Jerry of the Circus - Boris and Jason Fight

Summary

Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: Jerry of the Circus - Boris and Jason Fight
Date: May 17, 2026
Theme: Classic era radio drama, focusing on life with a traveling circus and the camaraderie, crises, and daily life of circus folk. This episode highlights teamwork, animal antics, and a dramatic altercation (the titular "Boris and Jason Fight").

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Episode Overview

This atmospheric episode of Jerry of the Circus immerses listeners in the world behind the big top, showcasing a day packed with packing, emotional moments with circus animals, and a dramatic confrontation between two performers. The heart of this installment is a mix of comic animal troubles and escalating human tensions, culminating in a tense fight and a stern warning from Mr. Randall, the circus’s owner.

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Key Discussion Points & Narrative Segments

1. Aftermath of the Storm and Caring for Animals

Timeframe: 02:05–03:55

• Jerry and Bumps recap a sleepless night spent caring for "Splendor," a sickly young colt.
• Both express relief that Splendor is recovering, thanks in part to their efforts to keep him warm.
• Bumps insists Jerry rest after his long night.

Quote:

• “He said that keeping Splendor nice and warm like we did had a lot to do with his getting better.”
  — Jerry (03:55)

2. Preparing to Move the Circus

Timeframe: 04:49–06:47

• Bumps wakes Jerry, who ended up sleeping for three hours.
• The circus is in hectic motion: wagons loaded, animals moved, and people preparing for travel.
• Discussion about the cyclone’s recent damage and the difficulties of reorganizing.

Quote:

• “I don’t know how Mr. Randall figured it all out and got things together again. I tell ya, it was a big job, Jerry.”
  — Bumps (06:17)

3. Animal Hijinks Delay Departure

Timeframe: 06:47–09:13

• Kelly frantically searches for a stray kitten needed to calm the distressed gnu (a type of antelope).
• A comic scramble follows: Jerry and Rags the dog help retrieve the missing cat, which Rags had chased up a tree.
• The episode humorously portrays how something as minor as a wayward animal can stall the massive circus operation.

Quote:

• “Everything is loaded and now all we’re waiting on is a cat.”
  — Kelly (07:26)
• “I’ve had a lot of things delay departure, but this is the best I’ve ever heard of.”
  — Mr. Randall (08:16)

4. Life on the Circus Train—Fatigue and Tension

Timeframe: 09:13–11:02

• On boarding the circus train, Jason mentions his own tiredness, having stayed up with his panther.
• Bumps returns from buying a newspaper just as the train whistle blows.
• The performers and workers are visibly exhausted and stressed from recent trials.

Quote:

• “Tired? I’m asleep on my feet.”
  — Jason (09:43)

5. The Boris and Jason Fight

Timeframe: 11:02–12:41

• Boris boards at the last minute after sending a telegram; tensions are high.
• A trivial incident (tripping over Jason’s feet) is misinterpreted by Boris as intentional, sparking tempers.
• Boris accuses Jason of deliberately tripping him; Jason rebuffs the accusation, refusing to fight.
• The altercation ends in a physical scuffle, broken up by the arrival of Mr. Randall.

Memorable Moment & Quote:

• “You did it on purpose. You deliberately tripped me. I will not stand for this, Jason… Come on, stand up and fight!”
  — Boris (11:25)
• “Now, wait a minute, Boris. What are you trying to do, pick a fight?”
  — Jason (11:30)

6. Mr. Randall’s Stern Warning

Timeframe: 12:41–13:41

• Mr. Randall forcefully intervenes, laying down the law with both men.
• He reminds them of their contractual obligations and warns that further displays of fighting will result in immediate dismissal.

