Jerry of the Circus - An Abandoned Kitten

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Jerry of the Circus – An Abandoned Kitten

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: Jerry of the Circus - An Abandoned Kitten
Date: May 21, 2026
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio

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Overview

This episode of “Jerry of the Circus” centers around themes of compassion, loss, and the special bonds formed between humans and animals. The spotlight is on Jerry and his circus companions as they face the sadness of grieving animals and discover hope and healing when their dog Rags brings an injured, abandoned kitten to the group. The episode explores empathy, the quirks and camaraderie within the circus family, and creative solutions for animal and human troubles.

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Key Discussion Points and Story Highlights

1. A Somber Mood and Animal Grief

• Scene: Jerry shares feelings of sadness with Bumps, reflecting on the recent death of a gnu in the menagerie.
• Jerry reveals the reason for his mood isn't just the loss, but that the surviving gnu, Maud, is grieving deeply.
• Quote:
  • Jerry: “Kelly says the other new, her name's Maud, is gonna die too… she's grieving something fierce.” (03:39)
  • Bumps: “I know that's true. Oh, well, that's really a shame, Jerry.” (03:54)

2. Circus Life Realities & Small Joys

• Scene: The two reminisce about the day's successful shows, Jerry's developing bond with elephant El Mundo, and the unique joys of the circus.
• Quote:
  • Bumps: “Well, an animal and his master have to like each other to do their best.” (04:54)

3. Rags Brings a Surprise: The Abandoned Kitten

• Scene: Rags the dog returns carrying a limp kitten, prompting concern and immediate action from Jerry and Bumps.
• The group wonders if Rags hurt the kitten, but Jerry observes: “No, if Rags had done it, he'd have his tail down.” (06:38)
• Decision is made to take the kitten to the circus vet.

Memorable Moment

• Jerry praises Rags: “Nice, Rags. Sure, that was nice of you. Thought this cat needed some attention, huh?” (06:48)

4. Sideshow Rivalries and Circus Humor

• Subplot: Major, a midget performer, feels slighted by Belko, the strongman, stirring up comic squabbles.
• Quote:
  • Major: “He said I'd make a good dummy…for a ventriloquist. I guess that's insulting enough.” (07:41)
  • Major: “I'll not stand to be belittled by a man made out of just muscle and bone.” (09:00)
• Bumps and Mr. Randall assure Major they’ll address Belko’s bravado.

5. Compassion and Problem Solving

• Scene: Jerry pleads to keep the kitten, but Mr. Randall gently refuses due to the circus's limitations.
• Quote:
  • Jerry: "It wouldn't be in the way or anything..." (09:54)
  • Mr. Randall: "I'm sorry, Jerry, but that's quite out of the question." (09:59)
• A plan forms to tend to the kitten’s needs, and Jerry is also tasked with fetching Belko for Mr. Randall about potential show acts.

6. The Kitten’s Role in Maud’s Recovery

• Scene (12:00+): At the menagerie tent, Jerry and Bumps discover Maud the grieving gnu showing uncharacteristic interest in the new kitten.
• Quote:
  • Kelly: “Say, that's more interest than she showed all day... That's the trouble. Sure, if we could just keep her interested enough…” (12:18)
  • Jerry: “So she'd want to keep on living, huh?” (12:31)
• The group realizes the kitten might help revive Maud’s will to live—a hopeful turn to the earlier sadness.

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Notable Quotes & Moments with Timestamps

• “Gee, it's a nice day, isn't it? I just love this backyard. On days like this, the show going on just as regular…”
  —Jerry (02:18)
• “Kelly says the other new, her name's Maud, is gonna die too... she's grieving something fierce.”
  —Jerry (03:39)
• “Well, an animal and his master have to like each other to do their best…”
  —Bumps (04:54)
• “Jumping horse feathers. It's a cat!”
  —Jerry (06:21)
• “Nice, Rags. Sure, that was nice of you. Thought this cat needed some attention, huh?”
  —Jerry (06:48)
• “He said I'd make a good dummy…for a ventriloquist. I guess that's insulting enough.”
  —Major (07:41)
• “It wouldn't be in the way or anything...”
  —Jerry (09:54)
• “Say, that's more interest than she showed all day ...if we could just keep her interested enough…”
  —Kelly (12:18)

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• [02:18] Mood set: Jerry’s melancholy and reflection on circus days
• [03:39] Revelation of Maud's grief, risk of animals dying from loneliness
• [06:09] Rags brings injured kitten, group reacts
• [07:41] Major’s grievance with Belko—comic relief subplot
• [09:54] Jerry pleads to keep kitten, Randall explains why not
• [12:18] Maud the gnu shows interest in the kitten, hope emerges

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Tone & Atmosphere

The episode balances gentle sadness with heartwarming moments and light, bustling circus banter. The language is simple and earnest, with a touch of classic mid-century American optimism and dry humor—a blend that creates both nostalgia and emotional resonance.

