Jerry of the Circus - A Bet for Dan

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: Jerry of the Circus – A Bet for Dan
Date: May 17, 2026

---

Overview

This episode of "Jerry of the Circus" centers around the daily happenings and camaraderie among the circus family. The focus is on Uncle Dan’s ambitions to return to Africa on a wild animal expedition, a stroke of good fortune for circus member Patsy, and Uncle Dan's efforts to help improve circus operations. The tone remains lighthearted, with a hallmark sense of warmth, curiosity, and gentle humor running through the conversation.

---

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Uncle Dan’s Plans to Return to Africa (02:40–04:14)

• Jerry hesitantly asks Uncle Dan if he’s considering going back to hunting wild animals in Africa.
• Dan expresses a strong desire to return and shares that he's already contacted zoos regarding potential animal orders. He explains the immense logistical and financial challenges involved.
• Insight: The conversation highlights both the adventurous spirit of circus folk and the realities of mounting such an expedition.

“You know, taking an expedition into the jungle requires months of planning and preparation.”
— Dan Dugan (03:23)

---

2. Patsy’s Unexpected Inheritance (04:44–06:02)

• Bumps shares news that Patsy, a fellow circus member, has come into a significant inheritance from a distant relative.
• The group speculates on how this windfall might affect Patsy and whether she will stay with the circus.
• Bumps reassures everyone that circuses are in Patsy's blood and predicts she won't let money change her.

“Oh, I don’t think Patsy’s the kind to let that go to her head. … She wouldn’t be happy anywhere else on earth.”
— Bumps (05:49)

---

3. Jason’s Glum Mood and Thoughts on Money (06:13–09:33)

• Jason arrives looking downcast.
• The group immediately notices his mood, which seems in contrast to usual.
• Jerry and Bumps speculate Jason is uncomfortable because he doesn't want Patsy to think he’s only interested in her now that she’s come into money.
• They discuss the nuances of pride, independence, and relationships within the close-knit circus.

“He’s very independent, and he’s a little headstrong. I think the thing that’s worrying him is the fact that he doesn’t want Patsy to think he’s a fortune hunter.”
— Bumps (09:13)

---

4. Uncle Dan’s Circus Improvement Challenge (10:05–13:07)

• Dan must find a way to save the circus money for Mr. Randall, the manager, for rewards like a new suit.
• Bumps suggests investigating the circus's ticket pass system. Store owners receive free passes for advertising, but this often results in fewer seats for paying customers.
• The trio discuss multiple possible solutions but realize every idea has trade-offs, especially for those unable to attend daytime shows.

“If you can figure out a way that the cash customers won’t be turned down and still the folks with passes won’t lose out either, then you’ll have it solved.”
— Jerry (12:18)

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Dan on Expeditions:

“You know, taking an expedition into the jungle requires months of planning and preparation.”
(03:23)

Bumps on Patsy’s Character:

“She wouldn’t be happy anywhere else on earth.”
(05:49)

Bumps Diagnosing Jason:

“He doesn’t want Patsy to think he’s a fortune hunter.”
(09:13)

Jerry’s Earnest Offer:

“Why, you’d loan it to your uncle so he could go out on a big game expedition. … I would. That’s just what I do.”
— Dan/Jerry (06:02–06:09)

Problem-Solving Spirit:

“If you can figure out a way that the cash customers won’t be turned down and still the folks with passes won’t lose out either, then you’ll have it solved.”
— Jerry (12:18)

Circus Family Camaraderie:

“Yeah, it’s fun talking about it anyway.”
— Jerry (08:31)

---

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 02:09–04:14: Discussion of Dan’s desire to return to Africa
• 04:44–06:02: Revelation and talk about Patsy’s inheritance
• 06:13–09:33: Jason’s mood and deeper discussion about relationships and money
• 10:05–13:07: Uncle Dan’s assignment to improve circus finances and internal brainstorm

---

Tone and Language

The episode’s exchanges are warm, familial, and characterized by gentle teasing, genuine care, and a can-do circus spirit. Listeners feel the strong personal bonds among the characters and their shared love for circus life.

