Jerry of the Circus - Boris Eyes the Money

Summary

Podcast Summary: Jerry of the Circus – “Boris Eyes the Money”

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Date: May 17, 2026
Episode Theme:
This episode of "Jerry of the Circus" immerses listeners in the everyday lives and small dramas of circus folk. The focal points are the aftermath of a dangerous animal act, Boris's transparent courtship of wealthy Patsy, and a lighthearted sequence with a circus fortune-teller’s uncanny prediction—underscoring the interplay between skepticism and wonder in the close-knit circus family.

---

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Aftermath of a Dangerous Act

• [02:10–02:47]
  • Jerry and Whitey discuss Jason's harrowing performance, in which Jason successfully made a panther (“Freak”) leap through a flaming ring despite a close call.
  • “Jason deserves a lot of credit, Jerry.” – Whitey [02:30]
  • The scene underlines the real, everyday dangers of circus life and the camaraderie among performers.

2. Boris's Plans for Patsy and Money

• [02:57–04:02]
  • Boris is effusive in praise for Whitey's care of his horses, but soon the focus shifts to Boris’s relationship with Patsy.
  • Boris and his sister Olga discuss how "friendly" he has become with Patsy, openly referencing her wealth as a motivation:
    • “I do not think it will be long until Patty is a member of the Russo family and a most welcome addition with her money.” – Olga [03:42]
  • Boris gleefully prepares for multiple outings with Patsy, making no secret about his intent:
    • “Sister, this is not an unpleasant task, making love to such a beautiful young lady.” – Boris [04:26]
  • Their banter is wry, with Olga poking fun at Boris’s vanity:
    • “And it is a wonder this small hat fits such a big head.” – Olga [04:39]

3. Circus Camaraderie & Light Rivalry

• [05:13–06:00]
  • Jerry, Slats (also called "Slash"), and Boris engage in gentle ribbing about Boris's finery and his plans to dine with Patsy. Boris dismisses the circus mess tent as unsuitable for "courting."
  • When told he looks “spiffy,” Boris asks innocently, “Spiffy? What is this spiffy?” [05:31], adding comic flavor.

4. Skepticism vs. Belief: The Fortune Teller Incident

• [06:09–10:43]
  • Jerry and Slats visit Rosa the fortune-teller, despite Boris’s mockery:
    • “I do not believe in such foolishness. That is for children and weak minded people.” – Boris [06:12]
  • Rosa helps Slats find his lost rhinestone ring, showing playful skepticism and eventual amazement:
    • She professes the ring is in Slats’ coat, which seems impossible until she discovers it slipped into the lining through a hole.
    • “The crystal does not lie. The ring is in the coat.” – Rosa [08:46]
  • Jerry sheepishly requests his fortune and Rosa falls into a trance-like reading, with surprising results:
    • She foresees Jerry as a soldier, surrounded by tall trees, and not with the circus—a vision Jerry and Slats initially dismiss.
    • “I see you dressed as a soldier.” – Rosa [09:46]
    • “Say, I am too gonna be with the circus. I'm always gonna be at the circus.” – Jerry [10:24]
    • The eerie coincidence: Soon after, Whitey returns and recounts a similar dream about Jerry wearing a soldier uniform in the trees.

5. Strange Coincidence & Foreshadowing

• [11:02–12:50]
  • Whitey mentions his nap and a dream that mirrors Rosa’s prediction for Jerry, unnerving the group and providing comic banter about whether dreams or fortunes can come true.
    • “You had a soldier suit on and you kept marching back and forth between two big trees.” – Whitey [12:12]
    • Jerry connects that Whitey's dream and Rosa's fortune are nearly identical:
      • “I just had my fortune told by Rosa Rossi and she told me just about the same thing.” – Jerry [12:26]
  • Slats and Whitey both try to reassure Jerry it’s all coincidence, not fate.