Quote:

• “I might expect this from some of the roustabouts. But you two, two of my star performers… I hardly call this outburst satisfactory conduct.”
  — Mr. Randall (12:23)
• “There’s a clause in your contracts calling for you to conduct yourselves in a manner satisfactory to me at all times. And I hardly call this outburst satisfactory conduct… Next time, you might as well pack your things and get out.”
  — Mr. Randall (12:36)

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Notable Quotes & Moments

• On animal hijinks disrupting operations:
  “We can’t have a stray kitten holding us up. Kelly, go find another cat for the gnu!”
  — Mr. Randall (07:53)
• Comic relief:
  “Rags chases the cat up the tree and the gnu won’t let us take off unless the cat is with her. Too much for me.”
  — Kelly (08:30)
• On fatigue and teamwork:
  “You bet I was kind of tired.”
  — Jerry (05:03)
• On circus camaraderie:
  “Those two have been buddies for years. They started clowning together when they were just kids around county fairs.”
  — Bumps (06:36)

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Segment Timestamps

• [02:05] – Caring for Splendor, the colt
• [04:49] – The big move and aftermath of the cyclone
• [06:47] – Animal hijinks stall departure
• [09:13] – Onboard the circus train, exhaustion sets in
• [11:02] – Boris boards, altercation with Jason erupts
• [12:41] – Mr. Randall’s intervention and warning

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Summary & Takeaway

This episode offers a vivid snapshot of the interconnected lives within a traveling circus—how teamwork and patience are required to weather both animal drama and human conflict. While the fight between Boris and Jason provides dramatic tension, the lighter moments (Rags chasing the cat, the gnu's antics) balance the episode with warmth and humor, making the world of Jerry and the circus both compelling and relatable for listeners of all ages. The show’s tone is friendly with a dash of slapstick, underscoring the sense of family and order essential to the circus’s success.

Transcript

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[Mr. Randall]

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

[Bumps]

Now, you stay right here, Rags. Stay right by our wagon. Yes, it's you I'm talking to. Folks are too busy with packing and moving today to have you running around getting underfoot. Oh, well, all right then. Maybe I was a little hard. Oh, I'm forgiven then, huh? Oh, I'm not. It's Jerry. In about time, I'd say. At last.

[Jerry]

I'm sorry, Bump, but, well, it just couldn't be helped.

[Bumps]

Oh, that's all right, Jerry. I knew where you were. But tell me how. Splendor.

[Jerry]

Now, Whitey says he's gonna be all right now.

[Bumps]

Oh, well, good. I'm sure glad to hear he pulled through. Did you stay up all night with him and go without any sleep at all?

[Kelly]

Well, Waddy and I took turns.

[Jerry]

The doctor came over about 2 o' clock this morning and both Waddy and I slept for about an hour.

[Bumps]

But you're pretty tired, aren't you?

[Jerry]

No, I feel.

[Bumps]

I feel all right. Oh, sure you do. You're just yawning because you want to want to stretch your face. We got a big day ahead of us, Jerry. We're moving today, you know.

[Jerry]

Yeah, I know.

[Bumps]

Yeah, I think you should go right to the wagon and take a nap for a couple hours before we start loading on the car.

[Jerry]

Oh, I can't. I gotta get my stuff back.

[Bumps]

Oh, no, you don't.

[Jerry]

Sure I do.

[Bumps]

I did all your packing for you. All you have to do is to get some sleeping, then get down to the train in time.

[Jerry]

Well, all right. I'll try to take a little nap. But you be sure and wake me up in time to go down to the round.

[Bumps]

I'll get you up before they start loading the wagons. Come on now.

[Jerry]

Hey, you did do all the packing, didn't you? Gee, thanks, boss.

[Bumps]

Oh, that's all right. Now just sit down on the cot there and get your shoes off.

[Jerry]

I'm sure glad Splendor's gonna get well.

[Bumps]

I am too, Jerry. I guess that poor little colt had A hard time of it.

[Jerry]

I'll say he did. A couple of times during the night. Whitey thought he was going to quit breathing.

[Bumps]

What the doc have to say, Jerry?

[Jerry]

He said. He said that keeping Splendor nice and warm like we did had a lot to do with his getting better.

