Jerry of the Circus - Camera Plan

Summary

Podcast Summary: Jerry of the Circus – "Camera Plan"

Harold's Old Time Radio

Date: May 15, 2026
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: Jerry of the Circus – "Camera Plan"

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Episode Overview

This episode of "Jerry of the Circus" captures the magic, camaraderie, and daily challenges of circus life during the Golden Age of Radio. "Camera Plan" centers around Jerry and his ingenious strategy to solve a recent string of thefts plaguing Clara, one of the circus workers. The story weaves through a rainy circus night, the solidarity of the troupe, and the inventive efforts deployed to safeguard their community.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

Life Under the Big Top: Weather Woes and Teamwork

• Setting the Scene (02:09 - 03:54):
  • Jerry and his friends endure a muddy, rain-soaked circus night, highlighting the hurdles performers face when the weather turns.
  • The resourcefulness of the circus employees is on display, with rain capes and "stilts" (wooden clogs) used to navigate the mud.
  • Bumps carries his dog, Rags, to avoid the mud—demonstrating teamwork and care within the circus family.
  • Discussion around Mr. Randall’s dedication to showmanship and customer comfort, laying wooden planks for patrons post-show.
    • Quote:
      • "Mr. Randall thinks of everything, doesn't he?" – Jerry (04:46)

Crisis and Calm: Handling Emergencies

• Storm Scare and Crowd Control (05:21 - 06:02):
  • Lightning strikes the center pole of the main tent, frightening the audience.
  • The ringmaster quickly reassures the crowd and maintains order, emphasizing the professionalism integral to circus life.
    • Quote:
      • "The tent is securely held up by the other poles. And now, ladies and gentlemen, we will have the grand finale march. After which you may all leave in absolute safety." – Ringmaster/Bob (05:45)

The Mystery: Clara’s Missing Items

• Introducing the Problem (06:26 - 07:42):
  • In the sewing tent, Jerry approaches Clara, who's been dealing with thefts.
  • He proposes using a camera trap to catch the thief—demonstrating creativity and problem-solving.
    • Quote:
      • "I'm going to ask Jack Hastings, the publicity man, to fix up a camera by your workbench here so it'll take a picture of whoever's doing the stealing." – Jerry (07:06)

Interpersonal Friction: Major Mike's Grievances

• Conflict in the Costume Tent (08:02 - 09:34):
  • Major Mike, in a comic and petulant episode, argues with Clara about costume mishaps and perceived slights.
  • Light-hearted banter and running jokes about sewing accidents provide humor and a slice of circus culture.
    • Quotes:
      • "If she doesn't leave this circus at the end of the season, I will." – Major Mike (08:52)
      • "That's what you said last year." – Clara (08:59)

The Camera Trap: Planning and Execution

• The Detective Work Begins (09:39 - 13:21):

  • Jerry, Clara, and Jack Hastings set up the camera trap, discussing the logistics and past successes of such methods.
    • Jack notes the risk that the thief might take the camera after the flash, so they use an old camera to minimize loss.
    • Discussion about what’s been stolen—a mix of sentimental and childlike items, including a gold thimble, suggesting the thief may be a child or someone making doll clothes.
    • The technical setup involves six hidden bell pushers under the sawdust, each triggering the camera and a flashbulb.
    • Quotes:
      • "The police have used that method and found it quite successful. The only hitch is, when the flashbulb goes off, it gives the whole thing away." – Jack Hastings (10:07)
      • "I've got six small bell pushers hidden in sawdust. Even if a person knew where they were, they'd have a hard time not stepping on one of them." – Jack Hastings (12:24)
      • "And then we'll have a picture of the thief." – Jerry (12:38)

• Closing Out the Setup:

  • Jack completes the installation and chats warmly with Clara, with playful teasing about photographs and growing older.
    • Highlights the supportive and familial dynamic in the circus community.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Mr. Randall’s care for guests:
  "He does everything he can to make his customers comfortable." – Bob (04:48)

• On circus teamwork:
  "He's a real trooper. There you are, Rags." – Bob, about his canine partner (05:00)

• On detective ingenuity:
  "I'm pretty sure we can catch the thief that's been stealing your things." – Jerry (07:01)
  "Well, land sakes, that is clever." – Clara, reacting to Jerry’s camera trap proposal (07:31)

