Jerry of the Circus - Blaze Is Slow

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Jerry of the Circus – "Blaze Is Slow"

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Title: Jerry of the Circus – Blaze Is Slow
Date: May 22, 2026
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Original Air Era Portrayed: Golden Age of Radio

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Episode Overview

This episode of Jerry of the Circus revisits a classic family radio drama from an era before television. The story centers on Jerry, his friends, and the troubles surrounding Blaze, a once-fire department horse who is now being trained as a racehorse. The episode blends warmth, suspense, and character-driven humor as Blaze prepares for an important race, but a series of setbacks and old reputations cast doubt over his prospects.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Meeting Blaze, the Former Fire Horse

[02:08–03:24]

• Jerry expresses admiration for Blaze upon meeting him:

  “He sure is a beaut, Mr. Rogers.” – Jerry [02:08]

• Mr. Rogers and Tom explain Blaze’s background and why he’s sometimes mocked; he has a “reputation to live down” due to being a fire department horse, not a conventional racer.

  “The only trouble with Blaze is he's got a reputation to live down.” – Mr. Rogers [02:32]

2. Racehorse Sensitivity & Care

[03:24–04:12]

• Discussion about how racehorses need to be pampered and are "as sensitive as babies."

  “How true, a good race horse is sensitive, all right. You have to handle them with care and pamper them if you want to get the best out of them.” – Mr. Rogers [03:18]

• Humorous moment about not calling Blaze "old," as even words can upset a horse.

3. Blaze’s Age and Competition

[04:13–05:03]

• Blaze is eight years old, “the oldest in the race,” but there’s hope as some racehorses continue strong past four or six years.

  “Blaze is the oldest in the race with eight long years to his credit.” – Mr. Rogers [04:28]

4. Race Preparation & The Jockey’s Role

[05:03–06:19]

• Introduction of Warren, the skilled jockey:

  “Without him, I don't think Blaze would have a chance.” – Mr. Rogers [05:23]

  • Warren knows Blaze’s "whims" and idiosyncrasies.
• The importance of timing and a light breakfast before the big workout.

5. The Big Workout: Hopes and Letdowns

[06:19–10:05]

• Blaze is led to the track for a mile test run.
• Mr. Rogers times every segment:

  “25 seconds flat. Say, that's really wonderful. That's the best time he's made yet for the quarter.” – Mr. Rogers [08:26]

• Hopes begin high, comparing Blaze’s early speed to the best horses.
• As the workout progresses, Blaze slows; the final time is disappointing:

  “1 minute, 48 and a half seconds. Oh, I sure thought he'd do better than that. He got off to such a good start.” – Mr. Rogers [10:07]

• Tension erupts:

  “Are you sure you let him out in the stretch, Warren?” – Mr. Rogers [10:25]
  “Of course I did. You trying to tell me how to ride?” – Warren [10:31]

6. Doubt and Determination

[10:55–11:30]

• The group is discouraged; Mr. Rogers voices how important the race is:

  “We've got to win that race tomorrow. It means everything to me and to Tom, too. $1,000 is a lot of money, Jerry.” – Mr. Rogers [11:06]

• Jerry and Tom remain hopeful that Blaze will "surprise everybody tomorrow."

7. The Fire Alarm & Blaze’s Instincts

[11:16–13:00]

• Suddenly, a fire breaks out near the lunch stand; the scene turns tense as the group rushes to help.
• While the fire department responds, Blaze, upon hearing the fire bell, breaks out of his stall and heads for the fire—his old instincts kicking in:

  “That's some racehorse you've got there, Rogers. The minute he hears a fire bell, he heads—you see the fire?” – Fire Department Official [12:26]

• Light-hearted ribbing directed at Rogers about Blaze maybe belonging back with the fire department, not on the racetrack:

  “He'll find out tomorrow what kind of a horse he is.” – Jerry [12:44]

8. Jerry Hatches a Secret Plan

[13:02–13:05]

• Episode closes on a cliffhanger as Jerry hints at an idea that could turn things around, telling Tom to "wait and see when the time comes."

