Jerry of the Circus - A Lead for Tom

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Jerry of the Circus – "A Lead for Tom"

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Date: May 16, 2026
Host: Harolds Old Time Radio
Featured Characters: Jerry, Tom, Rags (the dog), Colonel Charlie Alger, Bumps, Doc Williams, Narrator/Announcer

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Episode Overview

This episode follows Jerry and his friend Tom as they encounter some circus antics and, importantly, get a new lead on Tom's missing father. The episode brings the familiar warmth and camaraderie of the traveling circus, punctuated by dog mischief, nostalgic storytelling, and a sudden outbreak of the measles among the circus folk.

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Key Discussion Points and Plot Highlights

1. Rags and the Mystery of the Missing Bone

• [02:07-04:11]
  • Tom notices Rags, Jerry's dog, frantically digging big holes under the wagon, suspecting something mysterious is causing his distress.
  • The group laughs when they realize Rags is searching for a bone he buried back in the last town, forgetting they've traveled over a hundred miles since.
  • Memorable banter about Rags' antics sets a playful tone.
  • Notable Quote:
    • Jerry: "Well, you might as well give up, Rags. That bone is over a hundred miles from here back in the last town we played." [04:05]

2. Introduction of Colonel Charlie Alger

• [04:24-05:18]
  • The circus’s advance man, Colonel Charlie Alger, arrives, greeted warmly by Bumps, Jerry, and Tom.
  • Charlie reminisces about his old friendship with Jerry’s father, Tim Dugan.
  • The group welcomes Charlie into their wagon for a chat and a drink of water.
  • Notable Quote:
    • Colonel Charlie Alger: "Yes, I knew your dad well, Jerry. Yes, we were great pals in the olden days. Yes, sir. Great pals." [06:12]

3. The Circus vs. The Town Fair

• [06:27-07:22]
  • Colonel Charlie discusses competition from a fair in Fordham scheduled the same day as the circus’s arrival.
  • To draw crowds, he plans to showcase the circus's Cossack riders as an exhibition at the fair, hoping fair-goers will come to their show afterwards.
  • Notable Quote:
    • Colonel Charlie Alger: "There's nothing like cooperating with those things. Yeah, it's better than fighting, sir." [06:48]

4. Tom Gets a Lead on his Father

• [07:23-09:53]
  • Tom asks Colonel Charlie if he met anyone in Fordham and specifically about his father, Jack Rogers.
  • Charlie recalls hearing about a Jack Rogers who just bought an old horse and plans to enter a race at the fair.
  • Through description—tall, wiry, mustache—Charlie confirms this is likely Tom's father, giving Tom hope and clear direction.
  • Notable Quotes:
    • Tom: "My dad's name is Jack." [07:52]
    • Colonel Charlie Alger: "Well, Tom, if that's the right name and the right description, it must be the right man. Yes, sir." [09:46]
    • Jerry: "Well, now, at least you know your dad is still in Fordham. That ought to make you happy." [09:53]

5. Health Trouble for Colonel Charlie

• [08:35-09:53, 11:02-13:06]
  • The crew notices Colonel Charlie looks flushed and keeps drinking water.
  • Doc Williams, the circus doctor, enters to check on the Colonel.
  • Doc quickly diagnoses Colonel Charlie with the measles and enforces emergency quarantine in the wagon, much to the Colonel’s dismay.
  • Notable Quotes:
    • Doc Williams: "No, this is no joke, Charlie. You’ve got the measles." [12:26]
    • Doc Williams: "You boys clear out of here right away. ... I’m putting Charlie to bed right here in this wagon and I’m locking him in. He’ll have to stay in quarantine till he’s over the measles." [12:31-12:41]

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Memorable Moments & Notable Quotes

• Dog Comedy:
  • Jerry and Tom's lighthearted banter about Rags' obsession with his buried bone builds comic relief into their otherwise tough circus life.
  • Narrator/Announcer: "Rags forgot that we moved on to another town. And he can't understand why the bone isn't where he buried it." [03:58]
• Circus Spirit:
  • Colonel Charlie's reminiscences and friendly exchanges inject the warmth, camaraderie, and unique charm that define circus life.
  • Colonel Charlie Alger: "Well, now, that's different. Yeah, that's different. Sure. Yes, that's. That's. That's different." [05:07]
• Turning Point for Tom:
  • The lead on Tom’s father—confirmed by details—provides Tom with renewed hope and a classic family-reunion motif.
• Surprise Twist:
  • The abrupt diagnosis and quarantine for Colonel Charlie bring a dramatic and slightly comedic end to the main events.