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Conclusion

“An Abandoned Kitten” weaves together sorrow for lost animal companionship, the healing power of new connections, and the spirited community of circus life. The discovery that the kitten may help Maud recover ties together themes of empathy, hope, and the unexpected ways in which kindness can save a life—be it animal or human.

Transcript

[A]

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[B]

Jerry of the circus.

[C]

Sam. Sari of the circus.

[D]

Hey, Bumps, where's Rags?

[C]

Around here someplace, I guess. We just finished our final walk around.

[D]

That's funny. It's not like him to go running off.

[C]

Oh, don't you worry. He'll be back. You can't lose him.

[D]

Gee, it's a nice day, isn't it? I just love this backyard. On days like this, the show going on just as regular in the music, all the costumes.

[C]

Well, now, Jerry, you're getting sentimental.

[D]

Guess I feel kind of sad.

[B]

You do?

[C]

Why?

[D]

I've been over talking to Kelly.

[C]

Well, I don't know a jollier man on the lot than Kelly. He's the best cheer upper I know. Say, that Irish menagerie man's got more animal stories than anyone else in the business.

[D]

Yeah, I know.

[C]

Oh, come on, Jerry, snap out of it. We're getting paid now, you know. Yeah, well, say, Kelly must have been telling you a whopper to get you down like this.

[D]

No, he wasn't telling any stories.

[C]

Well, then whatever's wrong, did he hear about the news? New what?

[D]

New gnu.

[C]

Oh, you're talking about an animal.

[D]

Yeah, the one that died. Oh, yeah, one of them died in Fordham.

[C]

It seems like an awful lot happened in Fordham.

[D]

I'll say.

[C]

Oh, now, Jerry, there's no reason for you to feel so upset.

[D]

But they're pretty animals. So gentle.

[C]

I knew about it when it happened. But you were so all fired busy, I guess I never thought of mentioning it.

[D]

Mr. Randall must feel pretty bad.

[C]

Of course he does. But after all, when you're around so many animals all the time, things are bound to happen over a long period of time.

[D]

Oh, I don't feel so bad about the one that died.

[C]

Well, I thought you said that. Say, what on earth is going on behind that funny little freckled face of yours, Jerry?

[D]

Well, you see, it's like this. Kelly says the other new, her name's Maud, is gonna die too.

[C]

What?

[D]

Yeah, you see, she's left all Alone. And she's grieving something fierce. Kelly says that happens now and then. Animals just die when they lose another animal they like a lot.

[C]

Yeah, I know that's true. Oh, well, that's really a shame, Jerry.

[D]

Guess that's why I'm feeling so sort of blue. And yet it's such a swell day. And it's so good to be here.

[C]

Well, we'd better get going, Jerry.

[D]

Guess I'll just sit here and wait for a. Oh, no.

[C]

You know, he's probably over at the wagon now. Come on, Jerry. Now, you can't help that new by worrying about it.

[D]

Yeah, I know, but I sure wish there was something I could do.

[C]

Say, there was a good house today. I never saw so many kids.

[D]

Yeah, they sure liked your act.

[C]

Yeah, I didn't have any trouble hearing them applaud you and El Mundo.

[D]

Oh, he was going great today. He sure was in a good mood. Hey, did you hear him squeal after he picked me up and put me on his head?

[C]

I sure did. Looked like you most lost your balance for a minute.

[D]

I almost did. I was so surprised. He never squealed like that before. Scared me for a minute.

[C]

Just high spirits, Jerry. That was all.

[D]

It's funny how much I'm getting to like that elephant. I never was scared of him, but now I. Well, I can just hardly wait to work with him.

[C]

Well, that's the test of a real animal performer.

[D]

How do you mean?

[C]

Well, an animal and his master have to like each other to do their best. And if you really love your animal, you can make him do lots more.

[D]

I suppose that's so. Oh, well, here we are.

[C]

All right. Well, hello there. Brought your pay envelopes around or say thanks. Sign here. Here's an indelible pen. Well, that service. Thank you. That's okay. Too many folks in the Midway. Mr. Randall thought it better to have me deliver the envelope.

[D]

Here you are. You can read my writing.

[C]

Sure. Well, so long.

[D]

So long. One of your rags wasn't here. I feel kind of mean opening this pay without him being here.

[C]

Oh, well, it's yours too. It's good to have this makeup off.

[D]

I wonder where Rags is. Guess I'll take a look around.

[C]

No, no, wait a second. I'll walk away with you. I want to see Mr. Randall a minute.

