Jerry of the Circus - An Exam for All

Summary

---

Jerry of the Circus – "An Exam for All"

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Date: May 20, 2026
Episode Theme:
This episode from the classic radio serial "Jerry of the Circus" captures a day in circus life as young Jerry and his friends grapple with health concerns, horsemanship, and friendships on the brink of big changes. The story builds from lighthearted horseplay to urgent news that the entire circus may be facing a dangerous measles outbreak, adding suspense and a communal challenge for all the circus members.

---

Key Discussion Points & Story Beats

1. Catching Up and Exciting News

• Jerry and Tom Meet Up
  • Jerry runs into Tom, who asks about his plans. Jerry is heading to the horse stall to take Splendor, the pony, for a ride. (02:07)
  • Tom asks about a letter Jerry received from his Uncle Dan, who is recovering from illness and may soon join the circus again.
    • Quote:
      • Jerry: “He said it was from my uncle Dan. He said he was getting better and could walk without a cane.” (02:24)

2. Horsemanship and Friendship

• Prepping for Riding Splendor
  • Jerry and Tom visit Whitey, the stable hand, to ask about riding Splendor. Tom wants to try too.
    • Quote:
      • Whitey: “Splendor’s a little spirited, you know. He gets pretty frisky at times.” (03:45)
  • Tom and Jerry work together to saddle the horse, discussing the morning's strawberries and general circus life.
    • Quote:
      • Tom: “Those strawberries we had for breakfast were the first ones this year. And were they swell? Nice and sweet.” (05:13)

3. Tom Shows Off His Riding Skills

• Jumping Practice and Compliments
  • Tom skillfully rides Splendor and, with Whitey's encouragement, attempts a jump over the fence—succeeding impressively.
    • Quote:
      • Whitey (on Tom's jump): “That boy is a natural born rider. He handles that colt like he’s been riding him for years.” (06:43)
      • Jerry: “Good for him! Boy, that was sure pretty.” (06:55)

4. Discussion of Talents and Future Aspirations

• Whitey Suggests Tom Could Be a Jockey
  • Whitey is impressed by Tom’s strong hands and natural ability, asking if he has ever considered becoming a jockey.
    • Quote:
      • Whitey: “Well, sir, I think you’re the best little horseman in the world. For your age, I’ve never seen your equal.” (07:42)
      • Whitey: “Those big hands, Tom, and your strong arms have a lot to do with your being a good rider. It takes good, strong hands to handle a horse.” (08:08)

5. Personal Changes and Looming Goodbyes

• Tom Shares He's Leaving Soon
  • Whitey learns Tom is departing the circus in Fordham to search for his father at the county fair.
    • Quote:
      • Tom: “Yes sir, I’m going to try to find my father when I get there.” (09:21)
      • He reveals his father’s horse is the subject of ridicule because it used to be a fire horse—a perceived disadvantage for racing. (10:17)

6. A Shadow Falls: Measles Outbreak

• Patsy Arrives with Urgent News
  • Patsy, excited and worried, breaks the news: Dr. Williams suspects the whole circus may be coming down with measles and orders everyone to the hospital for examinations.
    • Quote:
      • Patsy: “Dr. Williams is very much afraid that the whole Circle Circus is taking down with a measles.” (11:48)
      • “One of the Carlin boys broke out with red blotches all over his face. And then Mr. Murray turned up with the same kind of blotches on his arms...” (12:13)
  • Jerry and Tom try to reason that they already had measles as children, but Patsy insists everyone must be checked.
• The Tension Escalates
  • Whitey notices red spots on his own arm, heightening the urgency.
    • Quote:
      • Jerry: “Hey, look, Whitey. Hey, look at your arm. You've got funny little red marks.” (12:45)
      • Whitey: “Say, this is no joke. Come on, let's get right over to Doc Williams and find out what this is all about.” (12:51)

---

Notable Quotes

• On Tom’s riding:

  • Whitey: “He handles that colt like he’s been riding him for years.” (06:43)
  • Jerry: “Good for him! Boy, that was sure pretty.” (06:55)

• On being a natural rider:

