Jerry of the Circus - Both in the Hospital

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Jerry of the Circus – Both in the Hospital"

Harold's Old Time Radio | May 14, 2026

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Overview

In this episode of Jerry of the Circus, listeners are transported to a nostalgic world of circus life and mystery, blending the camaraderie and everyday drama behind the scenes with a budding whodunit. Jerry and his companions process recent turmoil involving missing money, a mysterious pair of fugitives, and an unsettling incident with an elephant. The episode strikes a tone of warmth, curiosity, and morality, all set against the backdrop of the itinerant circus community.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

Life After the Show (02:08 – 03:16)

• Jerry and Bumps reflect on circus life at night:
  • Jerry marvels at the excitement and romance of the circus’s end-of-day rituals, noting, “I love watching the last parade at the end of the show,” (02:43).
  • Bumps highlights how circus folk are fundamentally different from “most people,” who’d rather be home asleep (02:57).

Worry Over Decker and Lorenz (03:25 – 04:11)

• The shadow of a suspected theft looms:
  • Jerry confides that he feels "kind of sad" after learning Decker might be a crook (03:33).
  • On Decker’s partnership with Lorenz, Bumps says: “It just seemed unnatural for two men like that to be friends” (03:59).
  • Jerry suspects Decker was “afraid of Lorenz” (04:09).
  • Bumps tries to reassure Jerry not to worry, but the tension is unresolved.

Encounter with Jason: Life of a Star Performer (04:22 – 05:12)

• Insight into the performers' routines:
  • Jason enters, joking about not being in the last parade because “you can’t imagine me walking along in the Grand Parade with my lions on a leash, can you?” (04:46).
  • They discuss the unseen hard work behind animal trainings.

Tending to Daisy and Understanding Wild Animals (05:18 – 06:18)

• Animal care and empathy:
  • Jerry asks to help tend to Daisy the lion; Jason is cautious, explaining caring for wild animals is dangerous, especially when they’re hurt (05:31).
  • Bumps draws a parallel to how animals and children respond to help, noting the instinctive fear of wild creatures (05:44).

News on the Runaways and Mr. Bennett (06:29 – 07:06)

• Update on Decker, Lorenz, and Mr. Bennett’s condition:
  • Jason shares law enforcement is on the lookout for the fugitives (06:32).
  • Jerry worries about Mr. Bennett’s health after the holdup, but Jason assures, “He’s as tough as they make him” (06:51).

Elephant Trouble: Incident with Gertie (07:13 – 09:04)

• A tense moment with the circus elephants:
  • Jerry and Jason witness Gertie, the elephant, pick up a man (07:23); Mr. Olsen immediately intervenes.
  • Zeke, the troublemaking driver, blames the elephant: “He tried to kill me. I’ll sue you for this” (07:44).
  • Mr. Olsen is furious with Zeke, threatening his job: “One word out of you, and I’ll have you fired so fast you won’t know what happened” (08:09).

The Peril of Teasing Elephants (09:13 – 10:01)

• Reflection on animal behavior and circus discipline:
  • Jason explains Zeke has been teasing Gertie for weeks, warning it’s “dangerous” (09:21).
  • Jerry is shocked by the cruelty, showing empathy for the animals.

Doing Good Deeds and Nightly Rituals (10:01 – 10:39)

• Jerry helps tend to Daisy:
  • Jason allows Jerry to help with Daisy, reinforcing relationships built on trust with animals.
  • Afterwards, Jason rewards Jerry with pie and ice cream (10:36).

The Role of Memory and Justice Among Elephants (10:57 – 11:19)

• A moral lesson:
  • Jason explains elephants don’t make mistakes about who harmed them and that, “if Gertie should ever get mad enough to kill a man, she’d probably have to be shot. That’s the rule” (11:04).