---

Summary

This installment of "Jerry of the Circus" explores the intersection of aspiration, change, and community in circus life. It deftly weaves themes of adventure, friendship, and resourcefulness, offering a nostalgic slice of the golden age of radio storytelling.

Transcript

[SpinQuest Announcer]

Forget everything you had planned for this weekend because you are sitting on your couch and winning from the comfort of your own home. I'm here with spinquest where you can play hundreds of slot games, all the table games you love, and you could even win real cash prizes. New users 30 coin packs are on sale for [e-mail] SpinQuest is a free to play social casino void where prohibited. Visit spinquest.com for more details.

[Dan Dugan]

Jerry of the circus. Now for Jerry of the circus. Hello, Jerry.

[Jerry]

Oh, good morning, Uncle Dan.

[Dan Dugan]

Hello, Rags old fella. You're kind of glad to see me too, aren't you?

[Jerry]

Sure he is. And I guess that goes for almost everybody with the circus.

[Dan Dugan]

Oh, I did get a grand welcome and it's good to be back, Jerry.

[Jerry]

Come on, sit down on the steps here, huh?

[Dan Dugan]

This is all you have to do?

[Jerry]

Uh huh. Until mat knee.

[Dan Dugan]

Oh, that's right. You're a performer now. Say, where's Bumps?

[Jerry]

I don't know. I haven't seen him since breakfast. I guess he's around in one of the other wagons visiting maybe with Slats and Hooligan. Why?

[Dan Dugan]

Oh, no special reason. I was just wondering where he was.

[Jerry]

Uncle Dan?

[Dan Dugan]

Yes, Jerry?

[Jerry]

Well, I guess it's none of my business, but.

[Dan Dugan]

Well, come on, come on, out with it. What's on your mind?

[Jerry]

Well, I was just gonna ask you if you're ever going back hunting wild animals.

[Dan Dugan]

Why did you hesitate asking me that? After all, Jerry, you and I are pretty close. We're the last of the Dugans, you know.

[Jerry]

Well, are you?

[Dan Dugan]

You mean going back to the jungle?

[Jerry]

Yeah.

[Dan Dugan]

Yes, yes, I want to, Jerry. I want it very much. I've already sent some letters off to a few zoos asking them if they're in the market for any jungle beasts.

[Jerry]

You did?

[Dan Dugan]

Yes, sir.

[Jerry]

Then as soon as you get some orders for lions and tigers and animals like that, you'll be starting off to Africa, huh?

[Dan Dugan]

Well, there's a little bit more to it than that, Jerry. It's not quite that easy.

[Jerry]

Well, what else is there to do? You just gotta pack up what you need and leave.

[Dan Dugan]

I only wish it was that simple, Jerry. You know, taking an expedition into the jungle requires months of planning and preparation.

[Jerry]

Gee, it does, huh?

[Dan Dugan]

Yes, sir. It's a big job. It's not like taking a train ride across the country.

[Jerry]

Oh, I know that. I suppose you have to buy certain things and take along and figure how long you're gonna stay and everything.

[Dan Dugan]

That's it. Exactly. That's what takes the time. But time Is not the only factor. You must remember it takes plenty of money.

[Jerry]

Gee, I never thought of that.

[Dan Dugan]

That should have been your first thought. The equipment such as traps, ammunition, food supplies and clothing run into thousands of dollars, let alone the transportation costs, which amount to thousands more.

[Jerry]

Maybe you could get a loan from somebody if you promised to give them the money back when you sold the animals you brought back.

[Dan Dugan]

Well, that's about the only thing I can do, Jerry. But the big problem is to find someone with enough money to go into a big deal of that.

[Jerry]

No, I'm not rank.

[Dan Dugan]

Oh, it's. It's Bumps, Jerry.

[Jerry]

Oh, hi you, Bumps.

[Bumps]

Well, hello there.

[Jerry]

Where you been?

[Bumps]

Oh, just been over talking to Jim Bennett. You got to keep on friendly terms with the paymaster, you know. How are you, Dan?

[Dan Dugan]

Fine, Bumps, fine.

[Bumps]

Oh, rags, old boy. Didn't mean to slight you. Well, how's it seem to be back then?

[Dan Dugan]

Just like coming home, Bumps.

[Bumps]

Yeah, that's the way I feel about the circus. About the only home I've ever known.

