Jerry of the Circus - Circus Payroll Stolen

Summary

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Podcast Summary:

Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: Jerry of the Circus - Circus Payroll Stolen
Date: May 14, 2026
Host: Harolds Old Time Radio

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Episode Overview

In this episode of "Jerry of the Circus," the tranquility of circus life is shattered when the circus payroll is stolen under mysterious circumstances. The episode follows Jerry, a young circus worker, as he navigates his various jobs and unwittingly stumbles into the heart of a robbery that threatens both the financial security and trust within the circus family. Through lively dialogue and suspenseful moments, listeners are drawn into a classic whodunit, packed with suspects, red herrings, and the camaraderie of circus life during the Golden Age of Radio.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. Life Around the Circus ([02:10]–[05:06])

• Jerry's New Job: Jerry enjoys his new position as water boy for the horses and looks forward to different opportunities within the circus.
• Missing Alfalfa: Whitey, another worker, is upset because bales of alfalfa have been disappearing. Jerry is intrigued by the mystery:
  • Jerry (02:46): "I don't see how anybody could carry a bale of alfalfa away without being noticed, do you? And he says it's happened a lot lately, too."
• Circus Camaraderie: Jerry expresses his fondness for his colleagues, including Bumps, Mr. Randall, Decker (noted for his mysterious beard), and others.

2. Payroll Anticipation ([04:13]–[05:06])

• Jerry's Promotion: Bumps informs Jerry that his dog, Rags, will be featured in the act, and Jerry will be paid:
  • Jerry (04:04): "Really, Bumps? Pay me for letting Rags work with you?"
• Introduction to Jim Bennett: Jerry learns that Jim Bennett is the circus paymaster and should check in with him to ensure his name is on the payroll.

3. The Robbery ([05:20]–[07:18])

• Jim Bennett Returns: Jim returns to the circus with the payroll as usual, observed by Bumps and Spike.
• The Crime:
  • The action shifts to the office wagon: Jim Bennett is attacked and tied up by two conspirators, Jason and Mr. Randall, who orchestrate the theft and attempt to frame another.
  • Jason (06:30): "Here, get that money in your pockets. Here, I'll take those 50s. Now, the gun. I'll throw it here on the floor, see? First I wipe off the fingerprints."
• The Frame-Up: The thieves leave a gun at the scene, wiped of fingerprints to mislead the investigation, and decide to lay low and blend in with circus life for the time being.

4. Discovery of the Crime ([07:18]–[09:43])

• Jerry Tries to Check In: Jerry looks for Jim Bennett, but he isn’t there; the office wagon is locked ([08:00]).
• Concerns Grow: Mr. Randall notes it's unusual for Jim to leave his office on payday.
• Finding Jim: Jerry, Mr. Randall, and Bumps find Jim Bennett tied up and injured with a bump on his head ([09:26]).
  • Jerry (09:28): "Golly, look at that bump on his head."
• Missing Money: Mr. Randall discovers the payroll bag is empty.

5. The Investigation ([09:43]–[12:45])

• Evidence at the Scene:
  • Jerry finds a gun on the floor, which Mr. Randall identifies as likely belonging to Jason ([10:34]–[10:44]).
    • Jim Bennett (10:59): "Jason lost one of his guns. Remember, you told me about it yourself."
  • Suspicion arises, but both Jim and Jerry are reluctant to believe Jason is the culprit.
    • Jerry (11:18): "Oh, but, Mr. Randall, Jason wouldn't do anything crooked."
    • Mr. Randall (11:18): "When you've lived as many years as I have, Jerry, you won't judge people by appearances."
  • The gun handle is found to be broken, but the missing piece can’t be found at the scene ([11:29]).
• Next Steps: Mr. Randall sends Jim to the doctor, planning to inform the circus staff about the theft. Jim and Jerry discuss their doubts about Jason's guilt ([12:13]):
  • Jim Bennett (12:41): "Well, we'll hope he can clear himself."
  • Jerry (12:43): "And if he can't?"
  • Jim Bennett (12:45): "If he can't, I'd say Jason was in pretty hot water."