Dramatic Revelation in the Newspaper (12:28 – 13:20)

• Discovery of a wounded, unidentified man:
  • While eating, Jason reads aloud: “Suffering from numerous contusions and abrasions and possible internal injuries, an unidentified man was discovered lying in an unconscious condition in the right of way of the LR&S Railroad tracks…” (12:32).
  • Jerry and Jason make a chilling connection: could this be Decker, their suspect? (13:02)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Circus Life:
  “Most people, I guess, rather go home, get into a nice warm bed and go to sleep.” (Bumps, 02:57)

• On Mistrust and Suspicion:
  “Maybe he’s a crook.” (Jerry, 03:37)
  “I sometimes had the feeling Decker was afraid of Lorenz.” (Jerry, 04:09)

• On Animal Training Hardship:
  “Lots of my work never shows.” (Jason, 05:12)

• On Animal Empathy:
  “A wild animal’s first instinct is to strike out, Jerry. They don’t stop to think that you’ve been good to them.” (Bumps, 05:38)

• Comic Tension in Action:
  “He tried to kill me. He tried to kill me. I’ll sue you for this.” (Zeke, 07:44)

• Teaching Discipline:
  “If the men were as easy to handle as the animals, there’d be no trouble.” (Mr. Olsen, 08:27)

• On the Seriousness of Teasing Animals:
  “That’s the rule. So you see, Olsen wants to keep her from getting so worked up that she might do something like that.” (Jason, 11:04)

• The Cliffhanger:
  “Suffering from numerous contusions and abrasions and possible internal injuries, an unidentified man was discovered lying…by a crew of track workers.” (Jason reading, 12:32)
  “You don’t think it’s Decker?” (Jerry, 13:02)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• Circus Reflections & Emotional Weight: 02:08 – 04:11
• Performer Banter and Routines: 04:22 – 05:12
• Animal Care Insights: 05:18 – 06:18
• Update on Fugitives/Bennett: 06:29 – 07:06
• Elephant Incident: 07:13 – 09:04
• Zeke’s Treachery Explained: 09:13 – 10:01
• Tending to Daisy and Pie Reward: 10:01 – 10:39
• Elephant Mentality & Risk: 10:57 – 11:19
• Dramatic Newspaper Revelation: 12:28 – 13:20

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Episode Tone & Takeaway

Jerry of the Circus continues to blend wholesome camaraderie, educational moments about animal care, and slowly unfurling intrigue. The episode ends on a tense note as the characters wonder about the fate of Decker, ensuring listeners are eager for the next installment. The language is warm, accessible, and laced with natural banter true to the show’s era and subject matter.

Transcript

[Liberty Mutual Agent]

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[Comedy Show Host]

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[Comedy Show Host]

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[Liberty Mutual Agent]

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[Comedy Show Host]

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[Jason]

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

[Jerry]

Bumps.

[Bumps]

Well, Jerry.

[Jerry]

Gee, I thought the show would never end tonight. Down, Rags. Of course I thought it. Now. Yes, yes, you put on a swell show tonight. You're a smart dog.

[Bumps]

There's something bothering you, Jerry.

[Jerry]

No, I. I guess I just wanted to talk to you, that's all.

[Bumps]

Well, let's head toward the wagon, huh? I'll take my makeup off and we'll look out for those zebras I'm watching. Oh, they're treacherous little animals. You never know when they're gonna take a notion to kick out it somewhere. Come on, Jack.

[Jerry]

Okay. Come on, Rag. You know, I love watching the last parade at the end of the show.

[Bumps]

You mean the last walk around?

[Jerry]

Yeah, the acts are all over, but. But when you all go around the ring again and the applause starts all over again, the crowd starts to leave and we start breaking up the show, taking down the tents and. Oh, I love it.

[Bumps]

Well, we got to have those things in our blood, Jerry. Most people, I guess, rather go home, get into a nice warm bed and go to sleep.

[Jerry]

They just don't know what they miss. Bumps, I've been watching them load the animals and cart them off to the station. I just love to see all the dark shapes going through the lot at night with music still going on in the main tent.

[Bumps]

You're right. Well, here we are. Close the door, Jerry. All right, now, Jerry, what's on your mind?

[Jerry]

Nothing.

[Bumps]

Oh, now, you can't fool me. You're hanging around me for some reason.

[Jerry]

Well, I. I guess I'm just kind of sad.

[Bumps]

Sad?

[Jerry]

Yeah, you know, after finding out about Decker.

[Bumps]

Oh, yes, I know, Jerry.

[Jerry]

I liked him. And now maybe he's a crook.

[Bumps]

I was afraid that was what on your mind. Now, listen, in the first place, we haven't any proof. Well, that is certain proof that he stole that money. Though I admit it looks kind of bad.

[Jerry]

If he only hadn't run away or tried to put the blame on Jason. That's the Worst of it, I know, and Lorenz, too.

[Bumps]

I always thought there was something peculiar about that combination.

[Jerry]

What do you mean?