[Bumps]

I guess it was worth losing one night's sleep.

[Jerry]

You bet it was.

[Bumps]

Now then, let's throw this blanket over you. You just lie down there. That's a boy.

[Jerry]

Now, you be sure and wake me up if I fall asleep.

[Bumps]

You bet I will. Don't you worry. Just get some rest. Come on, Rag. Louder, Ray. Louder. Jerry, come on now, wake up. Wake up, Jerry. Come on here. Wake up. They're starting to move the wagon.

[Kelly]

Guess I must have fallen asleep for a minute.

[Bumps]

Oh, sir, you did. You fell asleep for three hours.

[Jerry]

Three hours? Really?

[Bumps]

Sure thing. If they ragged your thought for sure you'd never wake up. I never in my life saw anybody saw wood like you.

[Jerry]

You win, Bumps. I guess I was kind of tired.

[Bumps]

Well, hurry up now. You your shoes on. Let's get over to the train.

[Jerry]

Oh, we've got plenty of time if they haven't loaded the wagons yet.

[Bumps]

Don't fool yourself. You must remember that we're not moving on schedule today and loading the wagons last this move.

[Jerry]

Okay. I'll only be a minute.

[Bumps]

Yeah. Oh, say, by the way, Whitey was here a while ago and he said to tell you that they had Splendor and Lady all moved and bedded down on the car. He said Splendor seemed to be getting better by the hour.

[Jerry]

Oh, that's key.

[Bumps]

Yep. Hey, you ready now?

[Jerry]

Let's see now. Hey, where's my cap? Oh, there it is. Okay, I'm ready.

[Bumps]

All right, come on. Come on.

[Jerry]

Come on, Regs. Hurry up. Looks like all the performers have left along already.

[Bumps]

Well, they have. Guess we're the last to go over.

[Jerry]

It's a good thing the trains are so close.

[Bumps]

Yeah, it is. We only got a few minutes.

[Jerry]

I sure would like something to eat, Bumps.

[Bumps]

Oh, you're hungry, huh?

[Jerry]

You bet.

[Bumps]

Well, won't have time to stop now, but you can get something on the train.

[Jerry]

Okay.

[Kelly]

Hey.

[Bumps]

Hey, Ranks.

[Jerry]

Look at him run ahead. Come here, Rag.

[Bumps]

Oh, let him go. He knows where we're heading for. He's been watching the folks going over to the trains for the past hour or so.

[Jerry]

Say, Bump?

[Bumps]

Yes, Jerry?

[Jerry]

When do we get into Harper City?

[Bumps]

Oh, sometime tonight. Won't start setting up until morning.

[Jerry]

I guess at that we didn't waste so much time Getting the circus back in order after that cyclone.

[Bumps]

I don't know how Mr. Randall figured it all out and got things together again. I tell you, it was a big job, Jerry.

[Jerry]

Hey, there goes Mr. Randall getting in his car. See him way over there?

[Bumps]

Where? I guess your eyes are better than mine, Jerry.

[Jerry]

And there goes Slats and Hooligan. They're just like twins. They're pretty nearly always together.

[Bumps]

Yeah, those two have been buddies for years. They started clowning together when they were just kids around county fairs.

[Jerry]

I didn't know that.

[Bumps]

Yep. Oh, what's all that commotion down there near those animal cars?

[Jerry]

It's Kelly and some of the men from the Madrid. Let's go over there and see what it is.

[Bumps]

Yeah, okay. We still got a few minutes.

[Jerry]

Come on, Bob.

[Bumps]

Yeah, I'm coming, Jerry.

[Jerry]

Oh, Kelly, is something the matter?

[Bumps]

What's up, Kelly?

[Kelly]

Say, did you happen to see anything of that stray kitten on your way over here?

[Bumps]

Stray kitten?

[Jerry]

You mean the newspal?

[Kelly]

Yeah.

[Jerry]

No, we didn't see her. Why?