[Jerry]

What did Jim Bennett have to say? He usually has the latest news when anything is happening.

[Bumps]

Gee, now, I'm glad you remind. I heard something pretty fine.

[Jerry]

You did? What is it?

[Dan Dugan]

Yeah, sit down. Tell us about it. There's room for one more here in the steps.

[Bumps]

Don't mind if I do. When you get along to my age, sitting down's a lot better than standing. Why, it's about Patsy.

[Jerry]

What about her?

[Bumps]

Well, no, wait just a minute, Jerry. Not so fast. It seems that she's come into some very fine luck.

[Dan Dugan]

Good for her. Yep.

[Bumps]

Seems her godmother or some distant aunt or something. I didn't get it straight, but whoever it was left Patsy a good sized fortune.

[Dan Dugan]

Why?

[Bumps]

Yep, that's what Jim tells me. He said some fellow from some law firm got in touch with Patsy to make sure she was the right person.

[Dan Dugan]

Well, that sounds like they mean business.

[Bumps]

Yep. She signed some papers and she said to sign some more when we get to Harper City. That's where the law firm that's handling the case is located.

[Jerry]

We play Harper City pretty soon, don't we?

[Bumps]

Yeah, just a few more towns up the line.

[Dan Dugan]

How much money will she get, Bumps?

[Bumps]

Well, Jim didn't seem to know that. As a matter of fact, the fellow didn't tell Patsy exactly except that it amounted to several or many thousand dollars.

[Dan Dugan]

Lucky girl. We'll have an heiress among us now.

[Jerry]

Yeah, she stays with the circus, but with all that money, it's hard to say what she'll do.

[Bumps]

Oh, I don't think Patch is the kind to let that go to her head. Besides, she's very much like us. The circus is in her blood. Why, she wouldn't be happy anywhere else on earth.

[Dan Dugan]

I guess you're right there, Bumps.

[Jerry]

I wonder what I'd do if I got a lot of money.

[Dan Dugan]

Why, you'd loan it to your uncle so he could go out on a big game expedition.

[Jerry]

That's right. You're not fooling. I would. That's just what I do.

[Bumps]

Atta boy, Jerry.

[Jerry]

Hiya, Jason.

[Bumps]

Hello, Jason. Morning.

[Jason]

Hello, Dan.

[Dan Dugan]

Morning, Jason.

[Bumps]

Well, what's up? Why the long face, boy? You look like you just lost your last friend.

[Jerry]

You do look kind of sad. Hey, what's the matter?

[Jason]

Oh, it's nothing.

[Bumps]

Oh, come on now. Don't try to fool us. You're not your cheerful self this fine morning.

[Jason]

It's just one of those days, Bumps.

[Bumps]

Oh, say, did you hear about your girlfriend? I mean, did you hear about Patsy having all that good luck?

[Jason]

Yeah, I just heard about it from Bennett.

[Dan Dugan]

Jim must be telling everybody in the circus. He's probably more excited than Patsy is.

[Bumps]

You don't seem very happy about it, Jason.

[Jason]

Oh, I'm happy for Patsy. Naturally I would be. I think it's great. But sometimes money makes a. Oh, well, let's not talk about it, Jason.

[Dan Dugan]

How are your animals? I haven't had a chance to get over and see them as yet.

[Jason]

Fine, fine, Dan. I haven't got a bad cat in the lot.

[Dan Dugan]

You wouldn't be in the market for a couple of rare Bengal tigers, would you?

[Jason]

Not this season, but I might next year. Why?

[Jerry]

Oh, Uncle Dan is taking orders, so if he goes to Africa, he can get you the animals you need.

[Jason]

Figuring on going out? Out for big game.

[Dan Dugan]

That's about all, Jason. Just figuring.

[Bumps]

Oh, you'll get back in your stride again, Dan. Just takes time, that's all.

[Jerry]

I'd sure like to go with you if you ever go back to Africa.

[Dan Dugan]

You would, huh?

[Jerry]

Huh.

[Dan Dugan]

Well, Jerry, I don't think that would be the place for a boy.

[Jason]

It's pretty strenuous, Jerry.

[Jerry]

Oh, I don't care. I bet I wouldn't be afraid.

