Jerry of the Circus - A Five Dollar Vest

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Jerry of the Circus - A Five Dollar Vest

Harold's Old Time Radio, May 22, 2026

Main Theme

This episode of "Jerry of the Circus" showcases a classic story from the Golden Age of Radio about resourcefulness, camaraderie, and a touch of budding detective work. Jerry, a circus boy, and his friend Slats are desperately seeking an old-fashioned vest and other costume pieces after a circus fire destroys their props. The hunt for the vest leads to an intriguing negotiation with a surly local, Mr. Platt, and sparks deeper suspicions about a past crime.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Opening Conflict at Mr. Platt’s House

[02:08 – 04:08]

• Jerry and Tom, another boy, are confronted by Mr. Platt after being caught looking through his belongings for a vest.
• Mr. Platt is suspicious and initially threatens to call the police, believing them to be troublemakers from the circus.
• Jerry explains about the fire at the circus and offers to pay cash for any usable clothing:

  “Please listen, we had a fire last night. Our props and costumes got burned. I’m just trying to find an old-fashioned vest. We’ll pay cash.” — Jerry [02:36]

• Mr. Platt, swayed by the money, softens and allows them to look through his things.

2. Negotiation for the Vest and Sweater

[04:08 – 07:28]

• Jerry finds not just a vest, but also a large red sweater he wishes to buy for his friend Bumps, a clown.
• A tense price negotiation follows, with Mr. Platt first asking for $10 for the vest:

  “Well, I guess I could let you have it for $10.” — Mr. Platt [05:44]

• Jerry laments, saying they were hoping to pay only a dollar or two. Mr. Platt plays hardball but ultimately agrees:

  “How about $5, seeing he needs it so bad?” — Mr. Platt [06:14]

• Mr. Platt sends Tom with Jerry to take the vest to the circus; if Slats won’t pay $5, the vest is to be returned.

3. Jerry’s Kindness and Dreams of the Circus

[08:06 – 09:09]

• Tom is disappointed he can't see the circus due to chores, but Jerry promises to show him around backstage, introducing the spirit of friendship and showmanship:

  “Even if you can’t catch the show, you’re going to see the animals and meet all the folks.” — Jerry [08:56]

4. Return to the Circus — The Vest’s Arrival

[10:10 – 11:15]

• Jerry delivers the vest to Slats, who is initially shocked by the $5 price, feeling they’re being taken advantage of.
• Despite the “highway robbery,” Slats agrees to pay, reinforcing the show-must-go-on mentality:

  “Okay, I’ll pay it. But it’s a dirty trick.” — Slats [11:06] “Show’s got to go on, and if I can find the right stuff, I gotta have it.” — Slats [11:15]

5. A Suspicious Red Sweater and The Mystery Unfolds

[12:00 – 13:48]

• Jerry confides in Jason, the lion tamer, about the red sweater’s possible connection to an old robbery:

  “Spike lost his sweater the night of the robbery. It was red and, well, the man who did the robbery wore a red sweater.” — Jerry [12:20]

• Jerry suspects Mr. Platt may be involved in framing Spike, an old friend currently in jail, and is determined to investigate:

  “If Platt has them, I’m going to find them. I’m going out there tonight and go through his whole house and barn.” — Jerry [12:44]

• Jason tries to dissuade Jerry, warning him of the danger.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Mr. Platt’s Reluctant Kindness:
  “Maybe I was a trifle hasty, but when I saw you going through my old trunk, I just saw red, that’s all.” — Mr. Platt [03:32]

• On Circus Life:
  “One of the best animal shows on the road.” — Jerry [09:18]

• Budding Sleuthing:
  “There’s something funny about this man Platt.” — Jerry [12:29]

