Jerry of the Circus - Boris Starts Dissension

Summary

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Podcast Summary: "Jerry of the Circus – Boris Starts Dissension"

Harold’s Old Time Radio | May 21, 2026
Episode from the classic radio serial “Jerry of the Circus”

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Overview

This episode of Jerry of the Circus centers around camaraderie and underlying tensions among circus workers as they pack up after a late show. As Jerry offers to help with the horses, a conversation at a local diner reveals Boris (a member of the Russian acrobat troupe) subtly stirring dissatisfaction among the hardworking but underpaid crew. The episode highlights the hard labor and everyday dreams of circus life, and ends with Boris quietly encouraging Gabby, one of the men, to demand better conditions—planting the seeds for possible labor trouble.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Tensions Among the Crew (01:55–04:38)

• Loading the Wagons:
  • Spike, Gabby, and Buck banter about the heavy workload, with Gabby accusing others of making excuses.
  • Gabby: “Yeah, you can sure think of more excuses for getting out of work than any guy I ever see.” (02:33)
• Jerry’s Initiative:
  • Jerry volunteers to help guide the horses, demonstrating responsibility and eagerness to contribute.
  • Jerry: “Why not let me ride them? I’ll get them safe on the street… You put on the wheels and we’ll be down to the run before you know it.” (02:53)
• Teamwork Restored:
  • The crew appreciates Jerry’s help and manages to get the wagon moving.

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2. Life on the Circus Road (04:53–07:13)

• Fatigue and Camaraderie:
  • Gabby jokes about being worn out and ready for a steak, even at 2 a.m.
  • The crew exchanges stories about their long circus tenures.
• Gabby’s Lion Tamer Tale:
  • Gabby shares a vivid, comical story of almost being eaten while cleaning a lion’s cage.
  • Gabby: “Boy, my heart still stops every time I think of it. I don’t mind telling you, my hair stood right up on end. Every hair of my head.” (05:39)
  • Narrator: “What, you scared of a nice, friendly lion?” (05:56)
  • Gabby: “Friendly? Say, that feline took one look at me and she let out a roar you could have heard for a mile.” (06:00)
• Praise for Jerry:
  • The others compliment Jerry’s natural talent with horses as he handles the lead team.

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3. The Mysterious Ambulance and Jason (07:26–08:18)

• Passing Ambulance:
  • Jerry spots Jason, an ill crew member, in an ambulance. He asks Buck to stop the team so he can visit Jason at the sleeping cars.
  • Jerry: “Say, thanks Buck… I want to run over to the sleeping cars and see Jason a minute before he gets to sleep.” (07:57)
• Food and Friendship:
  • Gabby and Spike prepare to eat at a local restaurant, inviting Jerry to join later.

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4. Boris Sows Dissension (08:49–13:00)

• At the Diner:
  • Gabby notices Boris (“Governor”), a member of the Rusoff/Cossack act, watching them.
  • Boris joins Gabby, striking up a conversation about the inequities in circus life.
• Subtle Instigation:
  • Boris flatters Gabby as an “ambitious man” and suggests he and the workers deserve more pay for their hard work.
  • Boris (Governor): “You are paid so little and you work so hard. Not if performance. They get decent wages and they work a short time in the ring.” (11:10)
  • Boris (Governor): “After all, you laboring men are the backbone of the circus… I should think you deserve a little extra for all that.” (11:24)
  • Boris urges Gabby to talk to the other workers—without directly implicating himself—about demanding more.
  • Boris (Governor): “The up and coming man of today is the leader of tomorrow." (11:59)
• Gabby is Receptive:
  • Flattered and encouraged, Gabby agrees, taking pride in his new sense of purpose.
  • Gabby: “Say, that’s an idea. I’m a pretty nifty talker.” (12:29)