[Bumps]

Well, Lorenz is such a different type than Decker. It just seemed unnatural for two men like that to be friends.

[Jerry]

You know, Bumps, the more I think about it, the funnier it seems. I sometimes had the feeling Decker was afraid of Lorenz.

[Bumps]

He was under Lorenz's thumb, all right. Oh, but now, you mustn't keep worrying about it, Jerry. Well, looks as if we're gonna have company.

[Jason]

Hello. Who's there, Bumps? Jerry.

[Bumps]

Yeah, come on in, Jason.

[Jason]

Hello there. I saw the light and thought one of you might be in.

[Bumps]

How come you're around so late, Jason?

[Jerry]

Yeah, you don't have to do the last walk around. By the way, why aren't you ever in the last parade?

[Bumps]

He's one of the stars in this show, Jerry.

[Jerry]

Well, aren't you two?

[Jason]

You bet. Bumps is a star. But you see, Jerry, he runs all through the show. And I just have my one act and then I'm through.

[Bumps]

Jason's just being modest.

[Jason]

You can't imagine me walking along in the Grand Parade with my lions on a leash, can you?

[Jerry]

Golly, the audience would be in a panic, all right.

[Jason]

Besides, Bumps can always think of some new things to do on the spur of the moment to please the people and make them laugh. I only know my one routine of tricks or those I'm working on for the next season.

[Bumps]

To hear Jason talk, you'd think he didn't have much to do, wouldn't you, Jerry?

[Jerry]

Yeah, but he's not telling about all the hours and days and weeks of training he's taken to handle those animals.

[Jason]

Well, you're right there, Jerry. Lots of my work never shows. For instance, I'm heading for a job right now. Want to come along?

[Liberty Mutual Customer]

Sure.

[Jerry]

What is it?

[Jason]

Well, I've been waiting for them to get the lines loaded on the flat car so I could get over there and fix Daisy up again tonight.

[Jerry]

You bet I'd like to help fix her.

[Bumps]

Would you?

[Jerry]

Let me put the medicine on her this time.

[Jason]

Well, I don't know about that.

[Jerry]

I saw you do it this afternoon.

[Jason]

I know, Jerry, but you have to learn to handle well animals before you can do much with sick ones. Lions are pretty irresponsible when they're hurt.

[Bumps]

Well, a wild animal's first instinct is to strike out, Jerry. They don't stop to think that you've been good to them.

[Jerry]

That's because they're afraid, isn't it?

[Bumps]

That's it. Now, when you fix a child at hurt, well, the child knows you're trying to help it.

[Jerry]

So does Rag. No matter what's happened, he lets me fix him up. He doesn't even whimper if he can help it.

[Jason]

Someday we may get our wild animals to understand us that well, Jerry. But so far, we're just beginning to gain their confidence. Gets up, he'll work.

[Bumps]

Well, if you two are going to fix that line, you better get started. Remember, we pull out of this town at 2.

[Jerry]

Oh, we'll have lots of time.

[Bumps]

You think after the day you've had, Jerry, you'd want to go to bed?

[Jerry]

Well, I got to learn all I can about the circus while I'm still young, don't I? I'll never get anywhere if I don't.

[Jason]

Come on, Jerry. Don't let Bumps get you. You don't have to explain.

[Jerry]

Come on, Rags.

[Jason]

Goodbye, Bumps on the train. Don't worry, Bumps.

[Bumps]

All right.

[Jerry]

Have you heard any more about Lorenz and Decker, Jason?

[Jason]

Well, I've just been talking to Randall. He's gotten in touch with the local police, and they've sent out telegrams to every town that the train passes through.

[Jerry]

You think they got away on the train, then?

[Jason]

Well, it's the only train out of this town they could have gotten. If they're hanging around here anywhere, they'll certainly be picked up by the police in a hurry.

[Jerry]

And what about Mr. Bennett? Did Mr. Randall say whether he's going to get well enough to come with us tonight or not?

[Jason]

Don't you worry about Jim Bennett. He's as tough as they make him. He'd come along with us tonight if they had to bring him on the train with a stretcher.

[Jerry]

He's brave, all right. You know, he walked all the way to the doctor's with me right after the holdup. When we got there, the doctor thought he might have concussion or something, so

[Jason]

it probably wasn't quite that bad. Here, Jerry, this way. We can cut across the tracks here. Hey, what's going on?

[Jerry]

It's right over there by the plant. See where the elephants are helping to load those wagons. Come on, let's hurry.

