Jerry of the Circus - Boris Gets the Invitation

Summary

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Podcast Summary:

Harold’s Old Time Radio – Jerry of the Circus: "Boris Gets the Invitation"
Date: May 21, 2026
Host: Harold’s Old Time Radio
Episode Theme:
This episode presents a classic slice of "Jerry of the Circus," focusing on a comical and poignant story about Boris, one of the Russian performers, receiving a mysterious (and mischievous) invitation. It’s a rich portrayal of circus camaraderie, vanity, and mischief typical of radio’s golden era.

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Main Theme and Purpose

The episode centers on the spectacle and behind-the-scenes drama when Boris, a proud Russian circus performer, becomes the target of an elaborate prank: an invitation to a grand ball from a supposed exiled countess. The story explores themes of pride, trickery, and the strong bonds—sometimes tested by jokes—within the circus family.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. The Mysterious Invitation to Boris (01:53 – 06:16)

• Boris Receives a Letter: With great flourish, Boris shares with Olga a letter from "Countess Rita Rimsikov," a fellow Russian exile who praises his artistry and invites him to a lavish costume ball at her estate.
  • Boris (02:00): “Here we have a fine Russian lady who understands the true greatness of the Cossacks.”
  • Olga (02:21): “This lady must be clever to write so fascinating a note.”
• Details of the Ball: The invitation details an extravagant event, asking guests to come dressed as children—a nod to American party customs.
• Plotting and Aspiration: Boris views this as an opportunity to serve his family's interests, even suggesting the match might help restore the family fortune.
  • Boris (04:32): “Olga, I am not yet married.”
  • Olga (04:35): “The Rusovs need more money and always more money. All right, Boris. I will fix you so great a costume...”
• Costume Creation: Olga agrees to make Boris’s costume, suggesting “velvet knickerbockers” and borrowing a hat from Jerry.

2. The Setup: The Prank Revealed to the Kids (06:16 – 07:28)

• Jerry, Slats, and Friends: The younger circus performers reveal that the invitation is actually a prank devised to take Boris down a peg, as he’s “the vainest man I’ve ever met in this business.”
  • Slats (06:54): “He needs to be taken down.”
• Mixed Feelings: The boys feel a twinge of guilt but believe Boris has earned the ribbing.

3. Boris Boasts and Prepares (07:28 – 09:07)

• Boris’s Hubris on Display: Boris, completely convinced by the prank, brags about his upcoming “important engagement.” He’s excited and requests Jerry’s hat for his costume.
  • Boris (07:34): “I have been invited this very evening by a very famous lady and a very rich and exceedingly beautiful lady...”
  • Jerry (08:20): “Hope you have a nice time.”
• Stage Set for Spectacle: Boris is the center of attention, preparing to meet the illustrious (non-existent) countess.

4. The Fallout: Embarrassment and Disruption (09:07 – 12:50)

• Circus Aftermath: After the show, the crowd gathers to laugh at Boris in his elaborate costume.
  • Mr. Randall (09:33): “I'm not very keen on his making a spectacle of himself out here.”
• Mr. Randall's Reaction: Upset by the commotion and Boris’s behavior among the crowd, the circus manager vows to prevent such incidents.
  • Mr. Randall (12:32): “I’ve got to see that a thing like this doesn't happen again.”
• The Boys’ Reflections: Jerry and Slats worry about possible trouble and the line between good fun and mean-spiritedness.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Boris’s Vanity:
  • “I cannot help it affect. All lovely ladies are attracted with my appearance. It is a cross I must always bear.” (Boris, 03:48)
• On Ambition:
  • “We must take advantage of anything that looks like an opportunity to further the interests of the Russo family.” (Olga, 05:01)
• The Prankers' Justification:
  • “Don’t you worry about him. He needs to be taken down.” (Slats, 06:54)
• Sympathy in Mischief:
  • “If someone played such a crazy joke on me, I’d laugh with him when I found it out. But I’m afraid Boris won’t take it like that.” (Jerry, 08:35)
• The Climax:
  • “Want something, mister?... I wanted to get away from that man back there. He was talking an arm off me.” (Mr. Randall, 10:29)
  • On the public’s reaction: “Oh, there’s a policeman. See it? You don’t think there’s going to be any trouble?” (Slats, 12:10)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• 01:53 – 04:51: Boris reads and reacts to the invitation.
• 04:51 – 06:16: Boris and Olga plot, focusing on the opportunity for the family.
• 06:16 – 07:28: The children introduce the prank, discuss their motives.
• 07:28 – 09:07: Boris brags about his invitation; preparations and banter.
• 09:07 – 12:50: Circus crowd laughs at Boris; Mr. Randall’s intervention and aftermath.

