Jerry of the Circus - A New Scheme by Boris

Summary

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Harold's Old Time Radio — Jerry of the Circus: "A New Scheme by Boris"

Episode Date: May 21, 2026
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Featured Golden Age Radio Serial: Jerry of the Circus

Episode Overview

This episode transports listeners back to the classic serial Jerry of the Circus, focusing on Jerry's everyday circus adventures and a brewing new scheme from the ever-scheming Boris. The core of the episode sees Jerry's star rising with a special photo session for publicity, a glimpse into circus camaraderie, and, behind the scenes, Boris and Olga's tangled plot to get their hands on Patsy's money. The story is rich in circus atmosphere, authentic period dialogue, and the ongoing intrigue that made this radio show a staple of the Golden Age of Radio.

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Key Discussion Points and Plot Developments

1. Jerry’s Practice and Bond with his Animals

• [02:12–05:21]
  • Jerry is seen practicing his horseback riding with his colt, Splendor. Whitey praises his skills and encourages Jerry to keep up his practice:
    • “You mustn’t forget that he hasn’t been having so much exercise lately. And too much all at one time isn’t the best… You know, you’ve sort of been neglecting your duties with this little colt.”
      — Whitey ([02:26])
  • Discussion about Jerry's multiple circus talents, Whitey jokes Jerry could be a "circus all by himself."
    • Memorable moment: Jerry jokes, “Why sure. I'd be a circus all by myself.” ([03:23])

2. Publicity Photo Shoot with El Mundo

• [05:21–09:25]
  • Jack Hastings, the circus’s photographer, arrives to take photos of Jerry with El Mundo the elephant for a potential billboard campaign:
    • “If we can get a real good picture of you up on the elephant, Mr. Randall might use it next year on the big outdoor billboard.”
      — Jack Hastings ([05:32])
    • “Jerry Dugan, youngest elephant trainer in the world.”
      — Jack Hastings ([05:41])
  • The group discusses carefully managing the animals for the shoot (e.g., moving the zebras who don't tolerate flashbulbs).
    • Practical circus detail: “Cause those little critters just won't stand for flashbulbs going off. They'll start stampedin’ and cutting up something awful.”
      — Olson ([07:26])
  • Jerry demonstrates his skills atop the elephant; playful teasing about being a star act.

3. Casual Circus Interaction

• [09:29–10:54]
  • Friends gather; Patsy comments on Boris’ new black eye. Boris covers with a clumsy excuse, which others mock lightly:
    • “You see, Boris was going into his wagon after the performance last night, and it was dark and he ran into the door. Isn't that what you told me, Boris?”
      — Patsy ([09:43])
    • “Generally, it's a bed post, ain't it, Boris?”
      — Olson ([09:58])
  • Light, familiar banter among circus folk builds the world’s warmth.
  • Jerry and Patsy head back toward their wagons, escorted by Boris. Boris’s attentiveness is noted, as are his knowledge of circus shortcuts.

4. Boris and Olga’s Secretive Conversation — The Scheme Revealed

• [10:58–14:56]
  • Boris and Olga slip into private, speaking in low tones about their attempts to secure money from Patsy.
    • Olga reveals Patsy plans to buy an annuity, protecting her funds.
      • “Patsy tells me that she's going to buy an annuity with the money she received.”
        — Boris ([11:15])
      • “Once she puts the money there, you will not be able to get it from her.”
        — Olga ([11:24])
  • Olga chastises Boris for his failed attempts, including the failed integration of Patsy into their family:
    • “First you try to take her into the family to get her money, but she turns you down.”
      — Olga ([11:34])
  • Olga proposes a new plan: to appeal to Patsy’s business sense and convince her to “invest” in a new circus.
    • “A woman likes to think herself smart. She likes to believe she's as good with business matters as a man. So why not appeal to her business judgment? Make her a proposition to invest her money for great return.”
      — Olga ([12:12])
  • Boris seizes on the idea, embellishing the scheme with talk of a “circus to South America.”
    • “I will tell her we're going to take a circus to South America. And for her $20,000, I will make her a partner.”
      — Boris ([12:56])
  • The two agree this will be their next attempt to access Patsy’s money.