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• [02:07-04:11] – Rags and the bone mystery resolved.
• [04:24-05:18] – Introduction and arrival of Colonel Charlie Alger.
• [06:27-07:22] – Circus and fair competition, Cossack rider stunt plan.
• [07:23-09:53] – Tom learns about his father in Fordham.
• [11:02-13:06] – Doc Williams diagnoses measles and quarantines Charlie.

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Tone and Style

• The episode is warm, humorous, and heavy on the camaraderie of circus life.
• Each character’s speech retains a folksy, sincere quality—especially in Colonel Charlie Alger’s exclamations and Tim Dugan references.
• There’s a blend of playful moments (Rags’ antics), hope (Tom’s lead), and unexpected drama (measles quarantine) that keeps the narrative lively and engaging.

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This summary covers all important narrative beats, character dynamics, and memorable quotes, ensuring anyone who missed the episode can catch up on the story's heartfelt moments and lighthearted mischief.

Transcript

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[Colonel Charlie Alger]

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

[Tom]

Hey, Jerry, come here. What's the matter, Tom? Hurry up. What is that? Look at here. Say, what's the matter with Rags?

[Jerry]

Well, what's the matter with him?

[Tom]

Well, look at the big hole he just dug under the wagon.

[Jerry]

Well, what's the matter, fella?

[Tom]

He's been digging under the wagon for a long time now. You know, I'll bet there's something under there.

[Jerry]

Jiminy, I never saw such a big hole. What is it, Ray?

[Tom]

Well, first he'd dig in one spot and then he'd go to another and. And he kept growling and barking. Stop it, Rags. He acted kind of mad.

[Jerry]

What's the matter, boy, huh?

[Tom]

He's trying to tell you to help him look under the wagon.

[Jerry]

Is that what you want, Rags? Well, all right then. I'll see what it is.

[Tom]

Here's where he was digging last, Jerry.

[Jerry]

Well, there's nothing here, Rags.

[Tom]

Then he's sure making a lot of fuss about nothing.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Hey, what's all the excitement going on?

[Jerry]

Rags is looking for something under the wagon box.

[Tom]

He's been carrying on something fierce.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Oh, he's probably just looking for a bone that he buried.

[Jerry]

Bone?

[Tom]

What's the matter with you now?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Well, yeah, tell him, Jerry. Let us in on the joke.

[Jerry]

I never in my life saw anything so funny before.

[Tom]

Well, come on, what is it?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Come on, Jerry, out with it.

[Jerry]

The joke is you're on, Rake.

[Tom]

What joke?

[Jerry]

And here I've been thinking all along how smart he is and then he pulls a stunt like this.

[Narrator/Announcer]

He is smart, Jerry. The smartest dog as I've ever seen.

[Jerry]

Oh, yeah? Well, you know why he's been digging that big hole under the wagon?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Well, my guess is that he's looking for a bone. He always buried them under the wagon.

[Jerry]

That's just it. But he hasn't buried any under the wagon since we've been playing this town. He did bury a great big one under the wagon in the last town we played, though. Don't you remember, Bump?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Hey, come to think of it, I do. He threw dirt all over us when he was covering it up.

[Jerry]

Yeah, when we were sitting on the steps here.

[Tom]

Well, what's the joke? Tell us, Jerry.

[Jerry]

Well, he buried the bone under the wagon like he always does when he gets a nice big one. And now he's looking for it, and it makes him mad because he can't find it.

[Narrator/Announcer]

I'll bet you're right, Jerry. Rags forgot that we moved on to another town. And he can't understand why the bone isn't where he buried it.

[Jerry]

Well, you might as well give up, Rags. That bone is over a hundred miles from here back in the last time we played.