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Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• Gabby’s Hunger:
  • “Yeah. What’s time got to do with being hungry?” (04:54)
• Narrator’s Wit:
  • “Well, how can anybody ever know what’s going on with a gabby guy like this around?” (06:56)
• Boris Sowing Seeds:
  • “You can’t blame the boss. Indeed, not if the men are underpaid. It’s their own fault. That’s what I always say.” (12:10)
  • “Then it’s your duty to talk to the men and get them to demand the rights. But it takes a leader.” (12:32)
• Gabby’s Ambition:
  • “I could sell electric fans in Alaska if I had to.” (09:42)

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• Conflict over Loading Wagons: 01:55–03:06
• Gabby’s Lion Trainer Story: 05:08–06:39
• Praise for Jerry and Mention of Jason in the Ambulance: 07:10–07:34
• Conversation with Boris Begins: 08:49–10:40
• Boris Subtly Stirs Discontent: 10:40–13:00

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Tone and Style

The episode keeps a friendly, lively, and sometimes sardonic tone—typical of Golden Age radio serials. Banter and tales of circus life convey both hardship and community. The entire segment with Boris is marked by an undercurrent of manipulation, as his politeness and encouragement veil a clear intention to disrupt the status quo.

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Summary

This episode sets the stage for potential upheaval among the circus workers. Through spirited storytelling and comic banter, the camaraderie of the crew is evident, but Boris’s subtle encouragement of dissension is bound to have consequences in upcoming episodes. The themes of hard work, ambition, and class tensions are woven seamlessly through engaging dialogue and memorable Golden Age characterizations.

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Transcript

[Narrator]

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[Customer]

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[Spike]

was a sweet wine fridge.

[Narrator]

We all have our reasons. If you know you VRBO terms apply. See vrbo.com trust for details. Jerry of the circus.

[Spike]

Sam. Ram.

[Narrator]

Now for Jerry of the circus. Hey, what's going on here?

[Spike]

Ah, there's enough load on this room and wagon.

[Gabby]

Now it says you. Listen, Buck and I been loading wagons since before you was born.

[Spike]

But I'm trying to tell you I ain't got my lead horses tonight.

[Gabby]

Lead horses are not 16 horsepower. Can't pull this load. I'll eat.

[Narrator]

No, hold on there, Gabby. You may be wrong and have to eat whatever it is. So be careful what you say.

[Spike]

Now listen, Spike, you know I'm willing to carry any kind of a load. But chicks using the leads tonight. And if I had to hitch up to wheel team instead.

[Narrator]

Well, ever used them like that before?

[Spike]

Sure, once last season. But they're not so sure. Not having any wheel team. I gotta go easy on the load.

[Gabby]

Yeah, you can sure think of more excuses for getting out of work than any guy I ever see.

[Narrator]

Oh, hey. Oh, Gabby. Buck, cut that out. Listen, we've been working so hard, we're all goofy. Now come on, cut out the fighting.

[Jerry]

Hey, I got an idea.

[Narrator]

Oh, hello, Jerry. I forgot you were around.

[Jerry]

Buck, why don't you let me ride the league team?

[Spike]

What?

[Jerry]

Well, you said they weren't used to leading.

[Spike]

Sure, it's the truth.

[Jerry]

Well, then why not let me ride them? I'll get them safe on the street. You can handle the team. You put on the wheels and we'll be down to the run before you know it.

[Spike]

Okay, kid, you're on.

[Narrator]

Will it really help much, Buck?

[Spike]

Sure thing it will. Jerry can see where he's heading riding up in front like that. Guide him careful out of the ruts. Say, if you wanna, you may as well load the rest of the canvas. With Jerry riding up in front of, we can handle anything.

[Gabby]

Yeah, you see, it's lucky I stirred things up or we'd had to wait and load in a wagon. Come on, Spike. Here, give me a hand, will you?

[Narrator]

Okay. Here you go.

[Jerry]

Say thanks, Buck. That's one thing I've been wanting to do all season. Ride some of the lead horses off the lot. But the drivers have all been so busy.