---

Memorable Quotes

• “You mustn’t forget that he hasn’t been having so much exercise lately. And too much all at one time isn’t the best thing in the world for him.”
  — Whitey ([02:26])
• “Why sure. I'd be a circus all by myself.”
  — Jerry ([03:23])
• “Jerry Dugan, youngest elephant trainer in the world.”
  — Jack Hastings ([05:41])
• “Cause those little critters just won't stand for flashbulbs going off. They'll start stampedin’ and cutting up something awful.”
  — Olson ([07:26])
• “Generally, it's a bed post, ain't it, Boris?”
  — Olson ([09:58])
• “Once she puts the money there, you will not be able to get it from her.”
  — Olga ([11:24])
• “A woman likes to think herself smart… So why not appeal to her business judgment?”
  — Olga ([12:12])
• “I will tell her we're going to take a circus to South America. And for her $20,000, I will make her a partner.”
  — Boris ([12:56])

---

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [02:12–05:21]: Jerry’s riding session and circus camaraderie
• [05:21–09:25]: Publicity photo shoot with El Mundo
• [09:29–10:54]: Circus banter; Boris’s black eye
• [10:58–14:56]: Boris and Olga plot their new scheme

---

Tone and Style

The episode balances the wholesome, light-hearted tone of Jerry's everyday circus life — training animals, chatting with friends, playfully posing for publicity — with a layer of suspense and intrigue as the scheming Boris and Olga plot in the shadows. Dialogue is witty and rich in period atmosphere, capturing both the warmth of circus family and the timeless appeal of Golden Age serial drama.

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For New Listeners

This episode is a perfect entry point: you’ll experience the charm of circus life, admire Jerry’s growing stardom, and witness the beginning of a new plot twist as Boris and Olga hatch a business scheme to steal Patsy’s money. The heart, humor, and scheming that kept Jerry of the Circus popular are all on display.

---

Transcript

[A]

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[B]

Jerry of the Circus. Now for Jerry of the Circus. Well, fine, Jerry. That was all right, Jerry.

[C]

Hey, did you see that last jump, Whitey?

[B]

You bet I did, Jerry. And a mighty clean jump it was. Come on now. Better put Splendor up. He's had about enough.

[C]

Okay.

[D]

There.

[C]

I bet he could go on jumping all day if he had his way about it.

[B]

Yeah, I suppose so. But you mustn't forget that he hasn't been having so much exercise lately. And too much all at one time isn't the best thing in the world for him.

[C]

Yeah, I know.

[B]

You know, you've sort of been neglecting your duties with this little colt. It's been weeks since you've taken him for a ride.

[C]

Well, Jiminy, I've been so busy with El Mundo and doing my act and everything. I just haven't been busy.

[B]

I know, I know, Jerry. Yeah, you have been busy. Come on now.

[C]

Come on, Splendor.

[B]

You know, Jerry, I can't get over the way you ride. That is, considering that you haven't been at it steady.

[C]

Don't I ride all right?

[B]

Well, you just bet you do. Why, if you'd practiced as much with Splendor as you have with El Mundo, I'll venture to say you'd be as good a horseman as any of the

[C]

Russoffs any old time. You're just saying that because you don't like Boris.

[B]

Not on your life, Jerry. No, sir. You're right at home up in the saddle.

[C]

Oh, sure, I like to ride, and it's easy for me now.

[B]

Well, maybe someday you'll get tired of doing that act with El Mundo and do a ride and act with Splendor.

[C]

Maybe I can do both.

[B]

You mean do your act with the elephant and then turn right around? Do a ride in act, too?

[C]

Why, sure. I'd be a circus all by myself.

[B]

I'll just bet you'd like to at that.

[C]

I'm only kidding, Whitey. Here, Splendor. Right up here to the line.

[B]

Yeah, that's right. Yeah. Just climb up there. I can get his side log.

[C]

You had a nice run for yourself, didn't you, Splendor?

[B]

You want to get his bridle off, Jerry?