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Overall Tone and Style

The episode is playful and gently satirical. Boris’s grandiosity is matched by his colleagues’ good-natured (if slightly mean-spirited) mischief. Amidst laughter and light tension, the story captures the vibrant, familial energy of the circus and the small dramas that keep everyone entertained behind the big top.

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For New Listeners

This episode is a wonderful snapshot of mid-century radio drama, full of character interplay, humor, and the subtle lessons of humility and camaraderie. Listeners will enjoy Boris’s theatrical self-importance as much as the cleverness (and ultimate conscience) of his young pranksters.

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Transcript

[A]

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[B]

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

[C]

So it takes a Russian to appreciate what the Russo can do.

[D]

You get another fan letter. Yes, yes.

[C]

But Olga, this is much more than just a fan letter. Here we have a fine Russian lady who understands the true greatness of the Cossacks.

[D]

A Russian lady in this country.

[C]

Like us, she is in exile. And so when she sees the magnificent

[D]

writing which we do, she writes your love letter. Yes.

[C]

No, that is not like that at all. This note is dignified, worthy of a great lady who writes to a great artist.

[D]

So it is like that. This lady must be clever to write so fascinating a note. What does she say, Bonnie?

[C]

I will read it to you. At the top she says, my dream rider.

[D]

It is as I said. The lady is romantic.

[C]

Yes, perhaps, but she's also dignified and. Wait. You listen. The Countess Rita Rimsikov.

[D]

Not one of the wealthy families of Rimsikov.

[C]

Don't interrupt, Olga. Of course, it must be the famous old family. We know they are all in exile.

[D]

Yes, and we know too, that they brought a fortune out of the old country. Go on, boy.

[C]

This is the most important part. Tonight I am giving a grand costume ball at my estate.

[D]

Estate? Aha. That sounds as if she is very wealthy, Olga. I am sorry, Boris. I will be quiet.

[C]

If you will honor me by coming in costume, I will send my chauffeur with the town car for you.

[D]

Ah, you see, she is rich.

[C]

Be at the entrance to the circus grounds at 11:30. The motif of the costumes for the ball is childhood. So dress accordingly.

[D]

That is quite simple. She is asking her guests to dress like children. It is quite the custom in this country. America, probably. The Countess is trying to please her American friends.

[C]

So that must be it. She finishes like this. A young Russian countess in exile salutes you and eagerly awaits the opportunity to show her appreciation in person for your exquisite performance.

[D]

That is all.

[C]

Is that not enough? She sounds like a very discerning lady. You see, she appreciates the beauty of my riding.

[D]

And probably the beauty of your profile.

[C]

I cannot help it affect. All lovely ladies are attracted with my appearance. It is a cross I must always bear.

[D]

Ah, you do not fool me, Boris. You love it and you work hard to keep yourself looking well. But it is good you do not show your age. You will still be handsome for many years.

[C]

It is so. But now the question is, what shall I do about these charming counters?

[D]

I suppose you mean by that, what will I do about fixing a costume for you by tonight?

[C]

Good. I knew I could depend on you.

[D]

Olga, I have not yet said I would do this.

[C]

No, but you will. For my pleasure and for the good of the family.

[D]

How do you mean, the good of the family?

[C]

You do not see. And I thought you so wise for a woman. If this Russian lady is so wealthy, with an estate, a town car, elaborate parties.

[D]

Yes, but what has that to do with us?

[C]

Olga, I am not yet married.

[D]

Ah, of course. You mean if there is enough money it might be worth. Yes, of course. The Rusovs need more money and always more money. All right, Boris. I will fix you so great a costume that you will put to shame all the Americans who attend this party.

[B]

Good.

[C]

You will not be sorry, Olga. As head of our family, I will see that you will be rewarded. It is true that you and I seem to realize more than the others the importance of having our own circus.

[D]

But we must take advantage of anything that looks like an opportunity to further the interests of the Russo family.

[C]

Now, about this party tonight. What shall I wear?

[D]

You must be very grand. Perhaps I should make you some velvet knickelbockers like the great people wore at court.

[C]

Yes, that is good. I will look well, in short, velvet knickers with perhaps those silver buckles of yours at the knees.

[D]

I will gladly lend them to you for so good a cause.