[Spike]

And when I have the regular leads on, they're better than even a good Driver.

[Jerry]

Sure, I know. They can see better than we can, I guess.

[Spike]

I don't know about that, but after years of pulling these heavy wagons off the loft, they seem to have an instinct for the bad spots.

[Gabby]

Hey, there. Come on. Wake up. Buck. We're ready.

[Narrator]

Wait till I get this wagon boarded up. Okay. All set, Buck. I guess we'd sure appreciate a lift tonight.

[Gabby]

Oh, boy.

[Governor]

I'm done.

[Gabby]

And I don't mind saying it.

[Narrator]

Me too.

[Spike]

Hurry up, Jerry. Better ride Gypsy. She's on the left.

[Jerry]

Okay, Buck. Be there in a jiffy.

[Spike]

You two guys ready yet?

[Gabby]

Well, safe. Hey, drive easy, will you? Don't want to spoil my beauty sleep.

[Spike]

Beauty sleep?

[Narrator]

Me?

[Spike]

I. With a mug like that? Say, you'd have to sleep a hundred

[Narrator]

years like Rip Van Winkle.

[Gabby]

Go on, Buck. Get this pet of yours going, will ya?

[Jerry]

Hey, Buck, we're all set.

[Spike]

Okay, kid. Dad, get going.

[Jerry]

Come on, now.

[Gabby]

There she blows. Well, Spike supposedly settled down for a nice little snooze.

[Narrator]

It's okay by me. What a life.

[Gabby]

I'll say. Don't mind admitting I'm kind of done in. Gosh, I could go for a big steak right now.

[Narrator]

Two in the morning?

[Gabby]

Yeah. What's time got to do with being hungry?

[Narrator]

Well, when we get to the runs, we'll get some grub. There's a restaurant I spotted near there.

[Gabby]

Yeah, I saw two.

[Narrator]

You don't miss much. Say, you've been with this outfit a long time, haven't you, Gabby?

[Gabby]

Yeah, I'll say. Started when I was a punk like Jerry.

[Narrator]

Run away from home.

[Gabby]

How'd you know?

[Narrator]

Thought you'd be a lion tamer, huh?

[Gabby]

Say, what is this? Who's telling my story?

[Narrator]

Okay, you tell me then. I didn't mean to steal your stuff.

[Gabby]

Well, seen as you're so smart. I gave up being a lion tamer because I was much bigger than Jerry.

[Narrator]

Yeah? How come?

[Gabby]

Oh, I was helping clean out the cages. And, gosh, I was just nuts about the trainer. I thought he was Tox.

[Narrator]

Well, they usually are. That job takes a good man.

[Gabby]

Yeah, well, you see, that day, someone made a mistake and left the door loose between two of the wagons. One of the cats wandered into the cage. I was cleaning just as friendly as you. Please. How'd you feel, boy, my heart still stops every time I think of it. I don't mind telling you, my hair stood right up on end. Every hair of my head. Boy, I could feel them all separate.

[Narrator]

What, you scared of a nice, friendly lion?

[Gabby]

Friendly? Say, that feline took one look at me and she let out a roar you could have heard for a mile.

[Narrator]

Well, maybe she didn't like your hair standing up on end. You should have combed it.

[Gabby]

Let me tell you, it wasn't so funny.

[Narrator]

Doesn't look like she hurt you none.

[Gabby]

Well, it just happened. It was feeding time. And she must have took one look

[Narrator]

at you and thought of raw meat, huh?

[Gabby]

Yeah, you said it. But lucky for me, the guy with fed him was just wheeling the dinner round. He heard the roar and he ran up the cage, threw in a big slab of meat. And one of the guards grabbed me before I had time to even think.

[Narrator]

Takes you quite a while to think. I've noticed that.

[Gabby]

Now listen, don't be so smart. Anyhow, that cat took a hunk of meat to throw in instead of me, and so here I am.

[Narrator]

Wise animal. She probably got the tenderest piece.