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Jerry puzzles about Decker's beard and circus eccentricities:
  • Jerry (03:43): "And instead of putting on a false beard every day, he just decided to grow his own."
• Suspenseful exchange during the crime:
  • Jason (06:25): "So he won't recognize us if he comes to. I'm a fool."
  • Mr. Randall (06:30): "You certainly think of everything."
• Suspicion and doubt:
  • Mr. Randall (11:14): "It's also possible that Jason reported his gun missing to divert suspicion."
• Friendships and fairness:
  • Jim Bennett (12:29): "[Randall has] got a gift of putting his finger on the right guy."

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Structure & Tone

The episode maintains a classic radio drama tone: lively, suspenseful, and marked by the warm camaraderie of circus life mixed with a looming sense of suspicion and intrigue. Each character speaks in a straightforward, kindly, or earnest fashion typical of vintage radio. Jerry's youthful curiosity and sense of justice shine, while the older characters exhibit caution and wisdom earned from years in the circus.

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Important Timestamps

• [02:10] – Jerry discusses his tasks and missing alfalfa with Bumps
• [04:04] – Jerry learns he’ll get paid for his dog’s performing role
• [05:20] – Jim Bennett returns with the payroll
• [06:11] – The robbery takes place in the office wagon
• [07:18] – Jerry searches for Jim Bennett
• [09:26] – Jerry and Mr. Randall find Jim tied up
• [10:28] – The theft and evidence are discovered
• [11:18] – Doubts about Jason’s involvement voiced
• [12:45] – If Jason cannot clear himself, he’s in “hot water”

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Conclusion

This episode of "Jerry of the Circus" expertly weaves daily circus life with a gripping crime, centering on trust, suspicion, and the lengths some may go for personal gain. As the mystery deepens, listeners are left eager for answers: Who truly stole the payroll, and can innocent parties clear their names? The golden-age storytelling and ensemble cast make this a standout entry in the series for fans of classic radio drama.

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Transcript

[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 Companion]

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

[Mr. Randall]

Oh, no.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson]

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 Companion]

Yeah, the bird looks out of your league.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson]

Anyways, get a'@libertymutual.com or with your local agent.

[Liberty Mutual Companion]

Liberty.

[Bumps]

Liberty.

[Liberty Mutual Companion]

Liberty. Liberty.

[Mr. Randall]

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

[Bumps]

Sure you're warm enough, Jerry?

[Jerry]

Sure I am. It's nice and warm here in the sun.

[Bumps]

Jerry, how do you like your new job watering horses?

[Jerry]

Oh, all right.

[Bumps]

Well, you know, there's lots of opportunities around the circus. If you just keep your eyes and ears open, you may work yourself into a really good job.

[Jerry]

Uh huh. Oh, say, bumps.

[Bumps]

Yeah?

[Jerry]

Do you often have thieves, robbers around

[Jason]

a circus or what?

[Jerry]

Well, it's a funny thing. When I went into the horse tent this morning, Whitey was awful upset.

[Bumps]

What about?

[Jerry]

Well, for the past few days he's been missing a bale or two of alfalfa every time he goes to feed the Arabians.

[Spike]

Hmm.

[Bumps]

Well, that's strange.

[Jerry]

I don't see how anybody could carry a bale of alfalfa away without being noticed, do you? And he says it's happened a lot lately, too.

[Bumps]

Well, sounds like a good mystery.

[Jerry]

I think I'll try and find out what it's all about.

[Bumps]

Good for you. It's certainly worth keeping your eyes open anyhow, Jerry. Now, Whitey, you'd sure be grateful.

[Jerry]

I like him a lot.

[Bumps]

Yeah, Whitey's all right.

[Jerry]

You know, there's an awful lot of nice people in this circus. Jason and Patsy and of course, you and Mr. Randall. You know, I like Decker, too. I think he's swell, beard and all.