[Narrator/Announcer]

It's a good thing you found him when you did. He might have dug such a big hole, the wagon would have rolled into it.

[Jerry]

Now what, Rag?

[Tom]

He sees somebody coming over there.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Rag, stop it. Well, father, I do declare.

[Jerry]

Who is it, Bump?

[Tom]

Be quiet, Rag.

[Narrator/Announcer]

I can't believe my old eyes, Jerry.

[Jerry]

Well, who is it? Who's that man that's coming over this way?

[Narrator/Announcer]

It's Colonel Charlie Alger. Hello, Charlie. That's the man Leo said was coming.

[Jerry]

Yeah, the advanced man for the circus.

[Narrator/Announcer]

This surely is a treat. Oh, gosh, it's good to see you.

[Colonel Charlie Alger]

Mighty good to see you, Bump. Yes, put her there. Same old Bumps. Well, well, well.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Charlie, this is my pal Jerry.

[Colonel Charlie Alger]

Jerry. Glad to know you, young fella. Glad to know you.

[Jerry]

I'm glad to meet you, too. I've heard a lot about you.

[Colonel Charlie Alger]

That's so. Folks been talking about me again, have they? Well, I'll soon put a stop to that.

[Jerry]

But they only said nice things about you.

[Colonel Charlie Alger]

Oh, well, now, that's different. Yeah, that's different. Sure. Yes, that's. That's. That's different.

[Narrator/Announcer]

And this is Jerry's pal, Tom. Shake hands with colonel Alger, Tom.

[Tom]

I'm sure glad to meet you.

[Colonel Charlie Alger]

Yeah, the plan is all mine. All mine, young man.

[Narrator/Announcer]

You got a few minutes, Charlie? Yes, siree.

[Colonel Charlie Alger]

Yes, sirree.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Well, then, come on into the wagon here where we can sit down and talk a little bit. Come on, boys. Well, you're going to be with us long, Charlie.

[Colonel Charlie Alger]

No, I'm not. No, I'm not, Bumps. I'm getting back on ahead of the show right away. Figured to leave tonight. Yeah. Say, have you got a little drinking water, Bumps? I'm. I'm a bit thirsty. Yes, just a wee bit fast.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Why, sure, Charlie. Oh, Jerry, pour colonel Alger a glass of water out of that cooler there.

[Jerry]

You bet.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Hey, do you recognize that boy, Charlie?

[Colonel Charlie Alger]

No, I can't say that I do. Can't say that I do, Bump.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Why, that's Jerry Dugan, Tim Dugan's boy.

[Colonel Charlie Alger]

You don't say. Well, well, what do you know about that?

[Jerry]

Here's your water, kernel.

[Colonel Charlie Alger]

Ah, thank you. Thank you, Jerry. Ah, so you're Tim Dugan's boy.

[Jerry]

Yes, sir.

[Colonel Charlie Alger]

Yes, I knew your dad well, Jerry. Yes, we were great pals in the olden days. Yes, sir. Great pals. Well, now, how about you, young man? You haven't said a word.

[Jerry]

He's just going to be with us until we play for him. He's working his way home.

[Colonel Charlie Alger]

Oh, Fordham, huh? I just came back from Fordham. Yes. Fact of the matter is, I. I made a special trip back there to see Mr. Randall about a stunt we want to pull off there.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Oh, yeah? What's that, Charlie?

[Colonel Charlie Alger]

Why, they're running a fair there. Bumps. Yes, running a fair. Same day that we play there.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Oh, say, that's bad. That'll be pretty stiff competition for us.

[Colonel Charlie Alger]

Yes, that's why I had to see Sam about a stunt. That'll help out quite a little. There's nothing like cooperating with those things. Yeah, it's better than fighting, sir.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Every time.

[Colonel Charlie Alger]

Yes, you betcha.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Now, what's the stunt you're going to pull, Charlie?

[Colonel Charlie Alger]

Well, it isn't really very much, bumps. Nothing much at all. They're having horse racing at the fair, and I thought we could get a lot of notice and some good publicity if we took those Cossack riders out and put on an exhibition of their riding.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Gee, that'd be good, Charlie.