[Gabby]

Is that. Yeah, Is that so? Listen, I'm not so tough. I mean, me not.

[Narrator]

Boy, you sure bite easy, Gabby.

[Spike]

Hey, you guys notice what a nice job Gary's done getting us up on the street?

[Narrator]

Well, how can anybody ever know what's going on with a gabby guy like this around?

[Gabby]

Gabby? Say, I can hardly tell my own story, you interrupt so much.

[Jerry]

Hey, how am I doing?

[Spike]

Well, Jerry, want to come back now?

[Jerry]

No, I like it here.

[Spike]

Hey, hey, hold him steady there, Jerry, till that ambulance gets by.

[Jerry]

Ah, don't you worry. I can handle him fine.

[Narrator]

You bet he can, too. That kid's a natural with horses.

[Gabby]

Yeah. Say, you should have seen me with horses that age.

[Narrator]

Yeah, I bet you even made the horses laugh in those days.

[Spike]

Hey.

[Jerry]

Hey, that was Jason. Buck. Spike. Jason was in that ambulance.

[Narrator]

You sure, Jerry?

[Jerry]

Sure I'm sure. Hey, see, they stopped over there by the runs.

[Gabby]

Yeah, that's right. Dems is stopped over by the sleeping cars.

[Jerry]

He said he was going to leave town with us, but I didn't think the doctor would let him.

[Narrator]

You can't hold a good man down.

[Jerry]

Hey, Buck. Buck.

[Spike]

What you want?

[Jerry]

Mind stopping the team a second?

[Spike]

Sure thing. Something wrong? Hey there. Ho, ho there. Take it easy there. And a boy.

[Jerry]

Say, thanks, Buck. Listen, I want to run over to the sleeping cars and see Jason a minute before he gets to sleep.

[Narrator]

Sure thing. Hey, Jerry, Gabby and me are heading for that eating place down by the tracks area. You want to come back, join us?

[Jerry]

Ah, you bet I do. Don't think I'd turn down a chance to eat, do you?

[Gabby]

No, not you.

[Narrator]

Say hello to Jason for us, will you?

[Spike]

Bet.

[Jerry]

And thanks, Buck, for the ride.

[Spike]

Don't thank me. Golly, I'd have been in a swell spot I hadn't had a good driver on that wheel team. It's quite a trick to put horses on that lead job. One ain't used to it. Thanks for the help, Jerry.

[Jerry]

That wasn't anything. It was fun.

[Gabby]

I wish that waited. Step on it. I'm starved.

[Narrator]

Funny, Jerry's not here yet.

[Gabby]

Don't worry about him. He'll be along. Hey, Spike.

[Narrator]

Yeah?

[Gabby]

That guy alone in that booth over

[Narrator]

there, that big good looking one, he's one of the Rusoffs.

[Gabby]

Ah, sure, one of them Cossacks. He's sure been watching us ever since we came up to the counter.

[Narrator]

Well, maybe he's thinking of putting you in his act.

[Gabby]

Say, and I'd be good too. Oh, now, here comes the groceries. Here. Jit smells good.

[Narrator]

Pitch in.

[Gabby]

Gabby, I don't worry. Say, you don't think maybe that Russian might really be thinking of using me in his acting?

[Narrator]

You never can tell. Maybe you're cut out to be an actor after all.

[Gabby]

Maybe. Say, you don't know from peanuts. My folks always said I was born to be hung. No, sir. To go on the stage.

[Narrator]

Yeah. Say, with your gift of gab, you should be a salesman.

[Gabby]

Salesman? Say, I never told her that. I bet I'd be good at that, too. How about I could sell electric fans in Alaska if I had to.

[Narrator]

Oh, listen, Gabby, I thought you said you were hungry. Now pitch in and stop talking. Your coffee will get cold.

[Jerry]

Hey, Spike. Spike.

[Narrator]

Oh, what you hurry?

[Jerry]

Jerry Murray wants you right away.