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• [02:08] — Jerry pleads his case to Mr. Platt about the fire
• [04:33] — Jerry bargains for the large red sweater for Bumps
• [05:44] — Mr. Platt initially asks $10 for the vest
• [06:14] — Price negotiation lands at $5; Tom is enlisted as a vest courier
• [08:56] — Jerry assures Tom he’ll get a circus tour
• [11:00] — Slats agrees to the $5 for the vest, despite misgivings
• [12:20] — Jerry connects the red sweater and Mr. Platt to Spike's robbery
• [12:44] — Jerry declares his intention to search Platt’s property for evidence

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Episode Flow & Tone

The episode blends the innocence of childhood resourcefulness with the intrigue of a small-town mystery. The dialogue is direct and lively, full of “gee whiz” exclamations, playful bartering, and a sense of close-knit camaraderie among the circus folk. Mr. Platt’s gruff, blustering exterior is softened by moments of reluctant kindness, and Jerry’s natural curiosity and loyalty shine throughout.

This episode is ideal for fans of classic radio drama and listeners who appreciate a mix of nostalgia, adventure, and heart.

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Transcript

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[Mr. Platt]

Jerry of the Circus. Now for Jerry of the Circus. That's right, Central, the police station.

[Jerry]

Please, Mr. Platt, won't you let me explain?

[Mr. Platt]

I will not. Gratis home. The police station can't be busy all the time. Hello. Hello Central? Will you please get me the police station? The line must be crossed.

[Tom]

Honest, Mr. Platt, we weren't gonna take nothing.

[Mr. Platt]

Yeah, you tell that to the police.

[Jerry]

Mr. Platt, I'm with the circus that's just come to town.

[Mr. Platt]

That's the Tower Circus. Always a lot of no good loafers and hangers.

[Jerry]

Not with this circus.

[Mr. Platt]

What's that, Central? The line is busy and it's a nice. How do you do? Can't even get the police when you need them.

[Jerry]

Please listen, we had a fire last night. Our props and costumes got burned. I'm just trying to find an old fashioned vest. We'll pay cash.

[Mr. Platt]

What's that you say?

[Jerry]

I said we want to buy whatever we can use. We had a fire.

[Mr. Platt]

Yeah, I heard about the fire all right. But why didn't you say in the first place that you'd pay cash?

[Jerry]

Oh, I tried to, but you wouldn't let me.

[Mr. Platt]

What makes you think I've got something that you can use?

[Jerry]

Well, you see, Slats and me, he's one of the clowns. We were shopping around trying to find an old fashioned vest. We got to talking to Tom here.

[Tom]

So when they said they'd pay for them, I remembered those old fashioned things you had in this trunk.

[Jerry]

Then when we got out here and found your car was gone, we thought we'd missed you.

[Mr. Platt]

That's no excuse for opening trunks that don't belong to you.

[Jerry]

Well, I know it's my fault. I had to hurry and I just wanted to see if you had anything.

[Mr. Platt]

Well, did you find what you wanted?

[Jerry]

Well, I don't know yet. We just started when you came in.

[Mr. Platt]

Well, come on back to the barn. We'll see if there's anything there that you can use here. We'll go out the back door.

[Jerry]

You won't scold Tom, will you?

[Mr. Platt]

Well, maybe I was a trifle hasty, but when I saw you going through my old trunk, I just saw red, that's all. Tom, I want you to get after that potato patch while we're in the barn. Here. It's a sin the way you put off that weeding.

[Tom]

Right now?

[Mr. Platt]

Of course, right now. What do you think?

[Tom]

Well, I kind of hoped that you'd let me go back to the circus with Jerry. He said that I could see the show.

[Mr. Platt]

Wasting your time seeing a circus with all the work to be done? I should say not.

[Jerry]

Please, Mr. Platt, just this one.

[Mr. Platt]

No, I'll get to your reading, Tom. And I don't want to hear any more about her.

[Tom]

Yes, sir. I'm going.

[Mr. Platt]

The trunk's already opened. Now, what was it you was looking for?

[Jerry]

An old fashioned vest. You know, one of those bright colored ones.

[Mr. Platt]

Sure, I think I've got something like that. You wouldn't want these funny trousers, would you?