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Jason deserves a lot of credit, Jerry.” – Whitey [02:30]
• “I do not think it will be long until Patty is a member of the Russo family and a most welcome addition with her money.” – Olga [03:42]
• “Sister, this is not an unpleasant task, making love to such a beautiful young lady.” – Boris [04:26]
• “Spiffy? What is this spiffy?” – Boris [05:31]
• “I do not believe in such foolishness. That is for children and weak minded people.” – Boris [06:12]
• “The crystal does not lie. The ring is in the coat.” – Rosa [08:46]
• “I see you dressed as a soldier.” – Rosa [09:46]
• “You had a soldier suit on and you kept marching back and forth between two big trees.” – Whitey [12:12]
• “Dreams very seldom come true, Jerry.” – Slats [12:41]

---

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [02:10] – Jerry and Whitey recap Jason’s dangerous act
• [03:21] – Boris and Olga plot about Patsy and her money
• [05:25] – Boris learns he looks “spiffy”
• [06:12] – Boris dismisses fortune telling
• [08:46] – Rosa finds Slats’s ring using her “crystal”
• [09:46] – Rosa predicts Jerry will be a soldier, not with the circus
• [12:12] – Whitey’s dream eerily matches Rosa’s prediction

---

Conclusion

This episode blends classic radio drama conventions—light suspense, playful banter, and gentle foreshadowing. Boris’s not-so-subtle gold digging and Jerry’s worried innocence evoke both humor and affection. The fortune-telling scene provides a cozy supernatural twist, especially when reality seems to echo its prophecy. The episode captures the unique rhythms and relationships of circus life, making for compelling and endearing listening that’s just as much about the found family as the spectacle.

Transcript

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[Slash (Slats)]

Jerry of the circus.

[Whitey]

Now for Jerry of the Circus.

[Jerry]

Here I am. Whitey.

[Whitey]

How's Jason doing now?

[Jerry]

Oh, he's up again.

[Whitey]

Yeah, I see him now. Bump said he had a close call.

[Jerry]

He sure did. Hey, look, Whitey. He's gonna make that panther jump through the ring of flame after all.

[Whitey]

Yes, sir, he is. That fella must have nerves of iron. He won't come out of that steel until he finishes his acting.

[Olga]

He did it.

[Jerry]

He did it, Whitey. Freak went through the fire after all.

[Whitey]

Jason deserves a lot of credit, Jerry.

[Jerry]

I never thought he could do it. Freak was so mad. The way he snarled at him when he jumped on Jason. You should have seen it, Whitey. My heart was in my mouth.

[Whitey]

Yeah, Bumps told me he looked pretty serious. All right. Well, he's safe now. Well, I gotta get back to the horse stop. I'll see you later, Jerry.

[Jerry]

Okay, Waddy. I'm gonna stay here for a minute and talk to Jason when he comes off. Then I gotta see Flats about something.

[Whitey]

All right, Jerry. I won't be needing you at the horse top this afternoon anyhow. Hello, Borscht.

[Boris]

Did you see Jason? He was in great danger, Whitey.

[Whitey]

Yeah, I saw him. Close call. All right.

[Boris]

I wanted to tell you, Whitey, how pleased I am with the care you are giving my horses of late.

[Whitey]

I'm glad to hear you satisfied.

[Boris]

Satisfied? I'm delighted. Keep up the good work, Whitey.

[Whitey]

Sure, sure, sure.

[Boris]

Well, there is my wagon. I leave you now. I must hurry and dress.

[Whitey]

Okay. All right.

[Boris]

Olga.

[Olga]

Yes, Boris?

[Boris]

I have just been talking with Patsy again.

[Olga]

Good, Boris. You are really getting friendly now.

[Boris]

Friendly? Patsy and I are more than friendly. We are getting along wonderful. She is wearing my bracelet, isn't she?

[Olga]

Yes, Boris. And that is good.

[Boris]

It is perfect. My sister. I do not think it will be long until Patty is a member of the Russo family and a most welcome

[Olga]

addition with her money.

[Boris]

The Russo's a clever people again. Tonight after the show, we are going out together.

[Olga]

You will propose to her then.

[Boris]

No, no, no. Not so fast? In good time I will talk of marriage. Well, now I must hurry and change clothes. Get my blue suit down and brush it well.

[Olga]

Why do you dress now?

[Boris]

Because now I take the charming and wealthy Patsy to dinner.

[Olga]

I thought you said tonight you were going to take her out.