[Spike]

Said it was important.

[Narrator]

Can't wait till morning?

[Jerry]

No, but I told him you were eating. But he said to get right over to the runs.

[Narrator]

No, ain't that the limit?

[Jerry]

I'll see. I gotta go back, too.

[Spike]

Mmm.

[Jerry]

Gee, that food sure smells good.

[Gabby]

Yeah, and it tastes good too. Never mind, fellas. I'll eat enough for all of you.

[Narrator]

Well, I'll bet you will. Come on, Jerry, we better get going.

[Jerry]

Yeah, he was sure in a hurry. So long, Gabby.

[Gabby]

Hey, winner.

[Narrator]

Yes.

[Gabby]

Another cup of java coming up.

[Governor]

Hello. You are with the circus, yes?

[Gabby]

Yeah, sure. One of the canvas men, Governor. Name's Gabby.

[Governor]

I knew I'd seen you on the lot. Mind if I finish my coffee here at the counter with you?

[Gabby]

Sure thing.

[Spike]

Yeah.

[Gabby]

Have a stool.

[Governor]

I was alone over there and, well, I heard you two talking, so I

[Gabby]

thought I. I guess we were, as you'd know, a mouse kind of loud.

[Governor]

Not at all. I was interested in you.

[Gabby]

Especially of me. Say, you wouldn't kid A fella now,

[Governor]

would you, Governor, you struck me as an ambitious sort of man.

[Gabby]

Yeah, that's me all right. Always wanting to get ahead.

[Governor]

You men work mighty hard, don't you?

[Gabby]

Yeah, I'll say. And I'm telling you, I've never shook a day's work in my life. I haven't.

[Governor]

I can believe that, but for so little.

[Gabby]

What do you mean?

[Governor]

You are paid so little and you work so hard. Not if performance. They get decent wages and they only work a short time in the ring.

[Gabby]

Yeah, I often thought I wouldn't mind being overpower myself one of these days.

[Governor]

After all, you laboring men are the backbone of the circus. You don't think the show could open tomorrow if it weren't for you man, do you, boy?

[Gabby]

I'll say it wouldn't.

[Governor]

I should think you deserve a little extra for all that.

[Gabby]

Say, I see a point, Governor. Guess we should have more dough.

[Governor]

Oh, not my point. I wouldn't start anything for the world. But I can't help noticing things. You see, someday soon I'm going to have a circus of my own. And I intend to see that my men are taken care of. I admire men who know what they are worth and who demand that they get it.

[Gabby]

Say, that's an idea.

[Governor]

The up and coming man of today is the leader of tomorrow.

[Gabby]

Yeah, that's me all right.

[Governor]

And I admire a man who knows what is worth and demands his rights.

[Gabby]

Oh, sure, that's me.

[Governor]

Why should an employer pay more if the men don't ask for it? You can't blame the boss. Indeed, not if the men are underpaid. It's their own fault. That's what I always say.

[Gabby]

Say, I never thought of that, though.

[Governor]

I wouldn't want you to repeat this as coming from me.

[Gabby]

So I understand, Governor.

[Governor]

You've got to stand up for your rights nowadays to be respected. And once the working men learn to stick together.

[Gabby]

Say, that's an idea. I'm a pretty nifty talker.

[Governor]

Then it's your duty to talk to the men and get them to demand the rights. But it takes a leader.

[Gabby]

I'm that all right.

[Governor]

Yes, sir. This is a free country. But things are only ours when we take a stand and ask for them.

[Gabby]

Say, I'm sure glad I talked to you.

[Governor]

Of course, I wouldn't want our little conversation to, well, to be repeated.

[Gabby]

Sure, I understand. You can depend on me, Governor.

[Governor]

Have another cup of coffee?

[Gabby]

Don't mind if I do. Thanks, Governor. You know, it's great talking to a

[Governor]

man like you and I like talking to a man with courage and vision.

[Spike]

Ram.

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