about Jerry’s uncle, offering hope for further reunion and stability.

• Patsy: “You should be excited. You join a circus, put your dog in an act and help put out a fire. Lose your dog and get in jail all in one day.” (10:39)

• The episode ends with Lorenz and Decker, two suspicious individuals from the circus, discussing a plan involving weapons and the office wagon, hinting at intrigue and trouble ahead—a cliffhanger that leaves listeners eager for the next episode.

• Lorenz: “Everything will work out if… we are careful and follow the plan. Now, tomorrow is payday. Bennett will bring money to the office wagon as usual. Here’s what we do…” (12:39–13:04)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Jason’s Loyalty:
  “Any boy that likes his dog that much must have something pretty real way down deep.” – Jason (07:59)

• Jerry on Rags:
  “He never eats anything unless I give it to him. Dad and I train him like that.” (07:39)

• Patsy on Jerry’s Eventful Day:
  “You join a circus, put your dog in an act and help put out a fire. Lose your dog and get in jail all in one day.” (10:39)

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Key Timestamps

• 01:06 – Start of drama: Officers discuss Jerry’s predicament.
• 03:20 – Jason’s arrival at the station.
• 05:01 – Jason pleads for understanding and suggests paying the bill.
• 06:33 – Mrs. O'Brien agrees over the phone to drop charges.
• 06:54 – Jason pays Jerry’s board bill ($22).
• 07:15 – Jason tells Jerry he found Rags.
• 09:36 – Jerry’s reunion with Rags.
• 10:39 – Patsy sums up Jerry's extraordinary day.
• 12:39 – Lorenz and Decker plot the payroll heist.

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Tone and Style

The episode carries a warm, nostalgic, yet suspenseful tone typical of Golden Age radio dramas. Themes of trust, redemption, and belonging are front and center, interwoven with a dose of adventure and set-up for future intrigue.

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Conclusion

This episode delivers classic radio excitement, heartfelt moments, and a touch of mystery. Jerry’s struggles and triumphs are underscored by the loyalty of circus friends, as well as the devotion of his dog Rags. The closing plot thread involving Lorenz and Decker’s scheming promises more trouble on the horizon—ensuring listeners will tune in for the next installment.

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Transcript

[Podcast Host]

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[Officer Rooney]

Jerry of the Circus. Now for Jerry of the Circus. Well, Sergeant, the boy's locked up for the night, but I doubt if he'll sleep much. Taking it pretty hard. Poor kid.

[Sergeant]

I sure hate to lock up a youngster like that.

[Officer Rooney]

Yeah, seems like a nice enough kid, too.

[Sergeant]

Bad business, though, letting a young boy like that loose on the streets at night.

[Officer Rooney]

Sure was funny how he kept insisting he belonged to the circus. I almost believed him.

[Sergeant]

Might have believed him myself if I hadn't remembered that report.

[Officer Rooney]

Yeah, that o' Brien woman sure described him. I guess he's the boy she's looking for, all right.

[Sergeant]

He was probably hoping to skip with the circus when it pulls out tonight.

[Officer Rooney]

Poor kid. It was a pretty good story he told.

[Sergeant]

Yeah, not quite good enough. Hello.

[Jason]

Are you the sergeant?

[Sergeant]

Yes, sir.

[Jason]

Jason's my name. I'm with the Randall Brothers Circus. I'm looking for one of our boys. Can't seem to find him anywhere, and our train leaves in just 20 minutes. Can you give me some help?

[Sergeant]

What kind of a boy? What's his name?

[Jason]

He's just a youngster. His name's Jerry Dugan.

[Sergeant]

Jerry Dugan?

[Lorenz]

Yeah.

[Jason]

Have you seen him?

[Sergeant]

Seen him? We got him locked up.

[Jason]

Locked up for what? What's he done?

[Sergeant]

Well, we're not sure that he's done anything, but Officer Rooney here picked him up a little while ago. He was roaming around town whistling for his dog.

[Jason]

Well, there's no harm in that, is there?

[Sergeant]

No, but I checked through the missing persons files and finds he answered the description of a boy. A woman has preferred charges against a Mrs. O'. Brien.

[Jason]

Charges against Jerry? For what?

[Sergeant]

Seems he disappeared or in a board bill.

[Jason]

Oh, but the boy belongs with the circus now.

[Sergeant]

Yeah, that's what he said.

[Jason]

But he just joined us today. Mr. Randall, the owner of the circus, can vouch for him.

[Jerry Dugan]

He.

[Jason]

He was a great friend of the boy's father. That's why Randall took Jerry on. Gee, it's late. We've got to make that train.

[Sergeant]

Sorry, but I guess you'll have to stay locked up for the night.

[Jason]

Listen, Sergeant, can I see the boy? Just for a minute. I want to make sure he's the right one.

[Sergeant]

Well, all right. Tom, bring Jerry Dugan in here.

[Officer Rooney]

Yes, sir.

[Jason]

Now, listen, Sergeant, exactly what is the complaint against this boy?