  • Whitey: “I think you’re the best little horseman in the world. For your age, I’ve never seen your equal.” (07:42)
  • Whitey: “Those big hands, Tom, and your strong arms have a lot to do with your being a good rider.” (08:08)

• On circus life upended:

  • Patsy: “Dr. Williams is very much afraid that the whole Circle Circus is taking down with a measles.” (11:48)
  • Whitey: “Say, this is no joke. Come on, let's get right over to Doc Williams and find out what this is all about.” (12:51)

---

Important Timestamps

• [02:07] Jerry and Tom’s discussion about Uncle Dan and plans to ride Splendor
• [03:45] Whitey warns about Splendor’s spirit
• [06:43] Tom impresses with his jumping skills
• [07:42] Whitey praises Tom as best young horseman
• [09:21] Tom reveals he’s leaving to find his father
• [11:48] Patsy announces possible measles outbreak
• [12:51] Whitey’s realization—he may have symptoms too

---

Episode Takeaways

• The episode blends classic light-hearted circus camaraderie and youthful aspirations with the somber reality of a health threat—anchoring the narrative in both personal growth and collective crisis.
• The story highlights the spirit of encouragement (Whitey mentoring Tom), the value of strong friendship (Jerry, Tom, Patsy), and the unpredictability of circus life, both thrilling and perilous.
• The ending’s cliffhanger sets up the next adventure: Will the circus grind to a halt under quarantine, or will determination and teamwork see them through?

Perfect for fans of classic radio storytelling, youthful adventure, and slice-of-life drama!

Transcript

[A]

Hey campers, it's Jan from Toyota. This summer we're headed to Camp Toyota and the fun starts now. We're kicking things off by kicking up mud. Jump in campers. We're going off roading in a 4Runner. Next we're heading to the hot springs in Arav 4. And finally park your tundras and Tacomas around the campfire because we're roasting marshmallows. There's summer starts here.

[B]

Dealer inventory may vary. So you're participating. Toyota dealer for details event hands June 1st Toyota. Let's go places.

[C]

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

[D]

Hiya Tom. Where are you going?

[E]

No place. I was just looking for you. What are you heading for, Jerry?

[D]

I'm going over the horse stop and get Splendor and take him for a ride.

[E]

Can I go with you?

[D]

Sure you want to? Come on.

[E]

Hey, did you get that letter Mr. Randall said was over at his office wagon?

[D]

Uh huh.

[E]

It was something special, wasn't it?

[D]

I say it was from my uncle Dan. He said he was getting better and could walk without a cane.

[E]

Now, is he going to get out of the hospital soon?

[D]

He said it would be a little over a month before the doctors would let him leave. But he wants to get out now. He said he feels fine.

[E]

Well, if he feels good, why they

[D]

let him go, I don't know, but I guess they want to make sure he's really all well.

[E]

Didn't you tell me that he was going to join up with the circus when he leaves the hospital?

[D]

He might. Mr. Randall promised him a job if he wants it.

[E]

He used to be with the circus, didn't he?

[D]

Uh huh. But before that he was a big game hunter. He got all sorts of wild animals for circuses and zoos.

[E]

Really?

[D]

Sure, and he was one of the best in the world.

[E]

That's a real dangerous business, I'll bet.

[D]

Sure is. Well, here we are. Now let's see if we can find Whitey.

[E]

There he is, way in back of the tent. See him?

[D]

Oh yeah. Whitey. Oh, Whitey.

[C]

Hello Jerry.

[D]

You busy?

[C]

No. Come on in.

[D]

Come on, Tom.

[E]

I'm coming.

[C]

What's on your mind, Jerry? Something special.

[D]

I thought I'd take Splendor out back and give him a ride and maybe try a few tricks with him.

[C]

Okay, Jerry, go get him.

[E]

Hey Jerry, do you think I can ride him too?

[D]

Oh, I don't know. Ask Whitey.

[E]

Should I?

[D]

Sure, why not? Whitey, Tom here wants to ask you something.

[C]

Well, what is he soon? Fire away.

[E]

Well, do you think that as I'm. I was wondering, could I ride Splendor, too? Just a little?

[C]

Well, now, I don't know, Tom. Ever done any riding?

[E]

Oh, sure, I can ride all right. I used to ride a lot.

