
Jerry of the Circus - Belco Suspected - 10/28/1937
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Bumps
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Mr. Randall
Jerry of the Circus. Now for Jerry of the Circus.
Bumps
Well, you got Rags, Jerry.
Jerry
Sure, Bumps. He's right over there. Here, Rags,
Bumps
you keep me here. Now, I'm going over to get the props and things for our new stunt. I'll be right back.
Jerry
Okay, Bumps.
Bumps
No, no, boy. You stay here. I'll be right back. And then we'll do our new trick
Jerry
and see how good he is, huh?
Bumps
That's right.
Mr. Randall
Hello there, Jerry.
Jerry
Oh, hello, Mr. Randall. Did you come around to watch Bumps and Rags?
Mr. Randall
Bumps and Rags?
Jerry
Yeah, they're going to dress, rehearse that new trick. Oh, he and Rags have worked it out Keen.
Mr. Randall
Well, that ought to be something to see. When is this all coming off?
Jerry
Right away. Bumps will be right back. He just went to get the props.
Mr. Randall
Well, in that case, I'll stick around and have a look. I seen Belko around anywhere, Jerry.
Jerry
Let's see. Yeah, he was right over there across the tent.
Mr. Randall
Oh, yeah. Oh, there he is. I see him. He's going to rehearse that trunk trick of his this afternoon.
Jerry
With the girl inside.
Belko
Yeah.
Mr. Randall
Should be quite a stunt if it works.
Bumps
Well, here we are, all set.
Jerry
Anxious to work, aren't you?
Bumps
Bet he is. I've been putting him through some of the new act already, and. Oh, well, he takes to it like duck takes to water.
Jerry
What's that, Bumps in your hand?
Bumps
Oh, this? Well, it's the headpiece Rags is going to wear.
Mr. Randall
Say, that's clever, Bumps.
Bumps
Oh, you like it, Sam?
Mr. Randall
Yes, a nice piece of work. Did Lester make it?
Bumps
Well, with a little help from me. Now, when dad did this trick, we used to rig up our own headgear for the dogs. It's paper mache.
Jerry
It looks just like a bull's head. It's awful real.
Bumps
Yeah, and it fits Rags perfectly.
Mr. Randall
Can the dog see through it all right?
Bumps
Oh, sure. The eyes are fixed in just the right place. Now, wait a minute till I get it on him here and get this little blanket over him. You look for all the world like a little bull.
Jerry
A bull fight with a Dog.
Bumps
Now, I'll just get into my duds, and then I'll get Rags fixed.
Hadley
Oh.
Mr. Randall
Oh, is that the stuff Tara made up for you?
Bumps
Oh, yeah, yeah. You like it?
Jerry
A Spanish bullfighter's hat and coat. Hey, put the hat on, Bump.
Bumps
All right. Now wait just a minute there.
Mr. Randall
How's that? He can't tell you from the real thing.
Bumps
A real matador, I'll have you know.
Jerry
Hey, hey, look at the way Rags is looking at you. He doesn't know what to make of it. Do you, Rags?
Bumps
Come on. Come on here, fella, I'll get you dressed. Now, come on, Rags. Now get him in. Hold still there, boy.
Jerry
He doesn't seem to like it so well.
Bumps
Oh, he'll get used to wearing this head. Hey, now, boy. Wait there now, that's not so bad, is it?
Jerry
If it wasn't for his size, I couldn't tell the difference.
Bumps
Yeah. Come on now, Rags. Let's see how this is going to work. Come on. Come on, Bo. Do it good. Right.
Jerry
Mr. Randall's watching.
Mr. Randall
If the towners don't get a laugh out of that, I'll miss my guess.
Jerry
Hey, look, Mr. Randall. Bumps is holding that red cloth up now.
Mr. Randall
And Rags is rushing at it just like a bore one.
Jerry
And then Bumps jumps to one side. Hey, look at Rags, kid. He's getting mad.
Hadley
That's fine.
Mr. Randall
That's just what he's supposed to do. Yeah, this is just like a real bull fight.