[Sergeant]

Well, this Mrs. O' Brien claims he owes her for a couple of weeks. Board and room. Seems she's been trying to get the authorities to find him for the idea of putting him in an orphanage.

[Jason]

Orphanage? Jerry. Listen, Sergeant, if I pay the bill in cash.

[Sergeant]

Well, we'll see when it comes up in court tomorrow.

[Jason]

But we've got that catch that train in, good heavens, 15 minutes.

[Sergeant]

Sorry, but I guess I can't help you.

[Jason]

But if you'd call this woman on.

[Sergeant]

The Phone now at 3 o' clock in the morning.

[Jason]

Oh, I know it's irregular.

[Sergeant]

Irregular? It's crazy, Sergeant.

[Jason]

Supposing you had a son and he was in trouble, but some responsible people wanted to take care of him. Now, if I pay the bill and this woman agrees over the phone to withdraw the charges, well, she won't have any reason to hold him.

[Sergeant]

It sounds simple, but at this hour.

[Jason]

Please, Sergeant, it may mean a real future for the boy. I know it's asking a lot, but.

[Sergeant]

It sure is. But by golly, I'll try. Now, where's her phone number? Now, let me see. I got it right here somewhere.

[Officer Rooney]

Here he is, Sergeant.

[Jerry Dugan]

Jason. Jason.

[Jason]

Jerry Dugan, you monkey. What kind of a mess have you gotten yourself into now?

[Jerry Dugan]

Well, I was just looking for rags. I had to find him before we left town. I was heading for where we used to live and, well, this policeman arrested me.

[Jason]

Gosh, look at the time. How about it, Sergeant?

[Sergeant]

I don't know. Phone's ringing. But she's probably so sound asleep that. Oh, hello. Hello there, Mrs. O'. Brien. Yeah, just a minute. Mrs. O'. Brien, this is the police station. Yeah, I'm sorry to disturb you at this hour, but we've picked up the boy that you preferred charges against, and. Well, I. Yes, but. Well, now, just a minute, please. Now, there's a man down here who wants to pay the boy's bill, but he's leaving town by train in 15 minutes. Yeah, he says he won't pay the bill, though. And unless you agree to withdraw the charges so he can take the boy with him. I say he refuses to pay the money unless you're willing to withdraw the charges. Yes, cash.

[Officer Rooney]

You agree?

[Sergeant]

All right, then. Come down in the morning, sign the release, and I'll turn the money over to you. And thank you. Mrs. O' Brien hung up on me. He's a nice customer. Good work.

[Jason]

What's the amount, Sergeant?

[Sergeant]

Well, now, let me see. Yeah. Well, here it is. Two weeks, room and board, $22.

[Jason]

22. Okay, sergeant. Here you are.

[Sergeant]

5 and 5 and 10 is 20 and 2 is 22. All right, sir.

[Jason]

Thanks, Sergeant. You've done this boy a favor he'll never forget. Come on, Jerry, quick.

[Sergeant]

Think you'll make the train?

[Jason]

We've got to.

[Jerry Dugan]

But. But I can't go, Jason. Not without Rags. I. I'd sooner go to the orphanage, but.

[Jason]

Jerry, I found Rags. I found him. You.

[Jerry Dugan]

You found him?

[Sergeant]

Sure. Where?

[Jason]

Patsy took him down to the train. He's there now. Come on, quick.

[Sergeant]

Oh, good luck, Jerry.

[Jerry Dugan]

Goodbye, Sergeant. Thanks.

[Jason]

Only a few minutes. We've got to make that train.

[Jerry Dugan]

Is Rags okay? He didn't get hurt, did he?

[Jason]

No, he's all right. Here's the cab, Jerry. Hop in, driver. Back to the station and step on it.

[Jerry Dugan]

Yes, sir.

[Jason]

Yeah, Rags is okay, but he must be kind of sick. Tried to feed him several times, but he wouldn't eat.

[Jerry Dugan]

Of course not. He. He never eats anything unless I give it to him. Dad and I train him like that.

[Jason]

Oh, and that accounts for it. I never saw a dog that wouldn't eat if you offered it some meat.

[Jerry Dugan]

Where was he, Jason? Where'd you find him?

[Jason]

He was having the time of his life digging around there. Those ashes after the fire.

[Jerry Dugan]

Oh, gee whiz. And I looked all over for him. I'm sorry I caused you so much trouble.

[Jason]

Forget it, Jerry. Any boy that likes his dog that much must have something pretty real way down deep.

[Jerry Dugan]

Sam. Gee, Jason, you think we'll make it in time?

[Jason]

Sure, Jerry. Sure we will. We've got to.

[Officer Rooney]

Here's the station.

[Jason]

There you are. Keep the change.

[Officer Rooney]

Thank you, sir.

[Jason]

Quick, Jerry, we'll have to run for it.

[Jerry Dugan]

Yeah, I. I don't think I can make it.

[Jason]

You've got to. Here we are.

[Lorenz]

Give me a hand.

[Jason]

Come on, hop up. There you go. Just in time, huh, boy?