[C]

Splendor's a little spirited, you know. He gets pretty frisky at times.

[E]

I know it.

[C]

Well, if you think you can stay up in the saddle, go ahead and give it a try.

[E]

Gee, thanks, Whitey.

[C]

That's okay, my Bo. But be careful. We don't want any accidents around here.

[D]

Come on, Splinter. Come on.

[C]

Got the saddle, Jerry?

[D]

No, but I've got his bridle. You get the saddle, Tom.

[C]

There it is, hanging over there.

[E]

Okay, I'll bring it.

[D]

We'll go right out the back way here. Come on, Splinter. You're going to get a little exercise.

[C]

Think you can manage by yourself?

[E]

Oh, sure.

[C]

Be sure you get that saddle on good and tight. Pull that cinch strap as tight as you can.

[D]

Okay, I will. Coming, Tom?

[E]

Yeah, I'm right behind you.

[C]

If I'm not here when you get through riding, then you'll be sure size blender up.

[D]

All right, Whitey.

[E]

Hey, this saddle is heavy, Jerry.

[D]

Well, put it down. We'll saddle him up right here. Whoa, Splendor. Easy now.

[E]

You put the vital on first, don't you?

[D]

Here, you hold on to this hauler. Okay, now, come on, Splendor. Open up. Come on.

[E]

Whoa, there, Splendor. Whoa.

[D]

You'll take the bit, all right. Come on, now. That's it.

[E]

That was easy.

[D]

Yeah, it's getting easier every time. But he sure didn't like that bit in his mouth the first time. Throw that blanket over him now, will you?

[E]

Coming up.

[D]

Here you are. Now the saddle. There we are. Oh, Springer.

[E]

He sure is anxious to go. Whoa, there, boy. Whoa. Take it easy now.

[D]

Hey, look at your hand. Did you hurt it?

[E]

No. Why?

[D]

It's all red.

[E]

Oh, that. That's nothing. I got that when I was picking the strawberries we had for breakfast.

[D]

Boy, they sure were good, weren't they?

[E]

I'll say. The first ones we had this year. And were they swell? Nice and sweet.

[D]

Well, he's ready now. I got the simp strap good and tight. You want to ride him first?

[E]

Can I?

[D]

Sure. Go ahead. Get on.

[E]

Okay.

[D]

Easy now, Splinter. I guess he knows he's gonna have a new rider. That's right. Up he goes. Hold on tight, Tom. Oh, I'm all right, boy. Are you going, Jerry? Yeah. Whitey, Is Tom all right?

[C]

Splinter's not running away with him, is he?

[D]

No, he's all right, Whitey.

[C]

Oh, say, I got a scare for a minute. I just happened to look out when Splinter took off with Tom. And, well, for all the world, it looked like that colt was out of control.

[D]

No, Tom can handle him swell.

[C]

Yeah, I see now he's heading him back this way. Boy sure knows what it's all about when it comes to riding.

[D]

Good for you, Tom. You're a keen rider.

[C]

You're doing all right, son.

[D]

Whoa.

[E]

Whoa, Splendor. Whoa. Boy, you sure can run.

[C]

I told you he was spirited. He's the fastest little pony I ever saw. Yes, sir, there's no doubt about that.

[E]

Did you ever try to jump with him, Jerry?

[D]

No, not yet. Why?

[E]

Well, he wants to jump.

[D]

How can you tell?

[E]

Well, did you notice when I got him way out there by that fence?

[D]

No, I wasn't looking just yet.

[E]

Well, he sure wanted to go over the fence, all right. I could tell. He put on a lot of extra speed and wanted to head right for it.

[C]

Did you ever ride a jumper, Tom?

[E]

Yes, sir.

[C]

Think you'd like to try Splendor out?

[E]

Oh, I sure would.

[C]

Well, if he wants to make that fence, go ahead and give it a try. But be careful.

[E]

Okay. Come on, Splendor. Get out there, Jess.

[C]

Look at him go, Jerry. That boy is a natural born rider. He handles that colt like he's been riding him for years.

[D]

Hey, lookit. Look at Whitey. He's getting to the fence.

[C]

He's over. He did it.