Jerry
Hey, now, Bump says that rubber sword in his handy, he's going to try to stab Rags.
Mr. Randall
He missed him.
Jerry
Hey, look at him now. Oh, poor Rags Is you're trying hard to spear Bumps with those horns on his head?
Hadley
Oh, no. He did it.
Mr. Randall
Bumps dug Rags with a rubber sword.
Jerry
Well, look it, would ya?
Mr. Randall
Rags falls over and plays dad. Hey, that is good.
Jerry
And now Grumps is taking vows. Hey, but look. Rags is getting up. And Bumps doesn't. Naughty. He's going right ahead, taking bows.
Mr. Randall
Watch Rags now. Listen to that vicious growl. And does Bumps look surprised and scared?
Jerry
Hey, he's chasing Bumps out of the ring. Here he comes. Yours as well, egg bumps.
Bumps
Oh, well, how'd you like it, Sam?
Mr. Randall
It's all right. It's all right, Bumps. It's a good turn.
Bumps
It was well, all right. All right now, Rags, I'll take that head off. Come here now. Hold still there, boy. See, I think he likes to do that act.
Jerry
Sure he does. There. Off comes the head. Good for you, Rags. You did a good job.
Bumps
Now, you understand, Sam, I'm going To
Belko
build it up more.
Bumps
We'll do a couple of minutes of that tantalizing with a red claw. I'll work it up so it'll be a good laugh.
Mr. Randall
Oh, sure. I know what you. All right, Bumps.
Jerry
What? Whoa. Aren't you going to work anymore now?
Bumps
Oh, no, no, no. That's enough for the time being. I don't want rags to get too tired, you know. Got to get him used to it by degrees.
Mr. Randall
Yeah. Well, I'm going over across the ring and see how Belko's coming along with that trunk trick of his. Want to come along, Jerry?
Jerry
Sure. I'll go with you. I can, can I?
Bumps
Oh, sure. I don't need you for anything, Jerry. Go right ahead.
Jerry
Okay. Well, I'll see you after a little while. Hey, look at Mr. Randall. There's the Rusoffs practicing again. Seems like they practice almost every day.
Mr. Randall
Oh, they have to, Jerry, with an act like theirs.
Bumps
Balco.
Jerry
He didn't hear you, Mr. Randall.
Hadley
Balco.
Bumps
Oh, hello, Mr. Randall.
Mr. Randall
How are you getting along with that trick? Have you tried it out yet?
Belko
Yeah, yeah, I did. It's going to work out fine.
Mr. Randall
Well, where's the young lady that's going to work in the trunk?
Belko
Oh, I just let her go, Mr. Randall. But I can show you how it works.
Mr. Randall
Oh, no, no, never mind.
Belko
I know I could take Jackie here and put him in the trunk just to show you.
Jerry
And nothing doing.
Mr. Randall
What's the matter, Jerry? You're not scared, are you?
Jerry
Ah, but. Well, I don't like the idea of being locked up in a trunk, let alone being taken up so high. And, well, besides, just trusting the Belko's
Belko
teeth and his strength, I would not let you fall. Juggies.
Jerry
Yeah, well, just the same, I'd just soon stay right here on the ground.
Mr. Randall
How did the girl work for you, Belko?
Belko
Oh, she was all right, but she got a little worried about the trunk.
Mr. Randall
What do you mean?
Belko
Well, she figured the trunk was not strong enough.
Mr. Randall
This trunk here?
Belko
Yes, sir, that's it.
Mr. Randall
Looks all right to me.
Belko
Well, it is a little light. It's just a cheap trunk. I thought it would serve the purpose, though.
Mr. Randall
What made the girl think the trunk wasn't strong enough?
Belko
She thought maybe the bottom might fall out. She tells me that when I get away high up, she thinks she hears the bottom tearing away.
Mr. Randall
Oh, say, I can't risk that sort of thing.
Jerry
Boy, that's sure some trick, though.
Mr. Randall
What do you figure we should do about the trunk, B?