[Jason]

Careful. Don't get too close, Jerry. Looks like one of the elephants is on a ramp.

[Jerry]

Jason, that elephant picked up a man.

[Jason]

Good night. Thank heaven. Olsen's there.

[Mr. Olsen]

Get back there, Gertie. Get back.

[Jerry]

Is he hurt?

[Jason]

No, just scared.

[Mr. Olsen]

Gertie. Quiet, now. Now, some of you men come here and watch this elephant. I want to find out just what this is all about. Who is this man? Oh, it's usually.

[Zeke]

He tried to kill me. He tried to kill me. I'll sue you for this.

[Mr. Olsen]

Come on, get up.

[Liberty Mutual Customer]

Let's see if you're hurt.

[Mr. Olsen]

Come on.

[Liberty Mutual Customer]

Now, listen here, Zeke.

[Mr. Olsen]

I told you before to stay away from that elephant. You and your crazy idea of playing jokes. But I'll be darned if I let you get my elephants into trouble.

[Jerry]

Why is he mad at that man? It was the elephant that caused all the trouble.

[Jason]

I'll tell you all about it later.

[Zeke]

Jerry, look at the law. And you're letting murderous elephants around. Honest folks, it ain't right.

[Mr. Olsen]

Now, look here, Zeke. If you want to stay with this outfit, you keep your nose clean. One word out of you, and I'll have you fired so fast you won't know what happened. And it serve him right, too.

[Liberty Mutual Customer]

Okay, man.

[Mr. Olsen]

Now go on, get back to work.

[Liberty Mutual Customer]

We pull out of here in an hour.

[Jason]

Well, hello, Olson. Looks like you've been having a little trouble.

[Liberty Mutual Customer]

Trouble, my eye. If the men were as easy to handle as the animals, there'd be no trouble.

[Jerry]

What happened, Mr. Olsen?

[Liberty Mutual Customer]

You get Jason to tell you. I got to go take Gertie out of here for the night.

[Jerry]

Aren't you going to let her work anymore?

[Liberty Mutual Customer]

Not tonight I'm not. She's too excited. And I don't take any risks with my man or my elephant.

[Jason]

I suppose this Zeke is the same driver you've complained of before.

[Liberty Mutual Customer]

There he is. And you bet I don't complain about him no more. He behaves himself or he leaves this circus.

[Jason]

What'd Zeke do this time?

[Liberty Mutual Customer]

I don't know. I don't care. But one thing I won't have is him making a killer out of Gertie. She's one of the best workers I've gotten, as gentle as a lamb. Well, I got to get her bedded down for the night. Come on, Gertie. Come on.

[Jerry]

Listen to that elfman talking to Mr. Olson.

[Jason]

She's certainly scolding away about something.

[Jerry]

I guess I'm kind of dumb, but I can't figure this all out.

[Jason]

Well, it was Zeke's.

[Jerry]

How do you know?

[Jason]

Well, you heard the other men talking about him.

[Jerry]

Yeah, they all seem to be on the elephant side.

[Jason]

They are. You see, Zeke has been teasing Gertie ever since he joined the circus.

[Jerry]

That's dangerous, isn't it?

[Jason]

I'll say it is. Come on down this way. Daisy's car is right below here.

[Jerry]

What kind of things does Zeke do?

[Jason]

He used to get just beyond Gertie's reach when she was chained and take a long stick and tease her.

[Jerry]

Gee, that's mean.

[Jason]

Yeah. And one day she got so excited she broke loose.

[Jerry]

Did she go after Zeke?

[Jason]

Olsen just happened to come by then, so she didn't have much chance to do anything.

[Jerry]

I don't think I'd like to be in Zeke's shoes.

[Jason]

I'm sure I wouldn't. Well, here's the car. Can you climb up here, Jerry?

[Jerry]

Sure thing. Your eggs. Up you go. Good boy.

[Jason]

Good. Good for you. And rags, too. That's dog certainly can jump. Jerry, want to help me push this panel back?

[Jerry]

Sure.

[Jason]

There we go. That's right, Daisy. Yeah, I just want to fix you up a little.

[Jerry]

Can I help you hold this stick

[Jason]

while I get this cotton wound around it? There now. Plenty of medicine.

[Jerry]

Certainly put a lot of that stuff on.