• On circus feuds:
  "I'll take no more kidding about it from you or anybody else! Now, Major, there's my coat. Are you going to have it ready for me before the show or aren't you?" – Major Mike (09:07)

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• 02:09 – Rainy circus night, dealing with mud and teamwork
• 03:19 – Bumps helps Rags, more on circus weather struggles
• 04:15 – Why the show goes on despite storms (Mr. Randall’s principle)
• 05:21 – Lightning strike and audience reassurance
• 06:26 – Jerry discusses thefts with Clara; camera trap idea introduced
• 08:02 – Major Mike’s comic conflict with Clara over costumes
• 09:39 – Jerry and Jack plan camera trap in Clara’s tent
• 12:24 – Details of the trap construction (multiple triggers)
• 13:00 – Jack and Clara exchange warm, teasing words

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Episode Tone and Style

The episode is earnest, good-natured, and full of period charm, reflecting the close-knit world of circus performers. The dialogue is friendly, with gentle humor and a touch of amateur sleuthing. The overall feel is one of optimism and community, even in the face of minor challenges like rain, theft, or interpersonal squabbles.

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Final Thoughts

"Camera Plan" is a wonderful example of the wholesome storytelling of vintage radio. It offers listeners a window into the inventive spirit of circus life—always a show to put on, always a problem to solve, and always a family to rely on. The resolve to catch the thief blends intrigue with camaraderie, leaving listeners eager for the next episode’s reveal.

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Transcript

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson]

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[Liberty Mutual Sidekick]

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

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson]

Oh, no. We help people customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual together. We're married. Me to a human, him to a bird.

[Liberty Mutual Sidekick]

Yeah, the bird looks out of your league.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson]

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

[Liberty Mutual Sidekick]

Liberty. Liberty. Liberty. Liberty.

[Bob]

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

[Jerry]

Well, Jerry, looks like this is going to be a wet night. Going to be. It is. Look at all that mud out in the backyard. This is the first time it's rained

[Liberty Mutual Sidekick]

since you've been with the circus, isn't it?

[Jerry]

Yeah, and I can't say that I like it much. It's too hard keeping clean. I had to keep wiping the mud off Rag's paws right up to the minute he went into the ring with prompts. It is kind of messy, but if you'll notice, Jerry, everyone looks pretty clean

[Liberty Mutual Sidekick]

when they go into the big top

[Jerry]

to do their act. Stilts and rain capes do the trick all right. I know what those rain capes are, but what are stilts? Fancy? Well, the stilts are what we call

[Liberty Mutual Sidekick]

these funny looking little shoes.

[Jerry]

Oh, I thought they were wooden shoes. They are really like the Japanese wear. We call them stilts because they keep

[Liberty Mutual Sidekick]

us up high and dry above the

[Jerry]

mud when we have to walk across the lot. Collie, that was closed too close. Afraid this is going to turn into a bad storm. Good thing the show's almost over. It sure is raining hard now. The backyard will be a lake if this keeps up.

[Bob]

Oh, say, what a night.

[Jerry]

Well, Rags, how is it you didn't get your paws all muddy this time? Did you wear stilts, too?

[Liberty Mutual Sidekick]

I guess Bumps was his stilts.

[Jerry]

How about a bump?

[Bob]

I carried my partner over from the wagon. He couldn't have walked across that mud. He'd have had to swim.

[Jerry]

Thanks, Bumps.

[Bob]

Oh, not at all. I'm just as interested in that dog as you are, Jerry. Well, he's my partner and I have to keep him looking nice, you know.

[Jerry]

Are you afraid, Patsy? Well, I guess I'm not afraid, but I certainly don't like that lightning. I think I'll run for it. I'm going to get my things packed and hurry over to the train.

[Bob]

Yeah, might just as well. This rain doesn't show any signs of letting up.

[Jerry]

I go See you on the train. Goodbye, Patsy. Rags, come here. You can't go out in all that mud. You stay right here. Now. You have to go on for the last walk around us bumps in a few minutes.

[Bob]

I guess you'd kind of like to follow Patsy and see if she gets over to her wagon safe.

[Jerry]

Oh, so that's it, huh?

[Bob]

It's a good thing we're pulling out of here tonight. That grounds will be pretty wet for a show tomorrow. I don't envy the men who load this circus tonight.

[Jerry]

Maybe it'll be raining the next town, too.

[Bob]

Well, that's a chance we take, Jerry.