[C]

Sure. Easy, Splendor. Hold still now.

[B]

There we are.

[C]

Should I put his blanket on?

[B]

Nope. I don't think you'll need that, Jerry. It's plenty warm under this horseback. He won't be catching cold.

[C]

I sure hope not. He's had his share of being sick.

[B]

More than his share for a little fella. Yeah, we come very close to not having Splendor during that spell of his.

[C]

Don't I know it.

[B]

But you sure did your share in helping him get well. I'll never forget how you stayed up taking care of him.

[C]

I do as much for. Well, for.

[B]

For. For me, huh, Jerry?

[C]

Oh, sure. Or anybody. Hey, Whitey.

[B]

Hello, Jerry back there with you? Yeah. Come on back at the far end.

[C]

Who is it, Whitey?

[B]

I don't know, Jerry. I couldn't get the voice.

[C]

Oh, I see who it is.

[B]

Who is it?

[C]

It's Jack Hastings. Hiya, Jack.

[E]

Hello, Jerry. Bump said I'd find you over here. How are you, Whitey?

[B]

Okay, Jack. Okay. Oh, you got your camera with you? It couldn't be that you're gonna take some publicity pictures in the horse top?

[E]

No, not this time, Whitey.

[C]

Well, what have you got the camera for, Jack?

[E]

Well, that's you up for, Jerry. I got a few extra plates, and I thought I'd take some pictures of you and El Mundo.

[C]

No fooling?

[E]

That's right. We can get a couple of good ones out of the lot. Mr. Randall said I might use them when I set up the new program.

[B]

There you are, Jerry. Getting famous already. Say, Jack, why don't you take a few pictures of Jerry on one of the horses here? What for?

[E]

He's not doing a riding act.

[B]

No, he's not. But that's not saying he couldn't.

[E]

That's all.

[B]

You bet. You should have been here a few minutes ago when he was taking Splinter over those hurdles out back of the tent.

[E]

A horseman too, eh, Jerry?

[C]

I can ride a little.

[B]

Quite a little, Jerry. Quite a.

[E]

Well, how about it? You gonna let me shoot a few pictures of you?

[C]

Well, I can go, can I? Waddy?

[B]

As far as I'm concerned, not more for you to do around here.

[C]

Okay, then. I'll see you after a while. Goodbye, Splendor.

[B]

All right, Jerry. I hope the pictures turn out good. They will.

[E]

I got a good subject.

[C]

Meaning me, of course.

[E]

Oh, meaning El Mundo.

[C]

Oh, yeah. See, I better stop by the wagon and put on my uniform, huh?

[E]

Yeah, that's the ticket. You know, Jerry, if we can get a real good picture of you up on the elephant, Mr. Randall might use it next year on the big outdoor billboard.

[C]

Hey, that would really be something. And my name on it, too, huh?

[E]

Certainly. Jerry Dugan, youngest elephant trainer in the world.

[C]

Hey, that sure sounds good. I bet I'd stop and look at one of those billboards every time I saw one.

[E]

Well, you would at first, but like everybody else, you'd soon get used to it.

[C]

Yeah, I guess that's right. Well, here's my dressing wagon. I'll hurry.

[E]

Okay, Jerry. I'll go on over to the Menagerie Top and get set up.

[C]

Jack. Jack Hastings. Oh, there you are.

[B]

Yeah.

[E]

Hey, you look pretty swell in that costume, my lad.

[C]

Thanks. I washed up a little, too.

[E]

Yeah, well, you didn't think about your hair, did you?

[C]

Oh, gee, no. I've got a comb right here in my pocket. I use it every performance just before I go on.

[E]

There, there, that's swell. You look all right now. Hey, there's Olson standing over there in front of Menagerie Top.

[B]

Now, Olson, who is it?

[F]

Oh, Jack and Gary.

[E]

That's a break. Now you can give us a hand with El Mundo.

[C]

As though we needed any help.

[E]

Oh, excuse me. I forgot that you're El Mundo's trainer.

[B]

Hello, Jack.

[F]

Hey, Jerry, what's the idea of the costume?

