
Jerry of the Circus - A Bet for Dan - 11/12/1937
Loading summary
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 10@Spinquest.com 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 now@Spinquest.com 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.
Episode: Jerry of the Circus – A Bet for Dan
Date: May 17, 2026
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.
“You know, taking an expedition into the jungle requires months of planning and preparation.”
— Dan Dugan (03:23)
“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)
“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)
“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)
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)
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.
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.