[Jerry]

Why doesn't Mr. Randall cut the show short? Get loaded on the trains now before the storm gets worse.

[Bob]

Well, that's something that's never done, Jerry. The people in there paid the money to see the complete show, and that's what they'll get if they want to stay and watch it.

[Jerry]

They'll sure get caught in the rain when they get out. Wait until they see all that mud around the lot.

[Bob]

Oh, they'll see it all right, Jerry, but they won't get into it. That's another thing Mr. Randall always takes care of.

[Jerry]

What do you mean, Bob?

[Bob]

Well, ever since the rain started and it looked like a bad storm, the stakers have been laying boards from the main entrance to the cement sidewalk. Why, there'll be a regular wooden sidewalk for the folks to walk on when the show's over.

[Jerry]

Golly, Mr. Randall thinks of everything, doesn't he?

[Bob]

Yeah, pretty near. He does everything he can to make his customers comfortable.

[Liberty Mutual Sidekick]

Oh.

[Bob]

Oh, oh, there goes the finale. Come on, Rags, let's get your red Rubin on.

[Jerry]

Sure is anxious to work, isn't he, Bob?

[Bob]

You bet he is. He's a real trooper. There you are, Rags. Yeah. Now that's a boy. You wait right here in the pad room, Jerry. As soon as I come off, you can carry Rags and I'll gather up my props and we'll both make a run for our wagon.

[Jerry]

Okay, Bumps. Now, do a good show tonight, Rags. Look, bumps, the center pole. The lightning's bucket.

[Bob]

Yes, sir, right up at the top. It's hanging there all right. See? It's a good thing Patsy finished her act before this happened. Just look at that trapeze of hers hanging by one rope.

[Jerry]

Key bumps. The audience is getting scared.

[Bob]

Yeah, but don't you get frightened now. We'll get them calm. Come on. Come on. Stay right where you are, Jerry. Ladies and gentlemen. All right, everybody, quiet, please. Please resume your seat.

[Jerry]

There's no call for alarms.

[Bob]

The tent is securely held up by the other poles. And now, ladies and gentlemen, we will have the grand finale march. After which you may all leave in absolute safety. You see that, Jerry? That ring master sure knows his business.

[Jerry]

Collie, you sure got him quiet in a hurry.

[Bob]

Yeah, we'll have him laughing in a hurry, too. Come on, Rex.

[Jerry]

Ge Circus life is sure wonderful. Come on, Rags. Here's Claire's tent.

[Bob]

Your boy.

[Jerry]

Hello, Clara.

[Liberty Mutual Sidekick]

Well, Jerry.

[Jerry]

Hello.

[Liberty Mutual Sidekick]

And Rag. Just a minute, Jerry. There we are.

[Jerry]

Nice day, isn't it? Certainly better than you'd expect after last night in that other town.

[Liberty Mutual Sidekick]

My goodness, I'll say it is a mighty welcome guess. Nobody around a circus lot likes a rainstorm like we had.

[Jerry]

It sure makes a lot of extra work, doesn't it?

[Liberty Mutual Sidekick]

Mercy me, it sure does. I've been pressing costumes ever since breakfast. Seems like everybody got wet.

[Jerry]

Oh, say, Clara, I wanted to ask you something. I mean, I want to tell you about my plan.

[Liberty Mutual Sidekick]

What is it, Jerry?

[Jerry]

Well, I got an idea and I think it'll work. I'm pretty sure we can catch a thief that's been stealing your things.

[Liberty Mutual Sidekick]

Fine, Jerry, tell me about it.

[Jerry]

Well, I'm going to ask Jack Hastings, a publicity man, to fix up a camera by your workbench here so it'll take a picture of whoever's doing the stealing.

[Liberty Mutual Sidekick]

That's a good idea, Jerry, but I don't think it'll work.

[Jerry]

Why not?

[Liberty Mutual Sidekick]

Because the things have been disappearing at

[Jerry]

night and you can't take pictures in

[Liberty Mutual Sidekick]

the dark at night.

[Jerry]

Oh, sure you can. You just fix up a flashlight bulb with a camera and set a sort of trap with a string that'll set off the flashbulb with the camera.

[Liberty Mutual Sidekick]

Well, land sakes, that is clever. Then when we get the pictures, we'll know exactly who the guilty one is. Uh huh.