[D]

Good for him. Boy, that was sure pretty.

[C]

Yes, it was, Jerry. His first jump, and just as pretty as ever I've seen. Had a lot of room to spare, too.

[D]

Here he comes back now. Just look at him.

[C]

Oh, it's a Splendor. Seems that just sort of sense. He's got a good rider up in the saddle. Bring him over here, Tom.

[E]

How was that for a high jump?

[C]

Oh, that was fine, Tom. Really fine.

[D]

Great. Use your can ride, Tom.

[C]

Better get down now and let Splendor rest a few minutes. We don't want to overdo a good thing, you know.

[E]

Okay. Whoa there, Splinter. Oh, boy. Nice. Boy, that was sure fun.

[D]

Splendor's a jumper, all right, isn't he?

[E]

I'll say he is. He went over that fence just like a bird.

[C]

Say, Tom.

[E]

Yeah, Whitey?

[C]

Did anybody ever tell you what a good rider you were?

[E]

No.

[D]

Why?

[C]

Well, sir, I think you're the best little horseman in the world. For your age, I've never seen your equal.

[E]

Oh, quit kidding me.

[C]

No, I'm not Tom, you're a natural born jockey.

[D]

But why?

[C]

He says he means you Bet I do. Let me take a look at those hands of yours here. Just what I thought.

[D]

What about his hands?

[C]

Well, they're bigger than yours, aren't they?

[D]

Yeah, I guess they are.

[C]

They're almost as big as mine.

[E]

Well, what about it?

[C]

Those big hands, Tom, and your strong arms have a lot to do with your being a good rider. It takes good, strong hands to handle a horse. You gotta be able to hang onto the range, hold your horse down, then let him out when you want more speed.

[E]

I know what you mean. I held Splinter back till just before we got to the fence, and then I let him go and gave him all the range he wanted.

[C]

That's it exactly. Did you ever think of becoming a jockey?

[E]

Uh.

[C]

Well, you'd be a good one. Yeah, you're just about the right size. How much do you weigh?

[D]

Oh, I think about £95.

[C]

That's just about right.

[D]

Jockeys can't be too heavy, can they?

[C]

No, no. They got to keep their weight down yet. They have to be strong. Good and strong.

[E]

I'd sure like to ride a racehorse sometime.

[D]

I'll bet it's exciting.

[C]

You bet it is.

[D]

Can I ride Splinter now? He's all quieted down.

[C]

Okay, Jerry, but you better not try any jumps with him. If he starts for that fence back there, you hold him down and turn him away from it.

[D]

Okay, I will.

[E]

I'll bet Splinter heads right for the fence again. He sure likes to jump.

[C]

Yeah, it kind of looks that way.

[D]

Oh, splendor. Oh, now, take it easy.

[C]

Oh. Can you get up on him all right there, Jerry?

[D]

Oh, sure.

[C]

Now, you be careful.

[D]

Oh, I will. Giddy after. Come on.

[C]

Jerry tells me you're leaving us when we get to Fordham tomorrow. Is that right, Tom?

[E]

Yes, sir. I'm going to try to find my father when I get there.

[C]

Is that so? What's your father do?

[E]

I don't know. But Mr. I mean, Colonel Alger said that he thinks my father has a horse out at the county fair that he's going to put in the big race.

[C]

Take it easy, Jerry. Don't run too fast.

[D]

I won't, but he sure wants to go. He keeps heading for the fence all the time.

[C]

Well, head him out the other end of the lot. Practice those turns with him.

[D]

All right. Giddy up, Splinter.

[C]

Look at that boy go. He sure likes to ride. What were you saying about the fair in Fordham, Tom?

[E]

Well, I said that Colonel Alger thought my father was out at the Fairgrounds. He said he had a horse.

[C]

Yeah, you did say that. Well, it won't be hard to find him then. By the way, I understand that's going to be some race out at the fair. The big one, I mean. They're sending racehorses from all over the state for that big handicap.

[E]

Is that so?

[C]

Yeah, that's what I hear.

[E]

Well, then I guess my father won't have a chance.

[C]

Why? What do you mean, Tom?