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “The only trouble with Blaze is he's got a reputation to live down.”
  – Mr. Rogers [02:32]
• “How true, a good race horse is sensitive, all right. You have to handle them with care and pamper them if you want to get the best out of them.”
  – Mr. Rogers [03:18]
• “Just what he showed right then...that’s as good as telling me we haven't got a chance.”
  – Warren [10:36]
• “We've got to win that race tomorrow. It means everything to me and to Tom, too. $1,000 is a lot of money, Jerry.”
  – Mr. Rogers [11:06]
• “That's some racehorse you got there, Roger. The minute he hears a fire belt, he heads....”
  – Fire Department Official [12:26]

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Key Timestamps

• 02:08 – Jerry sees Blaze for the first time
• 03:18 – Sensitive nature of racehorses discussed
• 05:12 – Warren, the jockey, introduced
• 08:26 – First quarter-mile timed
• 10:07 – Final disappointing time for Blaze
• 11:06 – Stakes of the race voiced
• 12:19 – Blaze breaks out at the sound of the fire bell
• 13:05 – Jerry hints he has a plan

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Tone & Language

The episode is filled with the warm, family-friendly dialogue of classic radio, blending earnest hope, gentle humor, and suspense as the characters rally around Blaze. The camaraderie and affectionate teasing among the circus friends—especially concerning Blaze’s dual identity as a heroic firehorse and underdog racehorse—bring nostalgic charm and light but genuine stakes to the story.

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Final Thoughts

This episode sets up high stakes for Blaze—will the fire bell-loving horse overcome doubts and reputation to win the big race? Jerry’s secret plan and the importance of tomorrow’s event leave the audience eagerly anticipating the next installment, while the authentic period dialogue and close-knit cast offer a faithful taste of Golden Age radio drama.

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Transcript

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[Mr. Rogers]

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

[Jerry]

He sure is a beaut, Mr. Rogers.

[Mr. Rogers]

You bet he is, Jerry. Open the door, Tom. We'll bring him out so you can get a good look at him.

[Tom]

Okay. Hello there, Blaze. Say, you are pretty.

[Fire Department Official]

Untie him, Tom, and lead him out.

[Mr. Rogers]

He's as gentle as a lamb.

[Jerry]

I can't see why folks make fun of a nice horse like Blake. He looks just like any racehorse I've ever seen.

[Mr. Rogers]

And he's just as good as any racehorse you ever saw.

[Tom]

Here we come.

[Mr. Rogers]

The only trouble with Blaze is he's got a reputation to live down.

[Jerry]

What do you mean, Mr. Rogers?

[Mr. Rogers]

Oh, the fact that he was with the fire department.

[Tom]

Well, I don't see why that's so bad. Fire horses have to be fast.

[Jerry]

I'll say they do. I'll bet Blaze is as fast as any of them. Just look at his long leg.

[Mr. Rogers]

Long and powerful. Jerry, you should see him break.

[Tom]

Well, what do you mean by that, Dad?

[Mr. Rogers]

I mean break away. Get started. When he starts to go, he goes right.

[Jerry]

Now that's extra good in racing, isn't it?

[Mr. Rogers]

You bet it is.

[Tom]

Well, that way he can get out in front of the rest of the horses and get a head start.

[Mr. Rogers]

You're right that time, John.

[Jerry]

My dad and I used to take care of some racehorses out west a couple of years ago.

[Mr. Rogers]

Oh, is that so?

[Tom]

Uh huh.

[Mr. Rogers]

Then you must know something about them.

[Jerry]

No, I was littler then and I didn't pay much attention to them. But I sure liked them. They were just like children.

[Mr. Rogers]

That's a pretty fair way to explain them, Jerry.

[Jerry]

More like babies sometimes.

[Mr. Rogers]

How True a good race horse is sensitive, all right. You have to handle them with care and pamper them if you want to get the best out of them.

[Tom]

Is Blaze sensitive, dad?

[Mr. Rogers]

You bet he is. Just like Jerry said. Sometimes he acts just like a baby.

[Tom]

Oh, how do you mean, oh?

[Mr. Rogers]

Sometimes he refuses to eat and then again he'll stir around when I'm trying to brush him down and, well, just act up in general.

[Jerry]

But why do they do that?

[Mr. Rogers]

Oh, for many reasons, Jerry. They're intelligent, these race horses, and they're even fussy about the way you talk to them. There's times when you don't know exactly why they act up, but they've got a reason for it. And it might be that you said one word, a little cross to them.

[Tom]

Really?

[Mr. Rogers]

Sure thing. You have to be very careful with them.

[Jerry]

Well, Blaze, old fella, we'll just talk real nice to you. Yes, we will. Nice Blaze. He's a nice old horse. Yes, he is.

[Tom]

Maybe you better not call him old, Jerry.

[Mr. Rogers]

He might be sensitive about his age.

[Tom]

You can't tell.

[Jerry]

How old is he, Mr. Rogers?

[Mr. Rogers]

Eight years.

[Tom]

That's not old.