[Jerry]

We can take the picture to Mr. Randall and then he can catch whoever it is.

[Liberty Mutual Sidekick]

You're a real detective, Jerry. That's a very good idea, Clara.

[Jerry]

Look, here comes Major Mike.

[Bob]

Hmm.

[Liberty Mutual Sidekick]

Wonder what he wants.

[Jerry]

Well, I'm going now and see if I can get Jack Hastings to help me out with my idea. See you later. Goodbye. Come on, Rag.

[Liberty Mutual Sidekick]

Goodbye, Jeremy.

[Jerry]

Don't bark at the mail.

[Bob]

Right.

[Jerry]

Stop it. Go on about your business, dog. Go on, get.

[Liberty Mutual Sidekick]

Hello, Major Mike.

[Jerry]

Never mind getting friendly, Clara. Here's my satin coat. I want you to press it and I want it before the matinee.

[Liberty Mutual Sidekick]

Well, now, wait a minute, Major. I'm not so sure I can get it done for you by matinee time.

[Jerry]

Oh, it only takes a couple of minutes to press that coat, and you know it.

[Liberty Mutual Sidekick]

Yes, that's right. But there are others ahead of you. I have a lot of costumes to get ready before the matinee performance.

[Jerry]

My costume is just as important as anybody else's. Ever since I've been with this outfit, you've been picking on me. First you sewed up the armholes in my coat. Then last month you sewed up the buttonholes and caused me no end of embarrassment.

[Liberty Mutual Sidekick]

I've told you a hundred times I didn't do that. I don't go around thinking of ways to make people angry. You got me wrong, Major.

[Jerry]

Oh, no, I haven't got you wrong.

[Liberty Mutual Sidekick]

I'm not the only one who can sew on this lot. Why don't you ask your friend, the bearded lady if she knows who sewed up the buttonholes on your coat? She's not my friend.

[Jerry]

Don't you dare call her my friend. If she doesn't leave this circus at the end of the season, I will. I'll tell you, I'll never do another season with her.

[Liberty Mutual Sidekick]

That's what you said last year.

[Bob]

Well?

[Jerry]

Well, I mean it this time.

[Liberty Mutual Sidekick]

She kind of likes you, Major. I don't care if she does.

[Jerry]

I don't like her. I never did and never will. I'll take no more kidding about it from you or anybody else. Now, Major, there's my coat. Are you going to have it ready for me before the show or aren't you?

[Liberty Mutual Sidekick]

I'll try to get it finished, but I can't promise.

[Jerry]

Oh, you'll try, huh? You mean you'll try to make me miserable and keep slighting me just because I'm little? Well, I'll try and make you just as miserable. You'll pay for the way you've been treating me. You just watch and see. I'll be back for that coat before the midway opens, and it better be ready. Goodbye.

[Liberty Mutual Sidekick]

Goodbye, Major. Heavy Daze. He may be small, but he's sure got a big temper.

[Jerry]

All right, here we are, Jack.

[Jack Hastings]

Okay, Jerry, go ahead.

[Liberty Mutual Sidekick]

Well, Jerry, you back again? And Jack Hastings. Well, come in, come in.

[Jack Hastings]

Boy detective here has an idea he wants to work out.

[Jerry]

I told Clara all about it already.

[Liberty Mutual Sidekick]

You mean about putting a camera up here in my tent and taking a picture of the robber?

[Jack Hastings]

Yeah. What do you think of it, Clara?

[Liberty Mutual Sidekick]

I think it's a good idea. An excellent idea, I might say.

[Jerry]

And it'll work, too, won't it, Jack?

[Jack Hastings]

Yeah, it'll work, all right. The police have Used that method and found it quite successful. The only hitch is, when the flashbulb goes off, it gives the whole thing away. The ones who just had their pictures taken might look for the camera and take it with them.

[Liberty Mutual Sidekick]

That wouldn't be so good for the owner of the camera, would it?

[Jack Hastings]

No, it wouldn't. That's why I'm going to use this old one.

[Liberty Mutual Sidekick]

Then you're really going to set it up like Jerry suggested?

[Jack Hastings]

Sure we are. What can we lose?

[Jerry]

It'll catch the thief, all right. Then your troubles will be all over, Clara.

[Liberty Mutual Sidekick]

Well, I hope so.

[Jack Hastings]

I'm going to have to set it up now, if you don't mind, Clara.