[C]

And a silk shirt with a gay coloured sash at the waist.

[D]

Ah, you will make a very fine Romeo.

[C]

And I will ask that youngster Jerry to lend me his plumed hat, which he wears in the ring with El Mundo.

[D]

Boris, you are a genius. Indeed, you will make such a fine Romeo. The great lady will fall head over heels in love with you.

[C]

Of that I am sure.

[D]

I must see Clara at once at the wardrobe. I may need some assistance.

[C]

Of course, for you only have a few hours in which to make this costume.

[D]

Don't forget to ask Jerry for that hat of his. It will be very dashing with the costume.

[C]

Yes, and it will give me a chance to make a very courtly bow before the lady. When we meet, I am afraid, Olga, we will have this wealthy countess eating out of our hands before the night is out.

[D]

Hey, Slats.

[E]

Oh, there you are, Jerry. I was wondering what had happened to you.

[A]

Are you sure Boris got the letter?

[E]

That's allowed.

[A]

Oh, I'm sorry.

[E]

We must be sure no one knows of this but ourselves. If Boris talks still that is fine.

[A]

He's talking, all right. You should have heard him boasting at dinner about this fine lady who has invited him to her mansion and how rich he is.

[E]

Was Mr. Randall there?

[A]

I'll say. And bumps and everybody. Boris has been making a big fuss over the whole thing. And everybody seemed to fall for it, too.

[E]

I bet he won't come to Mears for a week when he finds it's a gag.

[A]

I'd feel sorry for him if he hadn't been so mean to Whitey.

[E]

Don't you worry about him. He needs to be taken down.

[C]

He.

[E]

He's one of the vainest men I've ever met in this business. Uh, speaking of angels, here comes our hero right now.

[A]

Where?

[D]

Oh, yeah.

[A]

He's hidden for us. You don't think he's a guest already?

[C]

Shh.

[E]

Of course not. Well, hello there, Boris. You look particularly well tonight.

[C]

Yes, I feel unusually fit. And it is well, as I am having a very important engagement this evening.

[E]

Is that so? You're going to do another act, huh?

[C]

Well, in a way, you are right. In a way, you are wrong.

[A]

That sounds pretty mysterious.

[C]

Oh, but I will no longer be mysterious. I have been invited this very evening by a very famous lady and a very rich and exceedingly beautiful lady to be a guest of honor at the Grand Costume Ball.

[A]

Jiminy. Say, that sounds like a lot of fun.

[C]

It is a great responsibility, for she is a great Russian lady who has heard of the greatness of the Ruso family.

[E]

Really? My, my, my. That's certainly unusual. But, I mean, of course she would have heard of you.

[C]

That is better. And now, Jerry, I have a little favor to ask of you.

[F]

Sure.

[A]

What can I do for you?

[C]

I wonder? Would you be kind to lend me the gay hat you wear in the act with El Mondo?

[D]

Sure, of course.

[A]

I'd be glad to lend it to you. You think Mr. Randall would mind? After all, it belongs to the circus.

[C]

I already tell him about tonight. He tell me to go ahead. Clara is helping Olga with my costume.

[E]

My, my. You will be grand wonto.

[C]

I will probably steal the show, but that is as it should be.

[A]

I finished my act. You want it now?

[C]

No, no. I must go now. But if you will bring it to my tent after my act, I will be glad.

[D]

Okay.

[A]

Hope you have a nice time.

[C]

Don't worry there. I'm a schooner.

[E]

Well, he sure fell for a trick line in Sinky, didn't he?

[A]

I feel kind of mean.

[E]

Well, don't. If he can't take a joke it's his own fault, I know.

[A]

If someone played such a crazy joke on me, I'd laugh with him when I found it out. But I'm afraid Boris won't take it like that.

[E]

My, oh, my, look at that man. Boris rides that Arabian horse of his as if he were part of it.

[A]

He's sure playing at the grandstand tonight.

[E]

What a shame. The beautiful countess. He's only a myth.

[A]

Boy, Boris is out doing himself tonight, all right.

[E]

Yes.

[A]

The way he takes those vows, you think he was the whole show.

[E]

He thinks he is, but his brothers are just as good.

[A]

Well, I guess I better make a change.

[E]

Oh, I've still a turn to do. Don't forget to take Boris your hat.

[A]

Oh, I won't.

[E]

He d ought to add to the picture as he stands in the curbstone and wait.