[Bumps]

Yeah, he seems like a nice fella.

[Jerry]

I wonder why he wears that beard.

[Bumps]

Oh, probably thinks it'll help the act.

[Jerry]

What do you mean?

[Bumps]

Well, when he's standing there waiting for Lorenz to throw all those knives at him, he may think he just looks more mysterious or dignified or something.

[Jerry]

Or if he gets scared, maybe he thinks the beard will cover his face so it won't show.

[Bumps]

Well, you may be right, Jerry.

[Jerry]

And instead of putting on a false beard every day, he just decided to grow his own.

[Bumps]

Exactly.

[Jerry]

You know what? I think it makes him look a whole lot older than he really is.

[Bumps]

Well, I wouldn't be surprised he's nice to Rags, too. Oh, that's probably the real reason you like him.

[Jerry]

And Rags like Sam, too.

[Bumps]

Oh, say, speaking of rags, I forgot to tell you. I talked with Mr. Randall about your dog working in my act. And just like I told you, he promised to pay you.

[Jerry]

Really, Bumps? Pay me for letting Rags work with you?

[Bumps]

And then, of course, there's your salary as a water boy, too. You're getting to be a regular businessman.

[Jerry]

Golly, isn't that swell?

[Bumps]

I guess you better see Jim Bennett the first chance you get. And be sure your name's on the payroll.

[Jerry]

Who's Jim Bennett?

[Bumps]

He's paymaster and bookkeeper of the circus. You'll find him in the office wagon.

[Jerry]

Oh, I know. He's a man I talked to when I was trying to find Mr. Randall that first day to give him Dad's note.

[Jim Bennett]

Let's see.

[Bumps]

Why, today's payday. He should be coming back from town with the payroll money pretty soon now. As soon as your shirt's dry, you better take a run over there and be sure your name's on the books.

[Jerry]

You bet I will. She getting paid for letting your dog learn tricks? That's something.

[Spike]

All right, boys, let's tighten this one now. Got a little sag up there.

[Jim Bennett]

Well, here comes Jim.

[Bumps]

Must be about noon.

[Spike]

Yeah, he's regular as clockwork with that payroll.

[Bumps]

Yeah, he better be.

[Spike]

Hi, Jim. Looks like payday is with us again.

[Jim Bennett]

Hi, boys. Yep, you're right. After lunch. Guess you won't need a formal invitation. Yeah.

[Bumps]

An empty pocket.

[Jim Bennett]

Hmm. Funny. It's unlocked. You in there, Mr. Randall? Oh, I see.

[Jason]

So it worked just like I planned. If you didn't see who hit you on the head, huh? Bennett, you sleep now. And the birdies are singing. Bolt that door from the inside. Okay, Decker. Is the coast clear?

[Mr. Randall]

No one saw us, or Bennett either. Not a soul around except those stickers. Tighten up those ropes.

[Jason]

What?

[Mr. Randall]

They're on the other side of the tip. They didn't see a thing.

[Jason]

Good. You see? It was easy. Quick now, tie him up. And hurry before he comes to help me with this blindfold.

[Jim Bennett]

Why?

[Jason]

So he won't recognize us if he comes to think I'm a fool.

[Mr. Randall]

You certainly think of everything.

[Jason]

Here, get that money in your pockets. Here, I'll take those 50s. Now, the gun. I'll throw it here on the floor, see? First I wipe off the fingerprints.

[Mr. Randall]

Have we got to plant this one, Jason?

[Jason]

Of course. But do I care who takes the blame? As long as we don't, we'll Just go on as if nothing has happened. Stay with the show for a while. Then when we are sure no one suspects us, we can quit.

[Mr. Randall]

But why can't we quit now and

[Jason]

have them know we've run away? Why, they'd have the police out after us and every train watched.

[Mr. Randall]

Lorenz.

[Jason]

Quiet, fool.

[Jerry]

Mr. Bennett.

[Mr. Randall]

Mr. Bennett, it's Jerry.