[Bumps]

It's more than just bravery. Takes strength and lots of it.

[Dan Dugan]

You said something there, Bumps. It's no sense plodding through swamps day after day, sometimes shoulder deep, Then running out of fresh water and hoping to find more. Then trekking across hot sand with the sun beating down until you think you can't stand it another hour.

[Jerry]

Is it that bad?

[Dan Dugan]

And then some, Jerry.

[Jerry]

Oh, I don't care. I'd still like to go.

[Bumps]

Oh, well, there's a boy for you.

[Jason]

I don't blame you, Jerry. I think it'd be pretty exciting, too.

[Jerry]

Exciting and interesting. Especially watching those big wild animals being trapped and captured.

[Jason]

I'll bet you'd pitch right in and help, wouldn't you?

[Jerry]

Sure I would.

[Jason]

Well, sir, if I were going on a big game hunt, I'd take you along, Jerry.

[Jerry]

Really?

[Jason]

Sure, I would. With your enthusiasm, you should be valuable.

[Dan Dugan]

Hey, now, wait a minute, Jason. You're not putting me on a spot, are you?

[Jason]

What do you mean, Dan?

[Dan Dugan]

Jerry won't take no for an answer after what you said.

[Jason]

Well, when you get ready to sail away to Africa, you just put in two reservations. One for Jerry and the other for me.

[Jerry]

Whoopee, we got our reservations made.

[Bumps]

You'll have to get going now, Dan. You've got of your crew together already.

[Dan Dugan]

Kind of looks that way, doesn't it?

[Jerry]

Well, it's fun talking about it anyway.

[Jason]

That's right, Jerry. But as for me, I've done enough talking. I've got things to attend to. See y' all later.

[Jerry]

Goodbye, Jason.

[Bumps]

Jason. Hey, you know, Dan, I've never seen Jason so glum. He's usually so cheerful.

[Dan Dugan]

Yeah, he did seem as though something was bothering him.

[Jerry]

And did you notice how he looked when you talked about Patsy getting that money?

[Bumps]

Yeah, that's it.

[Dan Dugan]

What's that?

[Bumps]

I'll bet a cookie to a donut. That's because Patsy's gonna get that money. That's what's ailing him.

[Dan Dugan]

I should think he'd be very happy about it.

[Jerry]

Why, sure. He likes Patsy so much he should be glad for her.

[Bumps]

Oh, he's most likely glad for her, but he's thinking of himself.

[Dan Dugan]

I don't believe I get you bumps.

[Bumps]

Jason is an odd fella. He's very independent and he's a little headstrong. I think the thing that's worrying him is the fact that he doesn't want Patsy to think he's a fortune hunter.

[Jerry]

Aw, he ought to know Patsy better than that.

[Dan Dugan]

Ah, some fellas are funny that way, all right.

[Bumps]

I'll venture to say that's what's the matter with him. He thinks if he keeps on showing attention to Patsy, she'll think he's after her money.

[Jerry]

No, he's wrong if he thinks that Patsy likes him too much.

[Dan Dugan]

Say, now, how come you know so much about Patsy and Jason? You're not playing Cupid, by any chance?

[Jerry]

No, but. Well, anybody can see that he always sends her flowers and treats her real nice and everything.

[Bumps]

Well, I'd say you were very observant, Jerry.

[Dan Dugan]

Well, it's foolish to talk about it. Patsy hasn't got the money yet. And two, it might only turn out to be a couple hundred dollars.

[Bumps]

Why, sure, it'll all work out.

[Dan Dugan]

Oh, say, that reminds me. Work. I've got to get to work, and right now. I didn't realize how much time we spent here just talking.

[Jerry]

Well, what are you gonna do?

[Dan Dugan]

I've got to get busy and find some way of saving Mr. Randall some money. I told him I would find something around the lot that could be improved.

[Bumps]

Well, you got a job on your hands, Dan. Just about everything around a circus has been improved upon for years. And I'm inclined to think things are running pretty smooth. Yes, sir, just about letter perfect.

[Dan Dugan]

And you figure the same as Mr. Randall does, huh, Bumps? But nevertheless, I'm gonna try.