[Jerry]

Golly, they are funny. Did people really wear things like that?

[Mr. Platt]

Yeah, they were right smart in their day, too.

[Jerry]

Say, you wouldn't sell this old red sweater, would you?

[Mr. Platt]

That makes you think I wouldn't?

[Jerry]

Well, I don't know, I just.

[Mr. Platt]

I thought you were looking for old fashioned things. That sweater's not so old.

[Jerry]

I know, but I just happened to think I could sure use it.

[Mr. Platt]

Seems mighty funny you'd pick out a sweater big enough for two of you.

[Jerry]

Well, you see, Bumps, he's my best friend. He's a clown that does the act with my dog.

[Mr. Platt]

I don't want your whole history.

[Jerry]

Well, he's big and he needs a sweater. I'd like to get him one, but only got a dollar.

[Mr. Platt]

Yeah, there's a lot of wear in that sweater yet.

[Jerry]

Yeah, but you're not using it packed away with these old things.

[Mr. Platt]

Listen, kid, you better learn not to poke your nose in other folks affairs.

[Jerry]

I didn't mean to poke a dollar.

[Mr. Platt]

That's not such a bad idea. Is that all right? You can have the sweater. I'll just as soon get rid of it anyhow. Give me the dollar.

[Jerry]

Say, thanks. Just a second. Now.

[Mr. Platt]

Where'd I put it?

[Jerry]

Oh, yeah, here it is. There you are.

[Mr. Platt]

Yeah, you can wrap it up in this old paper. May as well keep it wrapped till you give it to him.

[Jerry]

That's fine. Bumps will sure be pleased. Now, if we can just find the vest.

[Mr. Platt]

Here. This is what I was looking for. How's this?

[Jerry]

Say, that's, well, just the thing.

[Mr. Platt]

You like it, huh?

[Jerry]

Sure. Golly, imagine finding it here of all places.

[Mr. Platt]

Probably couldn't find the vest as good as this anyplace else in Hansberg.

[Jerry]

You're dead right. We've been looking all morning.

[Mr. Platt]

It seems like it might be worth quite a bit of money.

[Jerry]

Oh, you mean. Oh, how much do you want for it?

[Mr. Platt]

Well, I guess I could let you have it for $10.

[Jerry]

$10? Gee whiz, slats can't afford $10.

[Mr. Platt]

Well, how much were you figuring on paying for it?

[Jerry]

Well, I don't know. Dollar or two, I guess.

[Mr. Platt]

A couple of bucks. Say, don't make me laugh. The only vest like it in town, and you need it. Why, I'd be a fool to let it go so cheap.

[Jerry]

Well, I just know he'd never be able to pay that. I'm awful sorry, but I. Well, I suppose I may as well.

[Mr. Platt]

Here, just a minute. There. How much do you think that that slat fellow would fork over for the right vest?

[Jerry]

Oh, I don't know.

[Mr. Platt]

Well, how about $5, seeing he needs it so bad?

[Jerry]

Oh, I don't know. I haven't got any more money. Gee whiz, it's not long before man me time.

[Mr. Platt]

Now, I've got an idea I got to get down to the station myself. But you take the vest along with you and let the clown see it. If he's willing to pay five bucks for it, it's his.

[Jerry]

Oh, I don't know what to say, Mr. Platt. I'm afraid he'll think it's too much.

[Mr. Platt]

Tom.

[Slats]

Tom.

[Tom]

Yeah?

[Mr. Platt]

Come here. Be quick about it.

[Tom]

I'm coming, Mr. Platt.

[Mr. Platt]

I'll send Tom along with you. If that slats fellow doesn't want to pay, Tom can bring the vest home again.

[Jerry]

That's yours.

[Mr. Platt]

Well, well, step on it, Tom. No need to keep me waiting all day.

[Tom]

I'm sorry, Mr. Platt. I was at the other end of the potato patch.

[Mr. Platt]

Well, I've changed my mind about those potatoes. I want you to go back to the circus with Jerry.