[D]

Sure. Here, I'll hang up this stuff.

[C]

All right. Now, where's my belt?

[D]

Oh, there under the chair. I'm gonna buy something special for Rags this week.

[C]

Oh, good. All right, let's go. What are you gonna get him?

[D]

Oh, I don't know. I'll think of something.

[C]

You know, I think it's pretty nice the way you always buy Rags a present every week.

[D]

Well, money doesn't mean anything to him. And I guess he earned some kind of a bonus.

[C]

He sure does. Yeah, but most folks wouldn't think of that.

[D]

Bumps.

[C]

Now what?

[D]

Look over there.

[C]

Where?

[D]

Coming from behind that bandwagon.

[C]

Well, I'll be.

[D]

It's Rags.

[C]

It sure is. But what's he got in his mouth?

[D]

Rags, come here. Yamot.

[E]

What you got?

[D]

Jumping horse feathers. It's a cat.

[B]

A cat?

[C]

Rags. Rag, put that down. Why, you'll hurt that.

[D]

Here. Rags, put that cat down.

[C]

Oh, look, right at your feet.

[D]

Well, of all things. Poor little kitten. Hey, look, bouncy, he's been hurt.

[C]

You think Rags did it?

[E]

Look at him.

[D]

So proud of himself. No, if Rags had done it, he'd have his tail down.

[C]

Well, he must have found this cat and it couldn't move, so he brought it to us.

[D]

Can you beat it?

[C]

Dogs are funnier.

[D]

Nice, Rags. Sure, that was nice of you. Thought this cat needed some attention, huh? Poor little thing. It looks half starved. I'm gonna get us some to eat.

[C]

You better get it to the doctor first.

[D]

Yeah, guess I am. He was older than an ADRI 10 a while back. Trying to make that poor new eat.

[C]

You know, it's tragic how animals will starve themselves to death on purpose.

[E]

I don't care, Mr. Randall, you can say what you like. Belco says those things on purpose to humiliate me. And I won't stand for it. I just won't.

[D]

Sounds like the Major's on a rampage again.

[C]

Poor Major. Might. Being a midget certainly makes him sensitive.

[E]

He's. He's a bully. That's what he is. A bully.

[B]

Now, now, Major, don't take it. I like that.

[C]

I'm sure Belco just thoughtless, thoughtless, thoughtless.

[E]

I appeal to you. Just a minute, Jerry. Bumps, I want you to hear this. What did you say if a big bully called you a dummy? Yes, sir, a dummy.

[B]

You don't mean to say Belko said you were dumb?

[E]

Well, not exactly that, but he said I'd make a good dummy. You know, for a ventriloquist, I guess that's insulting enough.

[C]

Oh, he was probably just kidding. You know, trying to be funny, kid.

[E]

Nothing. He was trying to humiliate me. And I won't stand for it. I won't. He thinks he's so smart.

[D]

You know, some people just like to brag. That's probably what he was doing.

[E]

Why? Do you know what he said? He said that that Beef Aider said. Said that I was just a sample. A sample? Do you get that?

[D]

Sample of what?

[E]

Sample of a man. You think I'm gonna stand around and take that kind of talk from. From a human? Crane thinks he's wonderful because he can lift heavy weights.

[B]

Now, just calm down, Major. I'll talk to Belko and see that he's a little more careful of what he says.

[E]

And that's not all. You ought to hear the lies he tells.

[B]

Lies?

[E]

Sure. A lot of nonsense about being able to drag a truck with his teeth and swing a trunk around his head. With his teeth?

[B]

Well, can he?

[E]

Of course not. He's just talking. Showing off in front of all these towners. Offered to play basketball with me if somebody get him a basket.

[B]

Well, now, that's really going too far.

[E]

I'll say it is. Why? Why, I was just speechless. That's what I was. Imagine throwing me through a basket. I never heard of such a name.

[B]

Now, don't you worry anymore, Major. I'll see to Belko. But you go on tonight and no nonsense, now, you hear me?

[E]

All right. But I'm warning you, I'll not stand to be belittled by a man made out of just muscle and bone.

[B]

Well, all right, all right.

[E]

I guess I proved before that brains are more important than brawns.

[B]

All right, Major. I'll see Belco. Goodbye.

[E]

I guess I know when I'm right. Well, goodbye, folks.

[C]

Oh, goodbye, Major.

[D]

Boy, Major can sure work himself up into a stew. Can he?

[B]

He certainly can. He gets into a perfect lather. But as soon as he flies off the handle and gets it over with, he feels better. Well, Jerry, what have you got there?

[D]

Rags just brought him, huh? Isn't he cute?

[C]

Poor cat.

[B]

Mine looks half starved. It seems as if it's hurt in some way.