[Mr. Rogers]

Well, it is for a racehorse, but

[Jerry]

there's lots of horses 8 years old that are racing.

[Mr. Rogers]

Yes, that's true, Jerry. Some of them last a good long time and keep up their speed.

[Tom]

Well, how old are all the other race horses in the big race?

[Mr. Rogers]

Oh, they're all ages, son. The big handicap race is for four year olds and upwards.

[Jerry]

And are most of them around four?

[Mr. Rogers]

That's right. There's a couple around six years old, but Blaze is the oldest in the race with eight long years to his credit.

[Tom]

Well, do you want me to just stand here and hold him?

[Mr. Rogers]

Yes, if you don't mind, Tom.

[Tom]

Oh, I don't mind. In fact, I like it.

[Mr. Rogers]

It's good for him to stand out here in this morning sun and get good and warm before I take that blanket off him.

[Jerry]

Aren't you gonna feed him?

[Mr. Rogers]

No, not until after his workout. You couldn't run him just after he ate.

[Tom]

Well, you're gonna let him work up an appetite for breakfast, huh?

[Mr. Rogers]

Well, that's one way of putting it. But no matter how big his appetite, he won't get much breakfast.

[Tom]

Why not?

[Mr. Rogers]

Cause his big race is tomorrow and I don't want Blaze to be putting on any extra weight. That's one thing I have to watch very carefully. Can't overfeed him.

[Tom]

Maybe he knows we're talking about something to eat.

[Mr. Rogers]

Maybe. Hmm. It's funny Warren isn't here yet.

[Jerry]

Warren? Who's he? Mr. Rogers.

[Mr. Rogers]

That's the jockey that's going to ride Blaze.

[Warren]

Oh.

[Jerry]

And he's going to give him his workout this morning, huh?

[Mr. Rogers]

Yes, he should have been here 10 minutes ago.

[Jerry]

You said he was a good jockey, didn't you?

[Mr. Rogers]

Yes, one of the best. I was lucky to be able to get him to ride Blaze.

[Tom]

Is, Is he a regular jockey or just somebody from Around Fordham?

[Mr. Rogers]

Oh, no, he's a regular jockey, Tom. He's famous. He rode at all the big race tracks at some time or other. Yes, sir, I'm very fortunate in getting him. In fact, without him, I don't think Blaze would have a chance.

[Jerry]

Why not?

[Mr. Rogers]

Well, Warren seems to know the horse and all his little whims. He knows just when to hold him down and when to let him out and how to talk to him and all that.

[Jerry]

Oh, I see what you mean.

[Mr. Rogers]

Here, let me take that blanket off there. You're warm enough now, aren't you, boy?

[Tom]

Want me to put it in the stable?

[Mr. Rogers]

No, never mind, Tom. Just lay it over there on the bench.

[Jerry]

Gee, Blaze is sure pretty all right.

[Mr. Rogers]

Yes, you can see more of him now with the blanket off, can't you?

[Jerry]

I'll see. He sure is a beaut, Mr. Rogers.

[Mr. Rogers]

Come on, Tom, we'll walk over to the track with Blaze. Warren will be along any minute now.

[Tom]

Here comes somebody now.

[Mr. Rogers]

Yeah, sure enough. And it's Warren.

[Jerry]

He's a little fella all right.

[Tom]

Say, how old is he, dad?

[Mr. Rogers]

Oh, about 19 or 20, I'd say.

[Fire Department Official]

Morning, Warren.

[Warren]

Good morning.

[Mr. Rogers]

This is my son, Tom.

[Warren]

How's it do?

[Mr. Rogers]

And this is Tom's friend, Jerry.

[Jerry]

Glad to meet you.

[Warren]

Hi.

[Mr. Rogers]

We were just going to take Blaze onto the track. Are you ready for the workout?

[Warren]

I am if you are.

[Mr. Rogers]

Well, come on then. Come on, Blaze.

[Jerry]

We'll go ahead and open the gate to the track. Come on, Tom.

[Tom]

I'm right with you, Jerry.

[Mr. Rogers]

What's the matter with you this morning, Warren? Get up on the wrong side of the bed?

[Warren]

No. Why?

[Mr. Rogers]

You look kind of down in the mouth. Don't you feel good?

[Warren]

Sure, I feel all right, but.

[Mr. Rogers]

What?

[Warren]

Oh, nothing.

[Tom]

Come on, the gate's open.

[Fire Department Official]

We're coming.

[Mr. Rogers]

Royce. You gonna try Blaze on the mile this morning?

[Warren]

If you want me to, I will.

[Mr. Rogers]

Well, do you think he's ready?