[Liberty Mutual Sidekick]

Goodness me, I don't mind, as long as it doesn't go off and take my picture.

[Jerry]

It won't. Jack's just going to fix it now, but he won't connect the wires until the night.

[Jack Hastings]

Hand me that box there, John.

[Jerry]

Okay. Here you are.

[Jack Hastings]

All right. Jerry tells me that you've been having a lot of robberies lately, Clara. What seems to be the trouble?

[Liberty Mutual Sidekick]

I don't understand it, Jack. The things that are being stolen aren't of any real value to anybody else. Except my gold thimble. Just a lot of things that. Well, things a child would want. Or maybe a little girl that was going to make doll dresses.

[Jerry]

Tinsel and braid and things like that.

[Liberty Mutual Sidekick]

Yes.

[Jack Hastings]

Here, now, Jerry, pull this wire up there. That's it. How about setting the camera between these bolts of cloth, Clara? Won't be in your way there, will it?

[Liberty Mutual Sidekick]

Land sakes. No, I won't get at those today. I've got too much pressing and repairing to do.

[Jerry]

That ought to take a good picture, huh?

[Jack Hastings]

That's just about the right angle. From there, the camera will take in pretty near the whole tent. I'm sorry I have to do this now, Clara, but I've got to take a lot of pictures in the menagerie this afternoon and won't have time to do this later on.

[Liberty Mutual Sidekick]

That's perfectly all right. I don't mind. Now that I know, I won't set the blame thing off.

[Jerry]

What's the matter? Don't you like to have your picture taken?

[Liberty Mutual Sidekick]

Well, I don't take a very good picture, Jerry.

[Jack Hastings]

Oh, I don't know about that, Clara. I've taken some nice ones of you.

[Liberty Mutual Sidekick]

Yes, but that was a few years ago, and time does change a person, you know.

[Jack Hastings]

Flesh bulb, Jerry. That's it. I don't guess you've changed much, Clara. You're just as nice now as you were When I joined up with Mr. Randall.

[Liberty Mutual Sidekick]

Now, go on with your change, Jack. Hastings, you quit your joshing.

[Jack Hastings]

I'm not joshing, Clara. It's true.

[Jerry]

That's right. He told me on the way over here that you were one of the nicest persons with the circus.

[Liberty Mutual Sidekick]

Well, now, sakes alive, let's see now.

[Jack Hastings]

I think that's it, Jerry. It should work perfect.

[Jerry]

How's it fixed?

[Jack Hastings]

I've got six small bell pushers hidden in sawdust. Even if a person knew where they were, they'd have a hard time not stepping on one of them.

[Jerry]

Which one sets off the camera?

[Jack Hastings]

I've got them all hooked up to both the camera and the flash ball. Just the slightest step on any of them will set the flash and the camera off at the same time.

[Jerry]

And then we'll have a picture of the thief.

[Jack Hastings]

We hope so.

[Jerry]

Well, won't we?

[Jack Hastings]

I guess we will. If the thief comes around here tonight

[Liberty Mutual Sidekick]

and he doesn't run off with the camera.

[Jack Hastings]

That's right.

[Jerry]

I sure hope this works out okay. Thanks a lot, Jack.

[Jack Hastings]

That's all right, Jerry. Well, goodbye, Clara. Let's hope we have good luck tonight.

[Liberty Mutual Sidekick]

Goodbye, Jack.

[Jerry]

So long. See you later.

[Liberty Mutual Sidekick]

Jack's pretty nice to help you like this, Jerry.

[Jerry]

He sure is. Well, I gotta get back over to the horse tent now and help Whitey some more. Come on, Rags. Rags. Now, where are you, Rags?

[Liberty Mutual Sidekick]

Here, Jerry. Here he is on this pile of scraps of cloth.

[Jerry]

And sound asleep too. Rags. Come on, sleepyhead. We've gotta go. Goodbye, Clara.

[Liberty Mutual Sidekick]

Goodbye, Jerry.

[Jerry]

We'll let you know who the thief is tomorrow.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson]

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.

[Liberty Mutual Sidekick]

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

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson]

Oh, no. We help people customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual. Together, we're married. Me to a human, him to a bird.

[Liberty Mutual Sidekick]

Yeah, the bird looks out of your league.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson]

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

[Liberty Mutual Sidekick]

Liberty. Liberty. Liberty. Liberty.

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