[E]

Well, mind if I take a couple of shots at el mundo, Olson?

[F]

Dr. El mundo? What are you talking about?

[C]

He means he wants to shoot some pictures.

[F]

Oh, so that's it. Sure. Shooting him with a camera won't hurt him none. Come on in.

[E]

I thought maybe I could get some good publicity pictures of Jerry and the elephant.

[F]

Want me to get El Mundo out back in the sunlight?

[E]

No, that won't be necessary, Olson. I've got some flash bulbs here in my case. I can get some good pictures right here under the menagerie top. Besides, I'd like to get a whole line of bulbs in the background.

[F]

Did you say flash bulb?

[E]

Yeah. Why?

[F]

Well, now, wait a minute. I'll have to move those zebras then.

[C]

Why, Olson?

[B]

Oh.

[F]

Cause those little critters just won't stand for flashbulbs going off. They'll start stampedin and cutting up something awful.

[E]

I don't want to put you in any trouble.

[F]

No trouble, Jack. Hey, you fellas. Come over here and take these ebers out back while we take some pictures.

[G]

Okay, boss.

[B]

Right away, boss.

[F]

Well, they'll have them out of there in a minute.

[E]

Okay, thanks. Old.

[C]

Hey, is that a new camera, Jack?

[B]

Nope.

[C]

He sure looks new.

[E]

I keep it that way, Jerry.

[F]

That's all he's got to do, garage. Just take a few pictures once in a while and keep his camera shined up.

[E]

Oh, sure. That's all? Just that and a couple of hundred other things.

[F]

The zebras are gone now, you can start your picture making anytime.

[E]

Okay. Now, Jerry, get up on El Mundo's head. I want to see how this is going to line up in the camera.

[C]

Okay. El Mundo. Descanzo. Descando amuno.

[F]

That's the boy.

[C]

He doesn't know what to make of it. Doing a show this time of day.

[E]

That's good Right there, Jerry. Hold it still now.

[F]

Oh, that looked like a good pose,

[E]

that was all right. Now sit down on his head, Jerry. That's right. Now put your right hand up in the air.

[C]

Like this?

[E]

No, straight over your head.

[F]

Over your head, Jerry.

[E]

Lean forward a little. That's right. Now hold still.

[F]

Say, that was a peat.

[E]

Yeah, nice shot.

[C]

Now what?

[E]

You can get down now, Jerry, we'll take a couple with you in front of El Mundo.

[C]

Okay, here I come.

[F]

Watch me see him slide down that trunk.

[E]

That's pretty clever, all right.

[C]

Hey, can I use your crop, Wilson?

[F]

Oh, sure, Jerry. Here you are.

[B]

Thanks.

[C]

Now, you want me to make him sit up?

[E]

Yeah, that's the idea. We'll take one with you right under him.

[C]

Okay. El Mundo. Say antese seances. El Mundo.

[B]

There.

[F]

How's that?

[B]

Good, good.

[E]

Jerry, hold it. Oh, that was a dandy picture.

[C]

Okay, El Mundo. Descanzo prano.

[D]

Hello.

[H]

What's going on in here?

[F]

Oh, hello, Pantine Borders.

[E]

How are you?

[H]

Hello, Olson.

[D]

And Jackie sings.

[H]

Well, that explains the flashes of light.

[E]

Just taking a few pictures of Jerry and El Moondo.

[G]

We saw the light flashes and came to find out what it was.

[E]

Well, that's it, Jerry.

[C]

Oh, is that all you're going to take now?

[E]

That's all the plates I have. Boy, we'll take some more some other time.

[C]

Okay. Oh, hello, Patsy. Hi, Jerry. Say, what's the matter? Gee, Boris, where did you get that black eye one?

[F]

Well, look at that.

[E]

Well, you see, I. Boris was going

[H]

into his wagon after the performance last night, and it was dark and he ran into the door. Isn't that what you told me, Boris?

[F]

He is?

[G]

Yes, that is exactly what happened. For the performances, I put a little makeup on and it does not show.

[H]

I see.