[Jerry]

Quiet.

[Jason]

He'll go away.

[Jerry]

Mr. Bennett. Well, Rags, guess he isn't here yet. Want to take a walk? Okay.

[Jim Bennett]

Come on.

[Spike]

Hello, Jerry.

[Jerry]

Hello, Spike.

[Spike]

Where you going?

[Jerry]

Just walking around, waiting for Mr. Bennett.

[Spike]

He's in the office wagon.

[Jim Bennett]

Oh, but I.

[Spike]

Sure, he was headed there a few minutes ago. I saw him.

[Jerry]

Oh, well, thanks.

[Spike]

Okay, son. Bye.

[Jerry]

Gee, that's funny. Come on, Rags. We'd better see Bumps.

[Mr. Randall]

You're right.

[Jerry]

Here he comes now. And talking to Mr. Randall, too.

[Jim Bennett]

Hello there, Jerry.

[Bumps]

Well, you through so soon?

[Jerry]

No. Hello, Mr. Randall.

[Mr. Randall]

Hello, Jerry.

[Bumps]

I just sent Jerry over to see Jim Bennett to check about getting his name on the payroll.

[Mr. Randall]

Oh, good. You got it straightened out, Jerry.

[Jerry]

No, he wasn't there.

[Spike]

Huh?

[Mr. Randall]

He wasn't in the office wagon.

[Jerry]

Uh, I knocked a couple of times.

[Bumps]

Well, that's funny, Sam. He's usually there paydays at this time.

[Jerry]

One of the stakers said he was headed for the office wagon just a little while ago, but he didn't answer when I knocked and the door was locked.

[Mr. Randall]

That's funny.

[Bumps]

Well, maybe he just stepped out for a minute, Sam.

[Mr. Randall]

He's never done that before. Usually stays right in his wagon till everybody's paid off. I can't understand him going off and leaving that money in the wagon.

[Jerry]

I even called his name a couple of times, Mr. Randall.

[Mr. Randall]

I better go over there and see what it's all about. Want to come along, Jerry?

[Jerry]

Sure. Come, Bumps.

[Jim Bennett]

No, no.

[Bumps]

I gotta check with Joe about a prop he's fixing for me.

[Mr. Randall]

See you later, Bumps.

[Bumps]

All right.

[Jim Bennett]

Bye, Sam.

[Mr. Randall]

Well, Jerry, Bumps tells me you and Whitey are getting along fine.

[Jerry]

We sure are, Mr. Randall.

[Mr. Randall]

It's fine, son. And you're getting along all right with the work, too?

[Jerry]

Oh, sure, I like horses.

[Mr. Randall]

You think you might turn into a trick rider someday?

[Jerry]

Well, I don't know. I don't know whether I'd like to be a wild animal trainer or an aerialist or a trick rider or. Gee, I'd even like to be a clown like Bumps.

[Mr. Randall]

You do like the circus, don't you, Jerry?

[Jerry]

Golly, I sure do, Mr. Randall.

[Mr. Randall]

Well, here we are. Let's see if Bennett's here. Now, that's funny. The door Isn't locked. Jim.

[Jerry]

Jim, he sort of. He's heard g. Rags. Get away from here. Come here.

[Jim Bennett]

Quick.

[Mr. Randall]

Quick. Jerry, help me untie him. Here.

[Jerry]

Golly, look at that bump on his head.

[Mr. Randall]

Get some water in that cooler over there, Jerry.

[Jerry]

Yes, sir.

[Mr. Randall]

Jim. Jim, old boy, this looks bad. Wait a minute. The pay money gone. Here's the bag he carries it in. Empty.

[Jerry]

Hey, here's some water, Mr. Randall.

[Mr. Randall]

Good. Let's put some on his head. Here.

[Jerry]

That's good.

[Mr. Randall]

It's coming around now. Jim. Jim, it's Randall.

[Jim Bennett]

Oh, my head.

[Mr. Randall]

Here, Jim, drink this water. Take it easy. That's it. You'll be all right in a minute now.