[Tom]

You could have let me see the circus after all. Oh, gee, that's Swallow, Mr. Clown.

[Mr. Platt]

I am not. I didn't say a word about seeing the circus. But I want you to take this vest to that clown. If he comes through with $5, well, I'm good. Otherwise, you bring that vest right back here. Oh, and I'm not taking a penny less. Tell him to take it or leave it. You understand?

[Tom]

Yes, sir.

[Mr. Platt]

And see you get right back here. I want those potatoes weeded before sundown.

[Tom]

Yes, sir.

[Mr. Platt]

Well, beat it, both of you. Take Nelly. But Remember, no monkey business.

[Jerry]

Thanks, Mr. Platt. But I do wish you'd let Tom just see the show.

[Mr. Platt]

Listen here, young man. I run things around here and I don't want any interference, you understand?

[Jerry]

Yes, sir. Goodbye, sir.

[Tom]

You get in first, Jerry.

[Jerry]

Okay, Tom.

[Tom]

Here we are. All right, Nellie. Come on, old girl.

[Mr. Platt]

Say, Tom, if you see Mike down the road with my car, tell him to step on it. He's late.

[Tom]

All right, I'll tell him.

[Jerry]

Imagine not letting you see the circus.

[Tom]

Well, he's just afraid I'll have some fun.

[Jerry]

Well, it's a shame, if you ask me. And it wouldn't even cost him anything. Would you be afraid to stay and see part of the show?

[Tom]

I better not. Especially if slats won't pay $5 for that vest. The old man will be plenty sore.

[Jerry]

$5? It's highway robbery if you ask me, Sadie. That reminds me. Look, I bought the sweater off of him. Ever see it before?

[Tom]

Yeah, once when we were cleaning things up. I asked him to let me wear it. It was kind of cold, and, boy, he nearly had a fit.

[Jerry]

He did? Why?

[Tom]

I don't know. Said he'd better not catch me wearing that sweater, but. Well, he never wore it himself.

[Jerry]

This sweater reminds me of a story a friend of mine called Spikeman stole me. Yeah?

[Tom]

What was it?

[Jerry]

Well, I can't tell you right now. But I wouldn't be surprised if you'd hear about it sooner or later. Say, Tom.

[Tom]

Yeah?

[Jerry]

What are Mr. Platt's hours? When's he home and when's he at the baggage station?

[Tom]

Well, he's there during the day. Kind of irregular. You see, he's got help then.

[Jerry]

Well, what about night?

[Tom]

Well, he's always at the station from 11 to 3 in the morning.

[Jerry]

Yeah. Well, let's forget him. I'll tell you one thing. Even if he can't catch the show, you're going to see the animals and meet all the folks.

[Tom]

I am?

[Jerry]

Sure thing. I'll introduce you to some of the clowns and.

[Tom]

Gee, you're swell, Jerry.

[Jerry]

Hey, listen, you forgot. I dreamed of joining up with a circus for a long time before I actually did. I guess I know what it means to want to meet folks.

[Tom]

You got lots of animals over there?

[Jerry]

Well, one of the best animal shows on the road.

[Tom]

Get out there, Nellie. Come on. Go on. No loitering this time. We're heading for the circus.

[Jerry]

There we are. See the tents? Right around the span. Here, Tom. Drive right up this way. It'll take us in past the mess tent and we can get in the back way. Sure thing.

[Tom]

Here, Nellie. Come on, you old girl.

[Jerry]

Kind of rough riding, but we get used to it.

[Tom]

Looks like you've been here a week. Everything's so quiet and nice here.

[Jerry]

You better stop here.

[Tom]

Whoa there, Nellie. Whoa.

[Jerry]

Come on. Slats will probably be over at Clown Alley.

[Tom]

Where's that?

[Jerry]

That's where the clowns dress and wait for their axe to go on.

[Tom]

Here, you forgot your package.

[Jerry]

Oh, thanks. Yeah, that's a red sweater for Bumps. Nellie will be all right here. Leave her right there.