[Warren]

If he's not now, he never will be. Whoa.

[Mr. Rogers]

Whoa, Blaze. Whoa, boy.

[Jerry]

You know, Tom, Blaze acts just like he knows he's going to run a race. Notice the way he shakes his head?

[Fire Department Official]

Uh huh.

[Tom]

Well, that's cause he's so spirited.

[Mr. Rogers]

Well, he's all yours, Warren.

[Warren]

Okay, I'll fot him around until I get him warmed up. All right, Blaze, let's go. Take it easy now.

[Jerry]

I haven't seen all the rest of the horses yet, but I'll just bet there aren't any better looking than Blaze.

[Mr. Rogers]

Oh, that's a matter of opinion, Jerry. But I'm inclined to think the same as you. Just look at that form. He's a pretty animal, all right.

[Tom]

How long will Warren trot him around before he tries him out for speed?

[Mr. Rogers]

Oh, just long enough to get him limbered up and warm.

[Jerry]

There sure is a lot to train in racehorses, isn't there?

[Mr. Rogers]

You bet there is more to it than I ever figured.

[Tom]

I'll bet it doesn't seem like work, though.

[Mr. Rogers]

No, that's true, son, but it's all very fascinating.

[Jerry]

Here he comes back and look, he's just itching to run.

[Tom]

Warren sure is holding him back.

[Mr. Rogers]

Yeah, looks like he's raring to go.

[Warren]

Warren, he's all set. You ready to clock him?

[Mr. Rogers]

Yes, I'm all ready, Warren.

[Warren]

I'll take him up to the line and. Come on, Blaze.

[Jerry]

Say, how do you time him, Mr. Rogers?

[Mr. Rogers]

Well, I time him with this stopwatch I have in my hand. Now, look, you boys had better stand back off the track.

[Tom]

Well, how does it work?

[Mr. Rogers]

Well, just as Blaze gets in front of us, I start timing him with a watch. Once around the track is one mile.

[Jerry]

Oh, here he comes now.

[Fire Department Official]

Go

[Tom]

look at him go.

[Jerry]

You're sure right, Mr. Rogers. He sure gets away quick.

[Mr. Rogers]

Yes, he sure does. See, look. Notice the way he gets right over to the rail.

[Tom]

He sure does.

[Mr. Rogers]

Say, he's making good time. Let's see if I can get his time at the quarter now.

[Jerry]

Is that the quarter mile post he's coming to now?

[Mr. Rogers]

Yes, that's it, Jerry. Now, wait, wait, let me watch this close.

[Tom]

He just passed it.

[Mr. Rogers]

25 seconds flat. Say, that's really wonderful. That's the best time he's made yet for the quarter. Gosh. Now if he can only hold that

[Jerry]

speed, how long will it take him to run the mile if he does?

[Mr. Rogers]

Well, let's see, that'd be a minute and 40 seconds. Say, that'd be just about perfect.

[Tom]

Well, what if some of the other horses run the mile in?

[Mr. Rogers]

Well, the best time so far is a minute and 46 seconds.

[Jerry]

Then it looks like Blaze'll do better' n that.

[Mr. Rogers]

Oh, we can't tell yet, Jerry. He may tire when he gets to the stretch.

[Tom]

You mean just before the finish?

[Mr. Rogers]

Yes, just before he crosses the finish line.

[Jerry]

There he goes past the half mile post.

[Mr. Rogers]

Let's see, 52. That means he did the second quarter in 27 seconds.

[Tom]

Aw, gee, he's slowing down already.

[Mr. Rogers]

No, not necessarily, Tom. Warren may be holding him back until he gets around the back stretch and starts for home. Then he may let him out and make up a few seconds Boy, he

[Jerry]

sure runs pretty well. Looks almost like he's flying.

[Tom]

Now he's running the back turn. Just look at him go.

[Mr. Rogers]

Yes, he looks mighty fast today. Now, watch him close, boys. Watch him. He's coming down the stretch. Say, that's funny.

[Jerry]

What's funny, Mr. Rogers?

[Mr. Rogers]

Warren doesn't seem to be letting him out. He should burst out with a lot of speed right now.

[Tom]

Come on, Blaze. Come on, Blaze.

[Mr. Rogers]

What's the matter with him?

[Tom]

Is something wrong?

[Mr. Rogers]

Well, here he is coming down the stretch and no more speed than he had when he rounded that far turn.

[Tom]

Come on, Blaze. Here he comes, Dan.

[Jerry]

Now, he's going a lot faster, see?

[Mr. Rogers]

Yes, but it's too late now. He's about to cross the wire.

