Jerry of the Circus - Counterfeit Money Passed

Summary

Podcast Summary: Jerry of the Circus – "Counterfeit Money Passed"

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Date: May 22, 2026
Episode Theme:
A classic episode from the radio serial "Jerry of the Circus," focusing on the daily life, excitement, and hidden troubles of circus folk. In this installment, the circus deals with the aftereffects of counterfeit money being passed, and features daring feats by the strongman Belko, as well as the arrival of the local police with troubling news.

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Main Theme

The episode centers on a day at the circus, highlighting the camaraderie and routines of the performers—especially Belko's feats of strength—while also introducing the darker undertone of counterfeit money circulating among the circus' transactions. Jerry, along with Mr. Randall and other circus staff, must grapple with maintaining the show’s spectacle while discreetly managing this financial threat.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Morning at the Circus: Setting the Scene

• (02:07–02:47) Jerry arrives early, bantering with roustabout Sam and Mr. Randall. There’s a playful tone as they discuss circus tasks and Jerry’s eagerness to help.
• (02:47–03:44) The conversation turns to Kelly’s cat, adopted for a practical purpose—to encourage another circus animal, Maude, to recover from grief. Animals play an emotional role in the circus family.
  • Quote:
    • “You remember once my telling you that I always do things for the benefit of the circus as a whole?” – Mr. Randall (02:57)
    • “Maybe once you heard that poor kitten crying so loud, you kind of figured there was something else suffering more than she.” – Jerry (03:32)

2. Belko’s Feats of Strength

• (03:44–07:06) Belko, the strongman, arrives ready to show off by pulling the bandwagon with his teeth. Jerry and the others organize the demonstration, providing lively play-by-play.
  • Quote:
    • “You want to see the great Belko pull a truck? I do it easy like a Snappity fingers!” – Belko (03:50)
    • “Jiminy Crickets, this is—you're exciting now.” – Jerry (05:18)
    • “If you can do that twice a day, you can go on anytime.” – Mr. Randall (07:06)
• (06:31–07:46) Jerry suggests Belko pull a lighter wagon with lions inside as an extra draw for audiences—a suggestion Mr. Randall loves.
  • Quote:
    • “If he can drag that heavy bandwagon around, why couldn’t he haul a lighter wagon with some lions in it?” – Jerry (06:36)
    • “King of men he leads King of the jungle with his teeth alone!” – Belko (07:40)

3. Second Feat—The Trunk Lift

• (08:06–10:33) For his next act, Belko demonstrates another stunt: lifting a heavy trunk with his teeth and swinging from a rope above the ring as he's hoisted by the crew.
  • Quote:
    • “Most men, yeah, but not the great Belko.” – Belko, on whether the stunt would pull teeth out (08:31)
    • “Say, he's like a human bulldog, ain't he?” – Local policeman Shag (10:30)
  • Belko completes the feat to everyone’s amazement, further cementing his heroic status among the troupe.

4. Trouble Brews—Counterfeit Money

• (10:04–12:27) Shag from the Allendale police arrives with a note for Mr. Randall, urgently requesting a report about counterfeit money passed in Evansville—the circus’ last stop.
  • Quote:
    • “Said be sure you read it and get an answer right away.” – Shag (11:03)
    • “I thought we’d moved away from where they were passing that counterfeit.” – Mr. Randall (12:27)
• Mr. Randall worries about the spread of the phony currency and asks Jerry to fetch Jim Bennett for a quick meeting—revealing the serious operational threats circuses of the era sometimes faced.

5. Light Moments Amid Concern

• (11:37–12:21) Despite the seriousness, there’s humor and warmth as Mr. Randall gives Shag free tickets for his wife.