[Tom]

Say, this is exciting.

[Jerry]

Here, slip in this way, it's quicker. Everyone's pretty busy today. Either getting their own things fixed or helping someone else. Hey, where's lads?

[Slats]

Who's calling me?

[Jerry]

It's me, Jerry.

[Slats]

Oh, hello there, Gary. Around here.

[Jerry]

Come on, Tom. This way.

[Slats]

Well, hello there. Any luck?

[Jerry]

Well, I don't know whether it'll do you any good, but we got a vest. All right.

[Slats]

You did good. Let me see it.

[Jerry]

Short to him tomorrow.

[Slats]

Say, this is dandy.

[Mr. Platt]

Great stuff, Jerry.

[Slats]

You're the one there. I guess that's about as good as Granddad's. Of course, it won't be the same,

[Mr. Platt]

but I guess I can learn to like this one.

[Jerry]

Yeah, but there's a catch to it.

[Mr. Platt]

What do you mean?

[Jerry]

The man who owns this wants $5 for it.

[Mr. Platt]

Five? You're kidding.

[Jerry]

He asked 10 for it at first.

[Slats]

What?

[Jerry]

Yeah, I just told him we couldn't pay that and then I started to go and he pretended he'd let it go cheap for five.

[Slats]

Why, the old skin fent. He knew we wanted it and wouldn't find another. So he's holding us up, huh?

[Tom]

I'm sorry, Mr. Slats, but he said if you wouldn't pay that, I'd have to bring the vest right back.

[Slats]

Well, does that burn me up. I sure hate folks who take advantage of you. Okay, I'll pay it. But it's a dirty trick.

[Jerry]

You will?

[Slats]

Sure. Show's got to go on, and if I can find the right stuff, I gotta have it. After all, it's my stock and trade.

[Jerry]

Say, Slats, do me a favor.

[Mr. Platt]

Of course I will. What's on your mind?

[Jerry]

Well, I gotta go see Bumps. Will you show Tom around and let him meet the folks and see the animals and everything? His boss isn't gonna let him see

[Mr. Platt]

the show, and I don't want anybody seen Bumps.

[Jerry]

See, there's Jason. Tom, you go a slat, Jason.

[Slats]

I'll take care of Tom and see you back here later.

[Jason]

Hi there, Jerry. You seen Bumps?

[Jerry]

Well, I'm looking for him myself. Say, I gotta talk to you and Bumps Quick. First I want you to meet Tom. Tom, this is Jason. He's the greatest lion tamer in the business.

[Tom]

Gee, I'm sure glad to meet you, Mr. Jason.

[Jerry]

Well, we'll be back, Tom, but Jason and I have got something important. We'll be seeing you.

[Tom]

Okay.

[Jerry]

Come on, Jason, quick.

[Jason]

Well, Jerry, what's all the excitement?

[Jerry]

Well, Jason, you remember how Spike was sent up to jail for a robbery he didn't do?

[Jason]

That's right. It happened in this town.

[Jerry]

Yeah. Well, I found a red sweater tucked away with a lot of things in the barn belonging to the boss he worked for.

[Jason]

But what's a red sweater got to do with it?

[Jerry]

Spike lost his sweater the night of the robbery. It was red and, well, the man who did the robbery wore a red sweater.

[Jason]

Well, there are lots of red sweaters in this world.

[Jerry]

Yeah, but there's something funny about this man. Platt.

[Jason]

Was that the name of his boss?

[Jerry]

Yep. And you remember there were a lot of that couldn't be cashed for several years.

[Jason]

Yeah, and they never were found, were they?

[Jerry]

Nope. But if Platt has them, I'm going to find them. I'm going out there tonight and go through his whole house and barn.

[Jason]

Now listen, Jerry, you can't do that.

[Mr. Platt]

Why?

[Jason]

That's dangerous.

[Jerry]

Well, I don't care for Spike. I'd. Well, I'd risk almost anything.

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