[Tom]

Come on, Blaze.

[Mr. Rogers]

Well, that's that.

[Tom]

Well, what was the time, dad?

[Mr. Rogers]

Not as good as I expected, son.

[Jerry]

Well, how long did he take?

[Mr. Rogers]

1 minute, 48 and a half seconds. Oh, I sure thought he'd do better than that. He got off to such a good start.

[Tom]

Here he comes now.

[Warren]

Whoa, boy. Easy, Blaze.

[Mr. Rogers]

Hey, what happened, Warren?

[Warren]

Nothing.

[Tom]

Why?

[Warren]

What did we do at him?

[Mr. Rogers]

That's just it. The time is off. You took a minute and 48 and a half seconds.

[Warren]

Sorry, that's all he had.

[Mr. Rogers]

He's got to do better than that in the race tomorrow, or we won't have a chance. Say, are you sure you let him out in the stretch, Warren?

[Warren]

Of course I did. You trying to tell me how to ride?

[Mr. Rogers]

Now, Warren, don't take that attitude. I only asked a question.

[Warren]

Well, that's all Blaze has got in him. Just what he showed right then.

[Mr. Rogers]

Then that's as good as telling me we haven't got a chance.

[Warren]

Figure it out for yourself.

[Tom]

Come on, we're holding the gate open.

[Mr. Rogers]

Well, maybe when he gets in there with the other horses in the race, it'll make a difference.

[Warren]

That's the only hope.

[Mr. Rogers]

Well, all right. Take his saddle off and throw the blanket over him till he cools off.

[Warren]

Hey, close that door after me, somebody.

[Jerry]

Yeah, I will.

[Tom]

What's the matter, dad?

[Jerry]

Don't worry, Mr. Rogers. Maybe Blaze will surprise everybody tomorrow.

[Mr. Rogers]

Well, I certainly hope so, Jerry. We've got to win that race tomorrow. It means everything to me and to Tom, too. $1,000 is a lot of money, Jerry.

[Jerry]

Golly, I'll say it is.

[Tom]

Hey, look. Lookit, there's a fire down there at that lunch stand. Wow.

[Jerry]

And that is a fire.

[Mr. Rogers]

Come on, let's see if we can be of any help. Hey, Warren, hurry up. There's a fire in that Lunch stand over by the entrance. Let's get over there. Be right with you.

[Jerry]

Come on, Tom. Run faster.

[Tom]

I'm coming.

[Fire Department Official]

Hurry it up, boys. You coming, Warren?

[Warren]

Right behind you.

[Mr. Rogers]

Oh, say, this is liable to be bad. Those spots are flying pretty high. Hey, anything we can do to help?

[Fire Department Official]

No, no. Nothing you can do, fellas. Our department will be here in a minute. Someone turned in an alarm as. As soon as the fire started.

[Jerry]

Golly, that. That's a hot fire, all right.

[Tom]

They're throwing water on it, but it doesn't seem to do any good.

[Fire Department Official]

Here they come now.

[Mr. Rogers]

Hey, how did it start?

[Fire Department Official]

I don't know. Guy that runs the place just got in there when it broke out. Maybe it was lighting the stove. Something happened.

[Jerry]

Well, they'll get it out in a hurry.

[Tom]

Charlie, look who's covering this. Blaze it.

[Jerry]

Blaze? Mr. Rogers.

[Mr. Rogers]

What do you know about that? He broke out of his stall.

[Fire Department Official]

Warren. Warren, grab Blaze. I'll get him.

[Mr. Rogers]

Oh, why did he have to break out that way?

[Fire Department Official]

That's some racehorse you got there, Roger. The minute he hears a fire belt, he heads. You see the fire?

[Tom]

You ought to be back in the fire department.

[Fire Department Official]

That's the racehorse I'll put in.

[Tom]

Don't you care, dad? Let her make fun of you and Blaze.

[Jerry]

He'll find out tomorrow what kind of

[Tom]

a horse he is.

[Warren]

I've got him a swell horse to break away just because he hears a fire bell. And this is the horse I have to ride in the big race.

[Jerry]

It's only natural for him to want to run when he hears the fire bells. He's used to doing it. Don't you care what they say, Mr. Rogers?

[Mr. Rogers]

Oh, but. Oh, this is awful.

[Tom]

Oh, no, it isn't, dad.

[Jerry]

Hey, wait a minute. I just got an idea.

[Tom]

What?

[Jerry]

Jerry or nothing. You'll see when the time comes.

[Warren]

Foreign

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[Warren]

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[Tom]

Sold.

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