[Boris]

Oh, yes, tonight also. But now to dinner. I do not think I am overdoing my attentions to her. She likes me, Olga. She likes me. My shoes. What are my shoes?

[Olga]

Here, Boris. Here are your shoes. And polished too, you will notice.

[Slash (Slats)]

Good.

[Boris]

Thank you, Sister. A clean shirt now, please. Yes, Boriski bulb. I feel young again. Sister, this is not an unpleasant task, making love to such a beautiful young lady. How do I look, Olga?

[Olga]

You want me to tell you that you are handsome?

[Boris]

No, that will not be necessary. The looking glass tells me that here is your hat.

[Olga]

And it is a wonder this small hat fits such a big head.

[Boris]

You say that in jest, I hope.

[Olga]

Of course, Boris.

[Boris]

My gloves. Where are my gloves?

[Olga]

In your pocket, Boris.

[Boris]

Oh, yes. Oh, yes, in my pocket. Well, I go now.

[Olga]

Goodbye, Boris.

[Boris]

I will be back in plenty of time for the show. Tell Nicholas to have everything ready and readiness for the act.

[Olga]

Everything will be ready.

[Boris]

Boriski, Garachy, boblichki. What is the matter, Rags? Don't you appreciate such fine singing? I guess you have never heard such fine singing before.

[Slash (Slats)]

Oh. Oh, hello, Boris.

[Boris]

Hello, Jerry. Rags, I guess, doesn't like to hear me sing.

[Jerry]

Were you singing?

[Boris]

Of course, of course. What do you think I do, holler fire?

[Jerry]

Oh, I didn't mean it that way. I meant that. Well, I didn't hear you.

[Slash (Slats)]

Hello, Boris. You look pretty. Well, I might say spiffy. Yes, I think I will say that you look spiffy, Boris. Spiffy?

[Boris]

Spiffy. What is this spiffy?

[Jerry]

It means you look good. You're all dressed up.

[Boris]

I'm always dressed up. Of course, I look a little better now because I am dressed for a special reason. Oh, so that's it. Yes, I am taking Betsy out to dinner.

[Slash (Slats)]

And what's the matter with our own mess? 10 for dinner? The food always tastes good to me. Don't know why. It shouldn't be good enough for anybody.

[Boris]

No, the food, it is all right. It is good, but, well, after all, the messed up is hardly a place to take a young lady. You are, how you say, Courting.

[Slash (Slats)]

Oh. Oh, yes.

[Jerry]

Come on, Slap.

[Boris]

What are you two going at this hour of the day?

[Slash (Slats)]

We're going over to see Rosa.

[Boris]

Fortune telling.

[Slash (Slats)]

And what's the matter with fortune telling?

[Boris]

Well, I Do not believe in such foolishness. That is for children and weak minded people.

[Slash (Slats)]

Well, you might call Jerry a child. And as for me, perhaps I'm weak minded. But I do believe in mystic powers. Yes, I do, Boris.

[Jerry]

Rosa has said a lot of things that came true.

[Boris]

You only make yourself believe that.

[Slash (Slats)]

Just the same, I lost my rhinestone ring and I'll just bet you she can tell me where it is.

[Boris]

All right, have your fun. I must go now. I have more important things to.

[Jerry]

He's taking Patsy out again.

[Slash (Slats)]

Called me weak minded, did he? A lot of shouting he can do the idea. Let's forget it. Nothing we can do anyway.

[Jerry]

I sure don't like the way he pays so much attention to Patsy.

[Slash (Slats)]

Seems to me you do an awful lot of worrying for other people, Jerry.

[Jerry]

Oh, I can't help it. They're my friends and I like to see them happy.

[Slash (Slats)]

Course you do. Of course you do, Jerry. Oh, look, we're in luck. There's Rosa outside her tent.

[Rosa]

Oh, good.

[Slash (Slats)]

Hello, Rosa.

[Rosa]

Greg.

[Jerry]

Now, what did I just tell you?

[Slash (Slats)]

Well, let him go, Jerry. He's going right over to Rosa.

[Rosa]

Greetings to you, Jerry and Slash.

[Slash (Slats)]

Ah, you. You busy, Rosa? Busy?