[Bumps]

Oh, efficiency expert Dan Dugan.

[Dan Dugan]

Yep, that's me. You know, Mr. Randall promised me a new suit of clothes for everything I brought to his attention. That would save the circus money.

[Jerry]

That you're worth trying for.

[Dan Dugan]

I'll say it is, Jerry. Especially the way I need clothes right now. I could do with a new suit of clothes.

[Bumps]

I've got an idea you can look into. Might be something to it.

[Dan Dugan]

What's that bump now?

[Bumps]

Just came to my mind, Dan. I heard some time back that Jack Hastings, that's a publicity matter.

[Dan Dugan]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know.

[Bumps]

Well, sir, it seems that Jack Hastings has been having some trouble with the passes that we give out for the use of window space in stores. You know, for advertising.

[Jerry]

See, I didn't know they gave away passes for that.

[Bumps]

Oh, sure thing, Jerry. Every time you see one of those window cards in a store window, you can bet whoever owns that store or is in charge got a couple of general admission tickets to the show.

[Dan Dugan]

Well, what's the trouble, boss?

[Bumps]

It seems that they give out quite a few passes and, well, the folks that have got them, they get down to the circus early and they get in, and then there's often a lot of cash customers that can't get seats.

[Dan Dugan]

I see what you mean. Yeah, that is bad. And Mr. Randall's losing money there, all right.

[Bumps]

Well, now there's something for you to work on. Maybe you can figure out some kind of a system to take care of that situation.

[Jerry]

That ought to be easy, Uncle Dan.

[Dan Dugan]

Well, I'm not so sure about that, Jerry. But if it was so simple, it would have been remedied long ago.

[Bumps]

Of course, it's only fair that folks should get the passes to the show for the use of their windows. And it's good advertising for us.

[Dan Dugan]

Yes, it is, Bumps. It's a good idea. I guess every circus in the business has been using that system for years.

[Jerry]

But I don't see why folks that want to buy tickets should be turned down, though, just because the folks that got in free took up all the seats.

[Dan Dugan]

That's the problem, Jerry. And your uncle Dan is going to get to work on it right away. Thanks, Bumps, very much for giving me the tip.

[Bumps]

Oh, I'm glad to do it, Dan. And I hope you figure out something, too.

[Jerry]

If you can figure out a way that the cash customers won't be turned down and still the folks with passes won't lose out either, then you'll have it solved.

[Dan Dugan]

It's just as easy as that, eh, Jerry?

[Jerry]

No, I mean. Well, that's what you have to do.

[Dan Dugan]

Yes, that's the trick.

[Jerry]

And then you'll get the new suit of clothes.

[Bumps]

Oh, see? How about making the passes just good for the matinee?

[Dan Dugan]

Oh, now, let's see. No, no, Bumps. I don't think that'd be so good. It really wouldn't be fair.

[Jerry]

Oh, why not? The show's the very same whether it's a matinee or at night.

[Dan Dugan]

Sure, but they'll see the same show. But folks that work in stores, you know, they can't get away during the day to see the show.

[Bumps]

That's right, Dan. Didn't look at it that way.

[Jerry]

You sure think of everything.

[Dan Dugan]

Well, I hope you're right, Jerry. I hope I can think of some way of overcoming this little bit of trouble. I've got to show Mr. Randall that I'm going to be of some value to him.

[Jerry]

Well, here's wishing you luck.

[Bumps]

Yep, good luck to you, Dan.

[SpinQuest Announcer]

Whether it's slots or live dealers, Spinquest.com has the fun and action you're looking for with spin quest exclusives. Blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and even live dice. With craps and bubble craps. The games never stop so you don't have to. And right now, new users get $30 coin packs for just 10 bucks. Play [e-mail] SpinQuest is a free to play social casino void where prohibited. Visit spinquest.com for more details.

[Sleep Number Announcer]

If the world were like a sleep number mattress, everything would adapt for your comfort. Because as your life changes and your body changes, sleep number mattresses adapt and shift to give you personalized comfort night after night. And now everything's on sale during our Memorial Day event. Save up to 1200do on mattresses for a limited time to experience a whole new world of comfort, visit a Sleep number store or go to sleep number.com sleep number to a Good life Sleep.