[Kelly]

I'd have to find her and find her fast. That noo is raising an awful rumpus. The cat was with the new when we loaded on the cars, but she must have scampered off someplace. Now the new is acting up something awful.

[Bumps]

Oh, she's making it known she wants her cat friend.

[Kelly]

Is that it? Yeah, that's exactly it. Everything is loaded and now all we're waiting on is a cat.

[Bumps]

Hey, now what?

[Jerry]

That reminds me. Where is Rags? What?

[Kelly]

You don't know where Rags is? But it's a fine thing. A dog and a cat holding up the moving of a big circle. Oh, oh, oh, yes, Mr. Randall.

[Mr. Randall]

Hey, everyone is loaded and given their okay but you. What's holding up the menagerie Cars?

[Kelly]

Well, I'm sorry, Mr. Randall, but we've lost the cat.

[Mr. Randall]

The cat?

[Jerry]

Yeah, the stray cat that's always with the new.

[Kelly]

Oh, and the new just won't behave till we find that cat friend of hers.

[Mr. Randall]

Oh, now look, this will never do. We can't have a stray kitten holding us up. Kelly, go find another cat for the noo. There should be plenty of strays around the station over there.

[Kelly]

I don't think we could fool the gnu that aisy, Mr. Randall.

[Bumps]

Hey, listen, that sounds like Rags, Jerry.

[Jerry]

Yeah, it is Rags.

[Kelly]

There he is over there by that tree.

[Jerry]

See him? Hey, and there's a cat up on that first branch. Oh, why didn't I think of that? I'll go get him for you.

[Mr. Randall]

Well, that's pretty good. I've Had a lot of things delay departure, but this is the best I've ever heard of.

[Bumps]

Rags doesn't want to let the cat down.

[Kelly]

Well, now, that does beat anything. Rags chases the cat up the tree and the noo won't let us take off unless the cat is with her. Kelly. Too much for me.

[Bumps]

Jerry's got the cat now. Here, Rags. Here, Eggs.

[Kelly]

Okay, I've got him as soon as

[Mr. Randall]

you get that cat in the menagerie car with a new. Let's get going, Kelly. I'll go back to my car now.

[Kelly]

All right, Mr. Randall.

[Bumps]

See you later, sir.

[Kelly]

Hurry up, Jerry.

[Jerry]

I am. Come on, Rags.

[Kelly]

Come on.

[Bumps]

You're holding up the parade. Jerry.

[Jerry]

I thought that was a pretty quick rescue. Here, Kelly, take the cat.

[Kelly]

All right, now, now, now, none of your meowing. If you hadn't scooted off, Rags, wouldn't it Check chest. You up the tree.

[Jason]

Come.

[Kelly]

Come along now. We haven't any time to lose. I'll be seeing you.

[Bumps]

Too late. Okay, Kelly. Come on. Right.

[Jerry]

Yeah, stay right by us, too. The idea of running off and chasing that poor little cat.

[Bumps]

Now, you. You go ahead, Jerry, and get on the car. I'm going over here at the station and buy a paper.

[Jerry]

Okay.

[Bumps]

I'll be right with you, though.

[Jerry]

All right, you're going to go with me. Hey, Jason, wait a second. We'll go to the car with you.

[Jason]

Well, hello, Rag. Where's Bumps, dearie?

[Jerry]

Oh, he just went over to the station to get a newspaper.

[Jason]

Oh, well, come on, then. Let's get in our car. I'm gonna sprawl out and see if I can't get some rest.

[Jerry]

You do look tired.

[Jason]

Tired? I'm asleep on my feet.

[Jerry]

What's the matter, Jason?

[Jason]

I've been spending the best part of the last two nights with that panther of mine.

[Jerry]

Is he sick?

[Jason]

I don't know, Jerry. I can't seem to tell just what's the matter with him.

[Jerry]

Aw, maybe he's still upset and nervous from the cyclone.