  • Quote:
    • “Suppose you bring her around tonight? I’ll have a couple of seats put aside for you.” – Mr. Randall (11:46)
    • “Well, it’s the best show in the world.” – Jerry (12:24)

• The friendship and morale of the circus folk shine through even as they face adversity, giving the episode both heart and suspense.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Belko’s Bravado:
  • “Belko, he has great strength. Nothing bothers Belko.” (07:12)
• Jerry’s Ingenuity:
  • “If he can drag that heavy bandwagon around, why couldn’t he haul a lighter wagon with some lions in it?” (06:36)
• Life Lessons from Mr. Randall:
  • “I always do things for the benefit of the circus as a whole.” (02:57)
• Comic Relief from Shag:
  • “Say, he’s like a human bulldog, ain’t he?” (10:30)

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Key Timestamps

• [02:07] – Jerry arrives and greets Sam and Mr. Randall
• [03:44] – Belko demonstrates his strength
• [06:36] – Jerry suggests the lion wagon stunt
• [08:06] – Belko’s trunk and rope act
• [10:04] – Shag, the policeman, brings news of counterfeit money
• [12:27] – Randall and Jerry discuss the counterfeit situation and next steps

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Tone and Atmosphere

The episode’s tone is lively, friendly, and nostalgic, blending awe-inspiring circus stunts and good-humored banter with the underlying tension of real-world problems like counterfeit currency. Mr. Randall paternalistically leads his troupe, Jerry’s enthusiasm is infectious, and even the local policeman brings a touch of small-town charm.

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Conclusion

This episode encapsulates the magic and teamwork of old-time circus life, peppered with heart and just the right dose of suspense. Listeners get a look under the big top at both show-business spectacle and the real-world challenges traveling performers faced, making for a rich slice of Americana from radio’s golden age.

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Transcript

[A]

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[B]

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

[C]

Hi, Sam.

[B]

Hello, Jerry. Don't tell me you're gonna help us roustabouts this morning.

[C]

Nope. Got more important things to do.

[D]

What?

[B]

Say, listen kids. You ain't a flipper there, Sam. Things. Oh, my boss. I'll be seeing you. I gotta get back to work.

[C]

I'll be helping you one of these nice mornings. You just wait and see. Oh, hello there, Mr. Randall.

[B]

You're out early, Gary.

[C]

Sure you didn't think I'd miss watching Belko pull a truck with his teeth? See? You think it can be done, Mr. Randall?

[B]

Yes, but it remains to be seen whether Belco can do it. After all, these circus lots are kind of rough.

[C]

Oh, I see what you mean. It'd be lots easier to pull something on wheels over a smooth asphalt road than over a dirt or sawdust track.

[B]

That's right.

[C]

Mr. Randall.

[B]

Yes, Jerry?

[C]

You know, I think it was awful swell of you last night to let Kelly keep that cat.

[B]

Oh, no, it wasn't, Jerry. It was pure selfishness.

[C]

How do you mean?

[B]

Well, you see, we needed the cat.

[C]

Yeah, but Mr. Randall.

[B]

Jerry, you remember once my telling you that I always do things for the benefit of the circus as a whole?

[C]

Yes.

[B]

That I never keep animals or people unless they really in some way add to the circus.

[C]

Yes, but.

[B]

Well, you see, in this case, this cat that Rags picked up yesterday in Evansville is really needed or I wouldn't have let Kelly bring it along.

[C]

You really think that sick cat will help that new get well?

[B]

It might. Stranger things than that have happened around the circus.

[C]

Really? You know, I kind of thought Kelly was kidding.

[B]

Well, it's the first time since her mate died that Maude has paid the slightest attention to anything.

[C]

Yeah, Kelly said she ate some of her supper last night, too.

[B]

You see, she is beginning to take an interest in something. Animals are funny things.

[C]

Maybe once you heard that poor kitten crying so loud, you kind of figured there was something else suffering more than she.

[B]

You may be Right at that, Jerry. But the important thing is that a very valuable animal may decide to live instead of grieving itself to death.

[D]

Mr. Randall. Oh, Mr. Randall. Any of you.