[Jim Bennett]

Gee. Gee, boss. No, wait a minute. Golly, what a blow.

[Mr. Randall]

What happened?

[Jim Bennett]

I came up the stairs. I noticed the latch was off the door, so I figured you were in there. I opened the door then.

[Mr. Randall]

Oh, take it easy, Jim.

[Jim Bennett]

Where's the payroll?

[Mr. Randall]

It's gone, Every bit of it. All but the bag.

[Jim Bennett]

No. Oh, What a break.

[Jerry]

Mr. Randall. Here's a gun on the floor.

[Mr. Randall]

Don't touch it, Jerry.

[Jerry]

Why not?

[Mr. Randall]

It might have fingerprints on it. Here, I'll use my handkerchief. Jim, it looks like Jason's missing gun.

[Jim Bennett]

What?

[Jerry]

Jason's gun?

[Mr. Randall]

Yeah, looks like it.45 caliber automatic. Number 873961. That might be the number. It sounds familiar.

[Jerry]

You don't think Jason did this, do you, Mr. Randall?

[Jim Bennett]

That's right, Mr. Randall. Jason lost one of his guns. Remember, you told me about it yourself.

[Mr. Randall]

I know.

[Jim Bennett]

Well, probably the guy who took it planned this on purpose to throw suspicion away from him.

[Mr. Randall]

It's also possible that Jason reported his gun missing to divert suspicion.

[Jerry]

Oh, but, Mr. Randall, Jason wouldn't do anything crooked.

[Mr. Randall]

When you've lived as many years as I have, Jerry, you won't judge people by appearances. A man may seem like a straight shooter, and yet underneath.

[Jim Bennett]

Look here, boss. Part of this gun handle is broken off.

[Bumps]

Oh, yeah?

[Mr. Randall]

Probably broke off when the gun hit the floor. Maybe the piece is lying around here somewhere.

[Jerry]

Golly, a pretty big piece broke off, huh? I don't see it around any place.

[Mr. Randall]

You better get to a doctor and have him look you over. Jim, I'm going to have my hands full with this business.

[Jim Bennett]

What about the payroll, boss?

[Mr. Randall]

I'll have to tell the folks at lunch. I guess they're all in the mess tent now. Well, I'll see you later, Jim. Think you can manage to get to the doctor?

[Jim Bennett]

Oh, sure. I'm okay.

[Mr. Randall]

Do you want Jerry to go along?

[Jim Bennett]

No, I'll be fine.

[Jerry]

I'd like to go with you, Mr. Bennett, please.

[Jim Bennett]

Okay, if you feel that way.

[Mr. Randall]

Oh, Jim, be sure to drop in my office when you get back. I'll. I'll have to talk with Jason and.

[Jim Bennett]

Okay, I'll be there. So long, boss.

[Mr. Randall]

Goodbye.

[Jerry]

Come on, Wags.

[Jim Bennett]

Well, young fella, some funny things can happen around a circus lot, can't they?

[Jerry]

Golly, I'll say so, but.

[Jim Bennett]

Well, what is it, son?

[Jerry]

You don't think it was Jason, do you?

[Jim Bennett]

No, to tell you the truth, I don't.

[Jerry]

But. But Mr. Randall said I cleared up

[Jim Bennett]

with all sorts of strange things since I joined this outfit. But one thing I'll say for him, he's pretty fair.

[Jerry]

Well, I'm sure he is, but he's

[Jim Bennett]

got a gift of putting his finger on the right guy.

[Jerry]

I'm just sure Jason didn't do it.

[Jim Bennett]

Well, we'll hope he can clear himself.

[Jerry]

And if he can't?

[Jim Bennett]

If he can't, I'd say Jason was in pretty hot water.

[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 Companion]

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

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson]

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

[Liberty Mutual Companion]

Yeah, the bird looks out of your league.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson]

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

[Liberty Mutual Companion]

Liberty. Liberty. Liberty. Liberty.

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