[Rosa]

No, sir. Just doing a little needlework is all.

[Slash (Slats)]

I'm going to ask your favorite Rosa, if you don't mind.

[Rosa]

Not at all, not at all. What is it, Slat?

[Jerry]

Slats lost a ring and thought maybe you could help him locate it.

[Rosa]

A ring? My goodness. Well, that's too bad. I'm sorry, Slats.

[Slash (Slats)]

Oh, it ain't so valuable, Rosa. It's just my rhinestone ring I wear with my costume. But I'm funny about things like that. I just don't feel right without it.

[Rosa]

Of course you don't. I can understand. Come into the tent. I will look into the crystal and we shall see if we can find where you lost it.

[Slash (Slats)]

He looked every place for it. Been searching for hours, I have.

[Jerry]

Now, you sit right down there, Rags, and we'll be right out.

[Rosa]

Sit down, Slash. And Jerry, you sit on that box there.

[Slash (Slats)]

I hope I'm not putting you to any bother, Rosa.

[Rosa]

Oh, no, no, no, no. It's no bother. I'm glad to do what I can.

[Jerry]

Let me have a look.

[Slash (Slats)]

Now, it beats me how you can look into a piece of glass like that and see things.

[Rosa]

Shh.

[Slash (Slats)]

I'm sorry.

[Jerry]

She has to concentrate. Yes, I know.

[Rosa]

I see. Aha.

[Slash (Slats)]

What is it, Rosa?

[Rosa]

Just a minute. It is blue.

[Slash (Slats)]

No, no, it's a gold ring with a big rhinestone.

[Rosa]

No, no, no, it is blue. The coat.

[Slash (Slats)]

The coat, yes.

[Rosa]

Let me see now. It is the same coat you have on.

[Slash (Slats)]

I don't believe I get what you're driving at, Rosa.

[Rosa]

The ring, it is in the pocket of that coat you have on.

[Jerry]

Oh, that's once. You're wrong, Rosa. Slats looked in every one of the pockets before he put it on. I saw him.

[Rosa]

Rosa is not wrong. The ring is in the coat.

[Slash (Slats)]

That makes me awful dumb. Cause I sure gave the coat a good going over. I even turned the pockets inside out.

[Rosa]

Take off your coat, Slats. Let me look through it.

[Slash (Slats)]

Okay.

[Rosa]

There it is. The crystal does not lie. And the crystal says the ring is in the coat. Not here.

[Jerry]

I don't think you'll find it, Rosa. You couldn't look any better than Slats did.

[Rosa]

Not here. Wait.

[Slash (Slats)]

Find something.

[Rosa]

I think I did. And I think I have found the missing ring.

[Jerry]

What?

[Rosa]

Just wait.

[Slash (Slats)]

Now.

[Rosa]

Yes, that is it.

[Jerry]

That's what it is all right.

[Slash (Slats)]

Where?

[Rosa]

Right here in the lining. You see, you have a hole in this pocket. And the ring fell down into the lining here. Here it is.

[Slash (Slats)]

Well, I'll be switched. If that isn't the best I ever did see. Well, I'm Haji.

[Jerry]

Say, Rosa.

[Rosa]

Yes, Jerry?

[Jerry]

I was wondering. Well, would you mind very much?

[Rosa]

You want your fortune told, don't you?

[Jerry]

Well, yeah. I was gonna ask if you would.

[Rosa]

Sure, I will. I'll just have a look in the crystal and see what's in store for you. Jerry.

[Slash (Slats)]

Only tell him the good news.

[Rosa]

I will tell him all I see. Well, this is something I cannot understand.

[Jerry]

What is it, Rosa?

[Rosa]

I see you dressed as a soldier.

[Slash (Slats)]

Yes.

[Rosa]

You've got a uniform on.

[Jerry]

That's a good one. Me, a soldier?

[Rosa]

I've always told you the truth, Jack Gary. That's what I see here.

[Slash (Slats)]

Maybe you're going to join the army.

[Jerry]

Quit kidding. I'm too young to join the army.

[Rosa]

Wait. There are many trees around you. Big, beautiful trees.

[Jerry]

But that couldn't be. Don't you see, Rosa?