[Colonel Charlie Alger]

Yeah, it might turn out to be a good stunt. After they left the fairgrounds, folks would probably come right to our show.

[Tom]

Excuse me, Colonel Aler?

[Colonel Charlie Alger]

Yes? Oh, yes, son. Yes, yes, what is it?

[Tom]

Did you meet any people while you were in Fordham?

[Colonel Charlie Alger]

Did I meet any people? Did I meet. Did I meet any people? Well, now, that's a good one. Yes, that's a good one. A good one. Yes. Yes. Well, I met people wherever I go. Lots of people. Lots of them aboard.

[Narrator/Announcer]

What do you mean, Tom?

[Tom]

Well, I thought maybe Colonel Aler would know where my father was or. Or if he's in Fordham.

[Colonel Charlie Alger]

Yes, yes. What's your father's name, Tom? I never forget a name or a face either.

[Tom]

My dad's name is Jack.

[Colonel Charlie Alger]

No, that's his last name. His last name? His last name. What's the fell's name? Jack.

[Tom]

Oh, Rogers. Jack Rogers.

[Colonel Charlie Alger]

Jack Rogers. Yes. Oh, Jack Rogers. Jack Rogers. Jack. No, no, no, I didn't meet him. Tom. I heard some of the men at the fairgrounds talking about a Jack Rogers. Now, what were they saying about him? Now, let me see, let me see. Oh, yes. Seems like he entered some old horse in a big race at the fair.

[Tom]

Oh, that couldn't be Dad. I don't think he'd have a horse.

[Colonel Charlie Alger]

Well, this Jack Rogers just bought one. Got him cheap. And that's the reason the boys were getting a laugh out of it. Cause the horse is old. Yes, he just doesn't figure at all in a race with a lot of high class horses.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Say, what's the matter, Charlie? You warm?

[Colonel Charlie Alger]

Yes, yes, I am. Bumps a little warm? Yes, yes, I am a little warm.

[Narrator/Announcer]

It's not warm in the wagon. Here, I'm comfortable with my sweater on.

[Doc Williams]

You?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Yeah, sure you're feeling all right?

[Colonel Charlie Alger]

Feeling all right? Oh, sure, sure. Yes, I'm. I'm fine, very fine. Yes, but I would like another glass of water, Jerry, if you please.

[Jerry]

Sure, I'll get it.

[Colonel Charlie Alger]

Yeah.

[Narrator/Announcer]

See, I don't like your color, Charlie. Your face is sort of red.

[Colonel Charlie Alger]

Face is red. Oh, I just been out in the sun too much, bunch. Yes, out in the sun too much, that's all.

[Jerry]

Here you are, Colonel.

[Colonel Charlie Alger]

Oh, yes, thank you. Thank you, my boy. Thank you.

[Narrator/Announcer]

You look feverish to me, Charlie.

[Colonel Charlie Alger]

Nonsense.

[Tom]

Then. Then you didn't see my father. Or I mean this man that has the horse.

[Colonel Charlie Alger]

Oh, yes, I saw him. I saw him from a distance. The boys pointed him out to me when he was out on the track with his horse. Yes, but what I said was I didn't meet him.

[Tom]

Was he sort of tall and thin and did he have a mustache?

[Colonel Charlie Alger]

Well, now, let me think a minute. Did he have a mustache? Did he have a. Yes, he had a mustache. He wore it. Yes, he was kind of tall and wiry.

[Jerry]

I'll bet that's your dad all right, Tom.

[Tom]

That's what he looks like all right.

[Colonel Charlie Alger]

Well, Tom, if that's the right name and the right description, it must be the right man. Yes, sir. Yes, sir. Yes, sir, it must be the right man.

[Jerry]

Well, now, at least you know your dad is still in Fordham. That ought to make you happy.

[Tom]

Golly, it sure does.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Say, you got time to tell us one of your stories, Charlie?

[Colonel Charlie Alger]

Oh, it's one of my stories? Why, yes. Yes, Sure I have, Bumps. Sure I have.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Well, tell one that I haven't heard before.

[Colonel Charlie Alger]

That's right, Bumps. You've heard most all my stories.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Oh, I bet there's a couple of Hundred. That I haven't heard, though.