[Jerry Dugan]

Gee, thanks, Jason. I.

[Jason]

Come on, let's get inside.

[Sergeant]

Well, you.

[Jason]

You turned out to be quite a sprinter after all. Jerry.

[Jerry Dugan]

Jerry.

[Patsy]

Jason, I was afraid you missed the train, not us.

[Jerry Dugan]

Hello, Patsy. Where's Rags? You got him.

[Patsy]

I surely have. He's down at the end of the car.

[Jerry Dugan]

Gee, Rags. Rags.

[Patsy]

Look at that dog run.

[Jerry Dugan]

Rags, you crazy little mutt. See, I was afraid I'd never see you again.

[Patsy]

You know, Jason, I do think that dog likes that boy.

[Jason]

I'm sure that boy doesn't like that dog much.

[Jerry Dugan]

Rags, if you ever go up like that again, I'll. Oh, is that so? You don't say. Oh, no.

[Patsy]

If your face wasn't clean, Jerry, it certainly should be by now.

[Jason]

Rags, stop licking his face.

[Jerry Dugan]

You see, he feels just like I do. You do see that I couldn't leave him, don't you?

[Patsy]

Of course we do, Jerry. It's pretty late, though. Don't you think you'd better get some sleep? Remember, we've got to get up bright and early.

[Jerry Dugan]

Where am I supposed to sleep?

[Jason]

Randall said you were to bunk me in with Lawrence and Decca. They have compartment B down there at the end of the car.

[Patsy]

Yes, and they're probably in bed already.

[Jason]

Guess you'd better turn in, Jerry.

[Jerry Dugan]

Aw, gee, can't I sit up a while and talk? Golly, I'm so excited. I'm sure I can't sleep yet.

[Patsy]

You should be excited. You join a circus, put your dog in an act and help put out a fire. Lose your dog and get in jail all in one day.

[Jason]

Well, it's been a big enough day for me. I'm turning in.

[Patsy]

Excuse me. The sandman is certainly calling me. Well, see you in the morning. Oh, say, Jerry.

[Jerry Dugan]

Yeah?

[Patsy]

I mailed that letter to dad and asked him if he knew anything about your uncle.

[Jerry Dugan]

Oh, you did? Gee, thanks, Patsy. Good night. Good night, Jerry.

[Patsy]

Good night, Jason.

[Lorenz]

Night, Patsy.

[Jason]

Well, Jerry, we're on our way. It'll be another year before we play Midvale again. Guess you're not sorry to leave, are you?

[Lorenz]

No.

[Jerry Dugan]

I'm glad. I was awful lonesome after dad died.

[Jason]

I know, but time is a great healer. And you're going to find a lot of happiness, Jerry. You've got a big life ahead of you.

[Jerry Dugan]

Here comes Lorenz.

[Jason]

So he wasn't in his room.

[Jerry Dugan]

Stop growling, Legs. I never knew him to growl at anyone like that before. Rags see him growling at me again.

[Lorenz]

I thought we had good riddance I this dog. So you found the kid too?

[Jason]

Yeah, found him just in time to make the train.

[Lorenz]

Well, I turn in now.

[Jerry Dugan]

Well, I'll be in soon.

[Lorenz]

Don't hobby on my account. Where is this?

[Jason]

Boom.

[Lorenz]

E, D, C, B. Here it is. This is my own. Decker. Decker, what you doing with that gun out?

[Officer Rooney]

I don't know.

[Lorenz]

I told you to keep your hands off that gun.

[Officer Rooney]

I'm sorry, I.

[Lorenz]

That boy will be in any moment. But you got a craving for guns. You get us in trouble yet?

[Officer Rooney]

I'm sorry, Lorenz, I'm just looking at it. It's a fine pistol.

[Lorenz]

It will serve the purpose if it is not discovered before we have a.

[Jason]

Chance to use it.

[Lorenz]

Here, I put it away.

[Officer Rooney]

It won't happen again.

[Lorenz]

It better not. I guess I hide it from the baby who likes to play with cot. Now listen, Decker. Get this straight before the kid comes in. Everything will work out if.

[Officer Rooney]

If what?

[Lorenz]

If we are careful and follow the plan. Now, tomorrow is payday. Yes. Bennett will bring money to the office wagon as usual. Yes. Here's what we do. I file the lock from the office wagon. Then I go inside and wait for it. You watch outside and went stifled. Dare not knock her. Well, I. Snooping at the door, huh? What do you hear?

[Jerry Dugan]

Nothing. I just came in. I didn't hear anything, honest.

[Officer Rooney]

He wasn't snooping. Lorenz. How are you? Jerry, Will and Rag. Glad they found you.

[Jerry Dugan]

Thanks, Decker. I guess I better get to bed.

[Officer Rooney]

There's your bunk over there.

[Jerry Dugan]

Come on, rags, up you go. I haven't got any pajamas. Guess I'll have to sleep in my shirt tonight. Well, good night.

[Officer Rooney]

Good night, Jerry. Have a good sleep.

[Jerry Dugan]

Oh, this bed feels good.