[D]

Yeah. When Rags brought it in, it just lay there on the ground. Didn't get up on its feet or anything.

[B]

You better get us some food, Jerry.

[D]

Thanks, Mr. Randall, I will. Thought maybe I'd better let the doctor see it.

[B]

Yeah, that's a good idea, Jerry. We can't take it with us, but we will do what we can for it.

[D]

You're so. Well, Mr. Randall, but couldn't we just. Well, it wouldn't be in the way or anything.

[B]

Oh, I'm sorry, Jerry, but that's quite out of the question. Say, Bumps, I've been wondering.

[C]

What about?

[B]

Well, do you suppose Belko can do all the things that he claims he can.

[C]

Well, I couldn't say offhand, but there have been men with phenomenal teeth who did unusual stunts.

[B]

You know, I. I was thinking.

[D]

Say, that's a good idea. Imagine really doing those stunts in the sideshow. Boy, that oughta pack him in.

[B]

Well, I wasn't thinking of the sideshow, Jerry.

[D]

You mean.

[B]

Well, if he really is good, it might be worth featuring him under the main top.

[D]

Say, boy, that'd sure burn up the major.

[B]

Oh, no, no. All he wants is to be the main attraction in his own tent. He doesn't care what happens under the

[C]

big dog, but he certainly raises a rumpus if anyone steals his thunder in the sideshow.

[D]

I'll say. Does he? What you gonna do, Mr. Randall?

[B]

Well, I'm not sure, Jerry, but you might do an errand for me.

[D]

Sure. Anything you say.

[B]

Well, run along and take care of your cat first. And then look up Belko and send him to me in the office wagon. I'm headed for there now.

[D]

Sure, I will.

[C]

Oh, Sam, I meant to ask you if I could get Lester over in the workshop to rig me up some kind of a fake bull headgear for Rags.

[B]

Yeah. Yes, if you think he can manage it promptly.

[C]

Oh, I'm sure he can. I know what has to be done.

[B]

All right, all right. Go ahead and tell Lester you got my okay. Well, I've got work to do. I'll be seeing you. I'm sorry about the cat, Jerry, but I. I guess you've got your hands folding up with rags.

[C]

Goodbye, Sam.

[D]

Well, bye, Mr. Randall. Coming, bumps?

[C]

Well, I guess I may as well. Got nothing special to do, Bumps.

[D]

I'm awful disappointed. You don't know how I hate to leave this poor little kitten behind.

[C]

Well, maybe it'll be best in the long run, Jerry. Never can tell if it's hurt bad, that traveling mightn't be good for it.

[D]

Well, here's a menagerie tent. Hope the doctor's still here. Mind holding the flat back? Kind of got my hands full.

[C]

All right. Sure thing. There you are. Come on, Rags. Come on, boy. After all, this is your patient.

[D]

Hi there, Kelly.

[F]

Oh, hello, Jerry. Are you back again?

[D]

Yeah. The doctor around?

[F]

No, not now. But I expect him back any minute.

[C]

Good.

[D]

We'll wait here then.

[F]

Hello, Bumps. How's tricks? Oh, say, what you got there, Jerry?

[D]

It's hurt. Poor little thing. Thought maybe the doc could help.

[C]

Sure thing.

[D]

How's your patient?

[F]

I don't know. I can't seem to interest Molly, and it's breaking me heart.

[D]

Poor Maude, look at her just laying in there. Say, she's looking at us.

[F]

No, you're right, Jerry. Say, that's more interest than she showed all day. Oh, oh, oh, there she is turning away again. That's the trouble. Sure, if we could just keep her interested enough.

[D]

So she'd want to keep on living, huh?

[F]

Yeah, the rest it'd be Aisy. Cause there's not a thing in the world wrong except she's gravin her heart out.

[D]

Say, Kelly.

[E]

Hey, look.

[D]

She's watching us again. Say, you don't think it's this cat, do you?

[C]

No.

[F]

What she'd want would. Say, wait a minute. Here. Give me that kit.

[D]

Careful now. Don't hurt it.

[F]

I won't. I just want to see it.

[C]

Hey, Kelly, I believe you've hit on something. Hey, look, Maud's watching it, Kelly.

[D]

She is?

[C]

Yeah.

[F]

I guess she thinks the cat's more miserable than she is.

[E]

But look, she's getting up.

[D]

She's moving over.

[C]

Kelly, wouldn't it be wonderful? Wait a minute, folks. Here comes the doctor. Maybe he'll know what to do.

[G]

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[E]

Hey, everyone.

[D]

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

[B]

Oh, no.

[G]

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[D]

Yeah, the bird looks out of your league.

[G]

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

[F]

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[C]

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[F]

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[D]

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