[E]

Well, Colonel Alger said everyone was making fun of dad because his horse used to be a fire horse. And they said he didn't show any speed at all.

[C]

Well, I wouldn't put any stock in hearsay. Your daddy most likely knows what he's doing.

[E]

Look at Splendor take those turns. First one way and then the other.

[C]

Yep, he's learning fast. Say, I meant to ask you, how's Charlie feeling? Is he getting over those measles all right?

[E]

Sure. He's getting better all the time. And the doctor is sure having a hard time keeping him in bed.

[C]

Well, I guess it's pretty tough for a fella as active as Charlie Alger to have to stay in a bed. He likes to be up and doing things.

[E]

Did you know the Rusoff troupe has gone out to the fair in Fordham?

[C]

Yes, they're going to put on some stunts and trick riding as a sort of an advertisement for the circ.

[E]

Here he comes. And boy, look at him gallop.

[F]

What?

[D]

How is that for speed?

[C]

All right, Jerry, all right. Splendor's taking those commands Nice now, Betty is.

[D]

I think he likes to take commands and make turns and everything. Well, he sure seems to.

[E]

Sure horses like to learn.

[C]

Next time Jerry comes over here to ride Splendor, you come along, Tom and. Oh, that's right, you're leaving the outfit tomorrow. I forgot.

[D]

What were you going to say, Waddy?

[C]

Well, I thought I'd like to have Tom do some more jumping with Splendor.

[D]

Oh, can I jump with him?

[C]

Well, now, I don't know, Jerry. There's a trick to it and Tom seems to know that trick. You might be able to learn, but. Well, I wouldn't want you to take a fall while Splendor's making a high jump.

[D]

Yoo hoo.

[E]

Hey, there's Patsy.

[D]

Oh, hiya, Patsy.

[F]

I'm looking for you, Jerry.

[D]

And for you too, Heidi.

[C]

What's up? Why you're all excited.

[F]

Well, it might be serious, Whitey.

[D]

What might be serious?

[F]

Well, Dr. Williams is very much afraid that the whole Circle Circus is taking down with a measles.

[C]

You don't always. That's bad.

[F]

Kind of looks that way. The doctor thinks that someone caught the measles from Colonel Algernon and now it's spreading all around. Come on, we better hurry.

[C]

Well, hurry to where? For what?

[F]

I'm so excited I forgot. You see, we all have to go right over to the hospital top and get in line. Dr. Williams is examining everybody in the circus.

[C]

What?

[D]

Yes.

[F]

One of the Carlin boys broke out with red blotches all over his face. And then Mr. Murray turned up with the same kind of blotches on his arms. And, well, the doctor thinks maybe everybody is breaking out with the measles. And he wants all of you to come right over now for an examination.

[D]

Tom and I don't have to go. We've had them when we were little and we can't get them again.

[F]

I don't know about that, Jerry, but I was told to get you and have you required for the examination, too.

[C]

Well, I guess Doc knows what he's doing. We better get along. It sure would be awful if the whole outfit took down with the pesky measles and had to be quarantined.

[D]

Hey, look, Whitey. Hey, look at your arm. You've got funny little red marks. What?

[C]

Say, this is no joke. Come on, let's get right over to Doc Williams and find out what this is all about.

[A]

Hey, campers, It's Jan from Toyota. This summer we're headed to Camp Toyota and the fun starts now. We're kicking things off by kicking up mud. Jump in, campers. We're going off roading in a 4Runner. Next, we're heading to the hot springs in Arav 4. And finally, park your tundras and Tacomas around the campfire because we're roasting marshmallows. There's dumber start here.

[B]

Dealer inventory may vary. So you're a participating Toyota dealer. Delivery details event. Anstrom First Toyota. Let's go places.

[G]

Liberty Mutual customizes your car and home insurance. And now we're customizing this rush hour ad to keep you calm, which could help your driving. And science says therapy is great for a healthy mindset. So enjoy this 14 second session on us. I think you've done everything right and absolutely nothing wrong. In fact, anything that hasn't gone your way could probably be blamed on your father not being emotionally available because his father wasn't emotionally available, and so on. And now that you're calm and healing, you're probably driving better, too.

[C]

Liberty. Liberty. Liberty. Liberty.