[F]

Generally, it's a bed post, ain't it, Boris?

[H]

Come on, Howells, that's not fair. Well, Jerry. What now where are you going?

[C]

Well, I better get back to the wagon.

[H]

Well, come on then, I'll walk over with you. You coming, Boris?

[E]

No.

[G]

Yes, yes, of course.

[C]

Goodbye, Jack, and thanks a lot for taking the pictures.

[E]

Okay, Jerry, I'll show them to you

[B]

as soon as we get them ready.

[C]

Don't forget. Goodbye, Olson.

[B]

So long, Jerry.

[H]

Well, you're surely getting to be the star act, Jerry, having your picture taken all hours of the day.

[G]

Come on, let's go through this side entrance here. It takes us closer to the wagon.

[D]

All right.

[C]

Hey, have you seen Bob's?

[H]

Yes, a little while ago. He and Slice are doing their weekly washing.

[C]

I guess I really ought to give rags a bath too.

[H]

It's nice weather for it.

[G]

Here we are.

[H]

Thank you, Boris.

[G]

Not at all, my little lady.

[C]

Say, it is quicker to come out this way, isn't it?

[G]

Sure it is. I know the shortcuts.

[H]

I guess you do, Boris.

[C]

Hey, there's your sister, Boris, there on your wagon stand.

[B]

Oh, yes, Namo see her.

[G]

Olga, wait. I want to see you. Excuse me, please, Patsy.

[H]

Surely, Boris.

[C]

Go right ahead.

[H]

Jerry can escort me now.

[G]

All right. Goodbye. Goodbye, Jerry.

[H]

See you later. Boris.

[D]

What is it? Boris?

[C]

Wait.

[D]

What do you mean, wait?

[G]

Go into the wagon. I do not want to talk here. Now close the door.

[E]

Close the door.

[D]

All right, all right.

[G]

I was just walking around a lot with Patsy.

[D]

I noticed that.

[G]

Patsy tells me that she's going to buy an annuity with the money she received.

[D]

An annuity?

[F]

Yes, it's a.

[G]

It's a form of insurance. And once she puts the money there,

[D]

you will not be able to get it from her.

[G]

Yes, that's exactly it.

[D]

No matter what she does with it, I do not think you are clever enough to get it from her anyway.

[G]

Olga, I do not like remarks like that.

[D]

It is true you have failed not only once, but twice. First you try to take her into the family to get her money, but she turns you down.

[G]

It is not so.

[D]

It is so and the truth hurts your ears.

[C]

Olga, wait.

[D]

You listen to me now. You have tried by yourself long enough. I know women. I know how to appeal to her. Oh, you must listen to me, Boris. We must work together. You make a fool of yourself, letting that roustabout give you that black eye. You have nothing more to try, no more schemes.

[G]

And you have one.

[D]

Yes, and I think a good one.

[G]

What is it?

[D]

Oh, you are willing to listen to

[G]

me now, what is the plan?

[D]

A woman likes to think herself smart. She likes to believe she's as good with business matters as a man.

[G]

Yes, yes, all right. That is true.

[D]

So why not appeal to her business judgment? Make her a proposition to invest her money for great return.

[G]

What would that be?

[D]

What is it you want more? A circus of your own?

[G]

Yes, certainly.

[D]

Well, then tell her to invest her money in your new circus. Tell her you are going to start your own circus in Europe or somewhere. She knows there is a lot of money to be made with a good show.

[G]

The plan sounds very reasonable.

[C]

I have it.

[G]

I will tell her we're going to take a circus to South America. And for her $20,000, I will make her a partner. I'll get that money from her.

[I]

And Doug. There's nowhere I wouldn't go to help someone customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual. Even if it means sitting front row at a comedy show.

[C]

Hey, everyone. Check out this guy and his bird. What is this, your first date?

[F]

Oh, no.

[I]

We help people customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual together. We're married. Me to a human, him to a bird.

[B]

Yeah, the bird looks out of your league.

[I]

Anyways, get a [e-mail] or with your local agent.

[B]

Liberty, Liberty. Liberty. Liberty.

[I]

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