Belko
I was just thinking. Thinking maybe I could have the trunk reinforced with some sheet iron, see? That would make it good and solid. And then I could have it painted over, maybe with some gold paint.
Mr. Randall
That's an idea. It would look good, too.
Belko
Of course, I can't do that kind of work myself. I'd have to get somebody to do it for me. You got any idea who I could get around the lot?
Mr. Randall
Let's see. No. Right off hand. I don't know who could do sheet metal work, Belko.
Jerry
I know someone who can.
Mr. Randall
Who?
Jerry
Jerry Spy.
Belko
Who is he?
Mr. Randall
Oh, Spike is one of the canvas men. Works for Murray. You sure he can do the kind of job Belko wants done, Jerry?
Jerry
Sure he can. He's a jack of all trades. I bet he could do a real good job for you, Belko.
Belko
Well, I will pay him well for it if he can do it. The trunk is my personal product, and I am willing to spend a little on it to get a good job, see?
Jerry
Oh, I know Spike would be awful glad to get the extra money.
Mr. Randall
Well, all right. Send Spike around to see Belko, Jerry.
Belko
Yah, Yah. I'll have to talk with you. If he can do it, the job is his.
Mr. Randall
All right. Well, that's settled. Come on, Jerry. Let's walk around back.
Jerry
Okay. So on, Bilco.
Bumps
Goodbye.
Mr. Randall
You've taken great liking despite Jerry.
Jerry
Well, I just thought he could use the extra money. He sure needs it.
Mr. Randall
Well, that's thoughtful of you. Hey, what's going on?
Jerry
There's Rags here. Rags?
Mr. Randall
I wonder where Bumps went.
Jerry
Oh, here he comes. Hiya, fella.
Bumps
Giving orders to that partner of mine.
Mr. Randall
Oh, I guess you shouldn't have called, Rags, dear.
Bumps
Well, I tell Rags to stay by me, and then you whistle at him and he runs to you. That's a fine thing. He's got too many bosses.
Jerry
Well, I'm his first boss, so that's why he minds me better. All right.
Mr. Randall
Looks like you're playing second fiddle, Bombs.
Bumps
Sure does, Sam. Well, come on, Jerry, let's wash up. They're gonna have supper pretty soon.
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Yeah.
Mr. Randall
It is almost time for that flag to go on up.
Hadley
Hello there, folks.
Jerry
Oh, hello, Mr. Hadley.
Bumps
Hadley.
Mr. Randall
Looking for me?
Hadley
Yes, I was, Mr. Randall. Hello, bumps.
Bumps
How are you, Hadley?
Hadley
Are you busy, Mr. Randall?
Mr. Randall
No, no, not at all.
Bumps
Well, we're gonna wash up now. See you later, Sam.
Hadley
All right.
Bumps
Come on, Jerry.
Jerry
Okay. Come on, Ray. Goodbye, Mr. Randall.
Mr. Randall
Goodbye.
Hadley
Bye, Jerry.
Mr. Randall
Well, what's on your mind? You got any news?
Hadley
I just got back from town, Mr. Randall.
Mr. Randall
What'd you find out?
Hadley
I nearly wore my shoes out following Spike.
Mr. Randall
Oh, did you get anything on him?
Hadley
Not a thing. I guess I'm on the wrong track with him.
Mr. Randall
Well, where does he go? Did you find that out?
Hadley
Yeah, of all places. I followed him clear across town. Felt sure I was going to get something on him.
Mr. Randall
Where'd you track him?
Hadley
To a public library.
Mr. Randall
Public library? That's pretty good. What on earth would he be going to a library for?
Hadley
I checked on the books he was reading and found that he's studying up on animals. Jungle animals and the like.
Mr. Randall
Well, what do you know about that?
Hadley
Yep. What I figure out, he wants to get a little knowledge on animals so he can further himself with the circus.
Mr. Randall
I'm glad to know that. I'll have to watch him. And if he's worthy of promotion, he'll get it.