[Colonel Charlie Alger]

How about the old ostrich feather yarn?

[Narrator/Announcer]

No, don't recall that one, Charlie.

[Colonel Charlie Alger]

Good. Then you'll enjoy hearing it. Yes, sir. You'll really, really enjoy it.

[Jerry]

A circus story, Colonel Alger.

[Colonel Charlie Alger]

Yes, Jerry? A circus story from way back. Long about 40 years ago, I guess it was. Yeah, it's been 40 years.

[Jerry]

40 years.

[Colonel Charlie Alger]

Just about 40 years ago.

[Tom]

Were you in the circus that long ago?

[Colonel Charlie Alger]

Yes, and before that, young man. Now, to get on. It was a small outfit, but we had a very fine collection of animals. And in those days as it is now, folks care just as much about seeing the animals as they did the show itself. Among other things, we had.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Oh, excuse me, Charlie.

[Colonel Charlie Alger]

Yeah?

[Doc Williams]

Is Charlie Elger in there with you?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Oh, yeah, yeah. Yes, he is, doc. Come on in. It's Doc Williams, Charlie.

[Colonel Charlie Alger]

All right. Good God.

[Tom]

Who's he, Jerry?

[Jerry]

He's a circus doctor. He's got charge of the hospital top.

[Doc Williams]

Been looking all over for you, Charlie.

[Colonel Charlie Alger]

Well, well, well, well, well. Old doc Williams himself. I'm glad to see you, doc. Glad, glad, glad to see you.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Sit down here and make yourself at home.

[Doc Williams]

What's the idea of passing me up, Charlie? How come you didn't come by the hospital cop and say hello?

[Colonel Charlie Alger]

Why, I was just going to come over see you.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Now?

[Colonel Charlie Alger]

Yes. You don't think for a minute that I wasn't going to visit with you. You. Say, Jerry. Jerry, would you be so kind as to get me another glass of water?

[Tom]

Sure.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Well, say, that's the third glass in the last five minutes. I tell you, it isn't right for you to be so hot and thirsty on a day like today. Say, what's the matter with him, doc?

[Doc Williams]

Ah, you do look kind of flushed, Charlie. Yeah. Let me feel your head.

[Jerry]

Here you are, Colonel Alger.

[Colonel Charlie Alger]

Oh, yes, yes, yes, my boy, you brought it. Hey. Well, thank you, John.

[Doc Williams]

Hey, you've got a fever, Charlie.

[Narrator/Announcer]

That's what I thought, doc.

[Doc Williams]

You sure have, Charlie. Yeah? Let me see your tongue.

[Colonel Charlie Alger]

Let me see you see my tongue. Oh, nonsense, nonsense, nonsense. I'm all right.

[Doc Williams]

Ah, come on, now. Won't hurt to have a look.

[Colonel Charlie Alger]

Well, all right.

[Doc Williams]

Of all things.

[Narrator/Announcer]

What's the matter, doc?

[Doc Williams]

Yes, sir, I'm right.

[Colonel Charlie Alger]

You're right. Well, what's the matter? I suppose you're going to tell me that I won't live till morning.

[Doc Williams]

No, this is no joke, Charlie. You've got the measles.

[Colonel Charlie Alger]

Measles?

[Tom]

What?

[Doc Williams]

Surest thing you know. Now, you boys clear out of here right away. You Two bumps. Get your things before you go because you won't get back into this wagon after you leave.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Why? What do you mean, Doc?

[Doc Williams]

I'm putting Charlie to bed right here in this wagon and I'm locking him in. He'll have to stay in quarantine till he's over the measles.

[Colonel Charlie Alger]

Why? Why? You. You. You. You can't do this to me. Why? I've got to leave tonight. I've. I've got to get back ahead of the show. Yes, I'm. I've got work to do.

[Doc Williams]

I'm sorry, Charlie, but you're going to be quarantined in this wagon until you're well. I'll send a nurse over right away to make you comfortable.

[Colonel Charlie Alger]

Yeah, but. But you can't. You can't. You can't.

[Doc Williams]

I can't let you run around either. Measles are catching. We can't afford to let the whole circus get.

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