[Rosa]

Rosa sees you in a uniform and you will be in one.

[Jerry]

I got it.

[Slash (Slats)]

I know what it is.

[Rosa]

What?

[Slash (Slats)]

Slat, you're going to get a new uniform for your act with El Mundo.

[Jerry]

I'll bet you're right. That's just what it is.

[Olga]

No.

[Rosa]

You are not with the circus when you're wearing this uniform.

[Jerry]

Not with the circus.

[Rosa]

No.

[Jerry]

Say I am too gonna be with the circus. I'm always gonna be at the circus.

[Rosa]

I'm only telling you what is in the crystal. Jarrett.

[Slash (Slats)]

You will see.

[Rosa]

Rosa will be right Again?

[Jerry]

When is this gonna happen?

[Rosa]

I do not know. It's hard to say. But you'll find out. It will come true, Jerry.

[Jerry]

Is that all you see? For me?

[Rosa]

Yes, Jerry, that is all this time.

[Jerry]

Thanks, Rosa. Maybe you can tell me more about it later.

[Rosa]

Yes, I'll try some other time, Jerry.

[Slash (Slats)]

Well, come on, soldier.

[Jerry]

Okay, Slats.

[Slash (Slats)]

Thanks for helping me out, Rosa.

[Rosa]

You're welcome. Come and see me again.

[Jerry]

Okay, we will. Goodbye.

[Rosa]

Come on, Rags.

[Slash (Slats)]

You're going to be a soldier. What's the matter? Isn't the circus good enough for you?

[Jerry]

Now don't kid me, Slat. You know as well as I do that Rose is wrong this time.

[Slash (Slats)]

Don't kid yourself, Jerry. If she saw you in a uniform when she looked into that crystal of hers, then you're going to be in one. Of course she protected herself by not predicting when it would be.

[Jerry]

That was sure good one on you when Rosa found your ring and the lining of your coat.

[Slash (Slats)]

Now I'm in for it, I guess.

[Jerry]

What do you mean?

[Slash (Slats)]

I suppose you'll never quit kidding me about it.

[Jerry]

Oh, I won't kid you at all. That could happen to anybody.

[Slash (Slats)]

I'm glad you look at it that way, Jerry.

[Jerry]

You gonna wash up first now?

[Slash (Slats)]

What are you talking about, wash up first? And before what?

[Jerry]

Before we go to eat, see?

[Slash (Slats)]

That's right. That's right. Uh huh. It's about time for the flag to go up.

[Boris]

Yep.

[Slash (Slats)]

Well, let's go over to the wagon and wash up a little and put rags in your wagon and get over and take on some food, huh?

[Jerry]

That sounds perfect to me.

[Boris]

Hi there.

[Slash (Slats)]

Who's that?

[Jerry]

Oh, it's Whitey. Hello, Whitey.

[Slash (Slats)]

Are you going over to eat?

[Whitey]

Yep. Getting a head start tonight. Say, Jerry.

[Jerry]

Yeah, Whitey?

[Whitey]

You know, I took a little nap after the matinee and I fell asleep and I had a dream about you.

[Jerry]

About me?

[Whitey]

Mm. And it sure was funny. You know, you had a soldier suit on and you kept marching back and forth between two big trees.

[Slash (Slats)]

What? You're not kidding, Whitey?

[Whitey]

Well, of course not. What's all the excitement about? I'm just telling you about a little dream I had.

[Jerry]

Listen, I just had my fortune told by Rosa Rossi and she told me just about the same thing.

[Slash (Slats)]

Uh huh. Maybe she saw Whitey's dream in her magic crystal.

[Whitey]

Well, there's nothing to a dream. The only reason I told you about it was because you looked so swell in that uniform you had on.

[Slash (Slats)]

Dreams very seldom come true, Derry.

[Jerry]

I know, I know. But Rosa said I was by some big trees too. And what Whitey said and what she said is just about the same.

[Whitey]

Oh, now, Jerry, don't get yourself all steamed up over nothing at all.

[Slash (Slats)]

Yeah, just take it easy and.

[Rosa]

And wait and see what happens. Sam. Ram. Sam.

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[Whitey]

Com.