Hadley
I'm not through with him yet. I don't think it's possible, but it might be that he knew I was trailing him and he just went to the library to throw me off. I'm going to keep right on his trail for a few more days, just to make sure.
Mr. Randall
I think you've got the wrong man, Hadley.
Hadley
Well, I'd drop him as a suspect right now myself if it wasn't for the fact that his cellmate in prison was a counterfeiter. It won't hurt to check up thoroughly on.
Mr. Randall
At any rate, any more counterfeit money being passed.
Hadley
Yep, that's. There's plenty of it getting around.
Mr. Randall
Well, I wish you'd find out who's passing it. This sort of thing isn't doing the circus any good. The first thing I know, the towns up ahead will refuse us a permit.
Hadley
What do you mean?
Mr. Randall
Well, this counterfeit money's getting out into the towns that we've been playing. The circus is leaving a regular trail of bad bills. Thing like that will give the show a black eye. No time.
Hadley
Well, I'm convinced that someone with the circus and I'll get whoever it is. Just give me time.
Mr. Randall
I know it's a tough job, Hadley.
Hadley
You bet it is. I had a talk with one of the bankers in this town and he informed me that these counterfeit bills that are being passed are the best he's ever seen. They almost defy detection.
Mr. Randall
Well then how do you go about telling whether the money is counterfeit or not?
Hadley
Well, Sid, the engraving process is almost what you'd call perfect. The big slip up is in the numbers on the bill. The serial numbers are all wrong.
Mr. Randall
Oh, well then that accounts for so many bills being passed so easily to the average clerk or cashier. The Bills look good, huh?
Hadley
Exactly. They never stop to look at the serial numbers.
Mr. Randall
Hadley, we've just got to find out who's getting rid of this bad money. I can just hear folks say, watch out for Randall's Circus. They're passing counterfeit money in every town.
Hadley
Now, don't Worry about it, Mr. Randall. I've never failed on the case yet, and this isn't going to be the first one.
Mr. Randall
Of course, I'm not supposed to know anything about detective work, but it does seem to me that you're wasting your time following Spike.
Hadley
What do you mean?
Mr. Randall
Well, I. I have no reasons, of course. It's just my own judgment, but I don't think Spike has anything to do with this. I. I wish you could get another lead of some kind.
Hadley
I checked over all the people. You gave me a list of my investigations. Showed them all to be very honest, folks with clean records. You. You sure you gave me a complete list?
Bumps
Yeah.
Mr. Randall
Yep. That list I gave you was everybody that's on the pay routes. Wait a minute. No. Oh, there's one man that's not down on that list. I just happen to think he just joined out with us a few days ago, but. Oh, there's no use looking at looking him up. He. He's got a good, clean record, you can bet. Between you and me, I. I don't think he's smart enough to be mixed up with any counterfeiting.
Hadley
Who is it, Mr. Randall?
Mr. Randall
It's a fellow named Belko, the. The man that does the strong act.
Hadley
Oh, that big fellow.
Mr. Randall
Yeah. Yeah.
Hadley
Well, I'll just check up on him to make sure. I'm not going to leave a stone unturned until I find out who's passing that counterfeit money.
Bumps
Foreign
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Bumps
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Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Harolds Old Time Radio
Episode Date: May 17, 2026
This episode features an installment from the classic radio serial Jerry of the Circus, specifically the episode titled "Belco Suspected." The show transports listeners to the vibrant world of circus life during the Golden Age of Radio, mixing the excitement of circus performances with elements of mystery and camaraderie among performers. The key focus here is the suspicion surrounding Belko, a strongman, amid a series of counterfeit money incidents plaguing the circus.
This episode captures both the everyday charm and the emerging mystery within circus life. The focus shifts smoothly from entertainment and rehearsal to suspicion and investigation, seamlessly blending comedic routines with a suspenseful search for the source of counterfeit bills. The episode ends with Hadley deciding to check on Belko, the new strongman, leaving listeners with questions about his true role and the ongoing threat to the circus’ reputation.