[A]

I'll meet you out in front before 11:30. We don't want to miss any of the fun.

[E]

From the way he's acted, he'll be on time, so come early.

[A]

I will. It's a long sl.

[E]

Bye.

[F]

Glad to meet you, Mr. Randall. It's a mighty fine show you got. Yes, sir.

[B]

Yes, well, if you've enjoyed it, we're all satisfied.

[F]

Indeed I have, Mr. Randall. I tell you, every time your circus comes to town, I get out the old car and bring the whole girl. Darn family. Siree, we wouldn't know it's summertime if we didn't see your show.

[B]

Well, that's nice.

[F]

Yes, sir. I was telling Eliza only this morning. Liza, I said, I guess about time we can them beans. It's mid summer, and last year we canned them beans a week after the circus comes down.

[B]

Oh, yeah? Well, listen, circus is almost a calendar for you, isn't it?

[F]

Yes, sir, that's right, Mr. An. Well, I tell you, if your circus had skipped our town this year, Liz and me probably clean forgot about them beans.

[B]

Excuse me, please. I. I must see that boy about.

[F]

Oh, sure. Sure thing. Business before pleasure, I always say.

[B]

Jerry. Jerry.

[A]

Oh, it's you, Mr. Randall.

[B]

Yes, I wanted to see you about. Excuse us. See you next summer.

[F]

Yeah, that's right, Bean. Calentime.

[E]

Yeah.

[A]

Want something, mister?

[B]

Not so loud. Jerry certainly did. I wanted to get away from that man back there. He was talking an arm off me.

[A]

Yeah, some folks sure can get all wound up.

[B]

Well, where you heading, Jerry? Well, I. Oh, well, now, it's a secret. I. I don't want to butt in.

[A]

Oh, no, of course it's not. I was supposed to meet Slats out here.

[B]

Oh, I see. Well, it's still pretty crowded out here in the Midway. Some of these towners like to hang around to the last minute. And the nights the tents come down, sometimes we have to call in the police to clear the way.

[A]

I don't blame them for liking to watch those big tops come down.

[B]

Say, what's all the excitement?

[A]

Where?

[B]

Over there in the corner. Look at that crowd.

[A]

Something must have happened.

[B]

I don't think so. The crowd just seems to be laughing.

[A]

Why, it's Boris, Mr. Randall.

[B]

Boris? What on earth is he doing out here in that gallup?

[A]

He does look kind of funny in it, doesn't he?

[B]

Oh, yes, I remember now. He told me something about being invited to a costume ball. He was pretty excited about the whole thing.

[A]

Yeah, I loaned him my hat. Recognize it?

[F]

Yeah.

[B]

Well, say, I'm not very keen on his making a spectacle of himself out here. I guess I'd better talk to him.

[E]

Oh, there you are, Jerry. I thought you'd never get there. What's happened?

[A]

Say, slats, Mr. Randall's kind of upset cause Boris is causing such a commotion out here in front of the circus.

[E]

I say he is. You should have heard a couple of the boys guiding him back there.

[A]

Has he been waiting long?

[E]

Quite a while. He's hot under the collar about all the kidneys getting.

[D]

Hey, look.

[A]

Boris is all excited talking to Mr. Randall.

[E]

Look at the crowd gather around.

[A]

Oh, there's a policeman. See it? You don't think there's going to be any trouble?

[E]

Not with Mr. Randall there. But it's lucky he came. Boris was likely to say something mean to that crowd.

[A]

I sort of wish we hadn't gotten into all this.

[E]

Don't worry. He's waited long enough already. Anyhow, the crowd is kind of losing interest now.

[A]

Yeah, it was only good for a laugh when they could get Boris's goat.

[E]

Here comes Mr. Randall now. Evening, Mr. Randall.

[B]

Oh, hello, Slats. Well, certainly. I've got to see that a thing like this doesn't happen again.

[A]

How do you mean?

[B]

One of the performers coming out here in costume with the audience not yet gone. Why, it's ridiculous. Ridiculous. Well, good night, folks. I've got some things to do.

[F]

Night.

[D]

Night.

[A]

Geez, Slats, I sure hope we don't get into trouble on account of this, huh?

[G]

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[E]

Hey, everyone. Check out this guy and his bird. What is this, your first date?

[C]

Oh, no.

[G]

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[E]

Yeah, the bird looks out of your league.

[G]

Anyways, get a [e-mail] or with your local agent.

[E]

Liberty Liberty Liberty Liberty.

[H]

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[D]

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