[Jason]

I want to be sure to get enough on the first time. Here we go. That's right, Daisy. There. I guess that fixes you for the night. Well, come on, Jerry. Help me here with this panel. There. Thanks, Jerry. Well, I guess we've done our good deed for the night. What do you think we'd better do next?

[Jerry]

Well, we got a lot of time before the train pulls out.

[Jason]

Maybe we'd better get to bed.

[Jerry]

Well, of course, if you say, Unless

[Jason]

you think you might like a little pie and some ice cream.

[Jerry]

Oh, boy. You mean it.

[Jason]

I take it you would like some, then?

[Jerry]

You bet I would. Gee, thanks.

[Jason]

Okay, Jerry, let's head for the station. There's a restaurant there and they'll be open.

[Jerry]

I'm hungry. Boy.

[Jason]

Well, why didn't you say so?

[Jerry]

Well, I. It's sure nice to be asked, though.

[Jason]

I like your company, Jerry.

[Jerry]

You know, Jason, I can't get over that elephant.

[Jason]

You mean Gertie?

[Jerry]

Yeah. Funny how they remember things. Don't they ever go after the wrong man?

[Jason]

Never. They don't make that mistake. You see, Jerry, one reason Olsen gets so upset is that if Gertie should ever get mad enough to kill a man, she'd probably have to be shot. No, that's the rule. So you see, Olsen wants to keep her from getting so worked up that she might do something like that.

[Jerry]

Golly, I'll say. Is this a restaurant, you mean?

[Jason]

Yeah. Come on, Rags, let's sit here at the counter. Boy.

[Zeke]

Hi, Jason.

[Jerry]

Hi, Kim.

[Jason]

Hi, Joe. Now, let's see. Waiter. Yes, sir? Have you got any pie? You thought we have almost any kind you want. Well, how about apple, Jerry?

[Jerry]

Yeah, that's swelling. Can I have some ice cream, too?

[Jason]

You bet you Can. Two apple pies a la mode and a cup of coffee. Coming right up. What do you got there, Jerry?

[Jerry]

That picture of my Uncle Dan. The one Patsy's dad sent us.

[Jason]

He's certainly a fine looking man, isn't he?

[Jerry]

Yeah, and that's not all. He's a wonderful man, too. He's real brave. Taps wild animals and shoots better than an Indian.

[Jason]

I've heard of him, Jerry. Well, the morning paper already? Here, boy, I'll have one of those papers. There you are. Thank you. Anybody else? Well, Jerry, here's our pie and ice cream.

[Jerry]

Sure looks good, huh?

[Jason]

You bet. Be careful of your uncle's picture, Jerry. You don't want to get it all sticky.

[Jerry]

Oh, yeah. I'll put it in my inside pocket here. That's where I usually keep it so it won't get musk. Boy, this is your good ice cream, boy.

[Jason]

I think I'll have a look at this paper and see what's happened in the outside world today.

[Jerry]

If there's anything exciting, tell me about it. I'm too busy to do anything but eat right now.

[Jason]

Jerry.

[Jerry]

What?

[Jason]

Well, look here. Oh, that's awful.

[Jerry]

What is it?

[Jason]

Listen to this. Suffering from numerous contusions and abrasions and possible internal injuries, an unidentified man was discovered lying in an unconscious condition in the right of way of the LR&S Railroad tracks late tonight by a crew of track workers. Authorities are said to believe he was either pushed or had fallen from the westbound 540 train. No identification was found on his person or in his pockets, except.

[Jerry]

What's the matter? Jason.

[Jason]

Except that he wore a full beard, which.

[Jerry]

Jason, you don't think. You don't think it's Decker?

[Jason]

I don't know what to think, but that's the train he and Lorenz took.

[Jerry]

Where have they got him now?

[Jason]

Let's see. Rushed to the emergency hospital at. Oh, golly, that's the town we play tomorrow.

[Jerry]

And we'll be there for three days.

[Jason]

Well, we'll certainly have to check on this. I'll bet Randall and the police will be interested in this bit of news.

[Jerry]

It.

[Liberty Mutual Agent]

And Doug, there's nowhere I wouldn't go to help someone customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual. Even if it means sitting front row at a comedy show.

[Comedy Show Host]

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

[Liberty Mutual Customer]

Oh, no.

[Liberty Mutual Agent]

We help people customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual. Together were married. Me to a human, him to a bird.

[Comedy Show Host]

Yeah, the bird looks out of your league.

[Liberty Mutual Agent]

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

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