[Jason]

No, I hardly think that's the trouble, Jerry. All the other animals are over there nervously.

[Jerry]

Oh, how does he act?

[Jason]

He's mean, Jerry. Just plain mean. Well, here we are. Up you go. Come on up the stairs, Rag.

[Jerry]

You know, I don't know why these train steps have to be so high.

[Jason]

Yeah, I'll open the door.

[Jerry]

Okay.

[Jason]

Go ahead, Rag.

[Jerry]

Come on, fella.

[Jason]

Looks like we're all here.

[Jerry]

Yep. Oh, here's our scene. Sit down. Right.

[Bumps]

I pretty nearly beat you back here.

[Jerry]

Oh, bombs you already.

[Bumps]

You betcha. I didn't Want to get left behind? I heard that whistle. Oh, hello, Jason.

[Jason]

Hi, bumps. Got your paper, though, didn't you?

[Bumps]

I always get what I set out to get.

[Jason]

Good for you. Well, I'm going down to the end of the car and grab that last seat. I'm going to catch a little nap. Be talking to you later.

[Jerry]

Okay.

[Bumps]

Sleep tight, Jason. Come on now, sit down, Jerry. I'll give you the funniest dream there.

[Jerry]

Okay. Hey, thanks. Hey, here comes Boris.

[Bumps]

Well, Boris, pretty nearly missed the train.

[Jason]

I had.

[Bumps]

I had to make a good run for it.

[Kelly]

I. I just jumped on in time.

[Jerry]

Hey, I wonder what made him so late.

[Bumps]

I noticed him over at the station. He was sending a telegram to Patsy out there.

[Kelly]

You couldn't have got left, Boris. Ah, not me.

[Jerry]

It's kind of grumpy.

[Bumps]

He doesn't like to be kidded.

[Kelly]

Oh, hey, what's the idea, Jason? Why don't you keep your feet under the aisle?

[Bumps]

I'm sorry. All right, boys.

[Jerry]

Tripped over Jason's feet.

[Bumps]

Listen, John.

[Kelly]

Sorry. You did it on purpose. You deliberately tripped me. I will not stand for this, Jason.

[Jason]

Now, wait a minute, Boris. What are you trying to do, pick a fight?

[Kelly]

Yes, I'll pick a fight with you. I'll teach you to stick your big feet off and trip me. Come on, stand up and fight.

[Bumps]

See, this looks bad, Jerry.

[Mr. Randall]

Hello, bums.

[Jason]

Hey.

[Mr. Randall]

Hey, what's going down there? What's going on down there at the end of the car?

[Jerry]

Boris and Jason are kind of stupid.

[Bumps]

A little hot headed because he thinks Jason tripped him.

[Kelly]

Dog. That's all you want. Jason, take this. Come on, Jason, cut it out. Stop it, Jason. Boris, cut it out.

[Jerry]

Now, cut it out.

[Kelly]

Well, I. I take no insults from anyone. You do a whole what now?

[Mr. Randall]

Never mind, Jason.

[Kelly]

Oh, what you say, Jason?

[Mr. Randall]

Put it out, Bolivia. You two, listen to me. I won't have any fighting. As long as you're working for Sam Randall, you'll conduct yourselves like gentlemen.

[Jason]

I'm sorry this had to happen, Mr. Randall.

[Mr. Randall]

I might expect this from some of the roustabouts. But you two, two of my star performers, my honor, Mr. Randall. I don't care a thing about your honor, Boris. You settle your grievances some other way, both of you. There's a clause in your contracts calling for you to conduct yourselves in a manner satisfactory to me at all times. And I hardly call this outburst satisfactory conduct.

[Jason]

It happened like this, Mr. Randall.

[Mr. Randall]

I don't care to hear a thing about it, Jason. But I want you two to hear this very next time I see any fighting or or even if I find out about it, you might as well pack your things and get out. All right? Remember that. Now I'll have no more of this sort of thing if either of you intend to stay with Randall Brothers Circumst.

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