[B]

Here comes Belco now. Belco, over here.

[D]

Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah. I see you now. So, Mr. Randall, you want to see the great Belco pull a truck? I do it easy like a Snappity fingers. It's not.

[B]

All right, Belko, whenever you're ready, go ahead.

[D]

You got a good wagon or truck for me to pull?

[B]

Yeah, I had some of the men bring the bandwagon up to the back door.

[D]

Good, good.

[B]

See?

[D]

See? Look, look. This is the band I put in my teeth.

[C]

You don't mean you attach the wagon to the end of those straps?

[D]

Of course. How else would I do it?

[B]

Boy, that's something, all right. Come on, Belko, let's get started here.

[D]

You got some men to start the dragon rolling?

[B]

Sure. Any of these roustabouts here, they're almost through putting up the seats.

[C]

But I thought you'd Dr. It all by yourself.

[D]

Who doubts I do it?

[C]

But you just wanted some men to start the wagon.

[D]

Sure, sure, start.

[B]

You see, Jerry, the wagon must be in motion when he starts. His trick is to keep it moving all around the ring.

[C]

Oh, I see.

[B]

Hey, you. A couple of you men get on this bandwagon at the back door and hang around. I'll need you later. Sure, boss.

[D]

This is the wagon? Yeah.

[B]

Is it all right?

[D]

Sure, sure. Of course it is. Good. See, now, I strap this skill in front.

[B]

Yeah.

[D]

Now, turn this way. When I count three, your men push the wagon slow. Slow, but smooth. Then push it. How fast you want me to go around the track?

[B]

Yeah.

[D]

Then I Belco, do the right.

[B]

You hear that, man? Sure. Okay, boss.

[C]

Jiminy Crickets, this is. You're exciting now.

[D]

Ready? One. Whoa.

[B]

All right, men, push slow and easy. That's right, boys. Now, just a little faster. Good.

[C]

Little bit more.

[B]

Not too fast. That's right.

[C]

Now.

[B]

Now, that's about the speed of the parade. Okay, Belko, can you keep it going? Okay, boys, Lay off.

[C]

He's doing it. He's really pulling that wagon.

[B]

All right, Belko. Ride on around the track if you can do it.

[C]

Hey, do you really think he can take it all the way around?

[B]

Well, I hope so, Jerry. It'll be a grand trick if he can do it.

[C]

Boy, I'll say.

[B]

He doesn't seem to be losing any momentum. I mean, the wagon's still going the same speed.

[C]

Yeah. See, Maybe you can do some of those other stunts. He was bragging about.

[B]

Like playing basketball with the Major.

[C]

Nah, I mean swinging a trunk around and just holding it with a steve.

[B]

Well, we'll find out soon enough.

[C]

This morning?

[D]

Yep.

[B]

See that rope hanging down over the center ring?

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

Well, he claims he can hang onto that with one arm, hold the trunk with the strap attached to his teeth, and swing the thing around while we raise him to the top of the tent and down again.

[C]

Boy, it doesn't seem possible.

[B]

He.

[C]

Look, he's more than halfway around.

[B]

Yeah, he doesn't seem to slow down yet. Looks like he can do what he claims he can.

[C]

Say, I got a swell idea.

[B]

Well, let's have it, Jerry. We can always use a good one.

[C]

Well, now, lookit, if he can drag that heavy bandwagon around, well, why couldn't he haul a lighter wagon with some lions in it, huh?

[B]

Well, it's not a bad idea.

[C]

Yeah. Say, it's a natural.

[B]

Well, I believe you've hit on something, Jerry.

[C]

Oh, here he comes.

[B]

Nice work, Belko. That's right. Keep going till you get out the back door.

[C]

That's marvelous, Belko. Honest, I didn't think you could do it.

[B]

Okay, that's far enough.

[D]

I get this thing out of my mouth. You see what a strong guy I am, huh?

[B]

Well, Belko, I'm sold. If you can do that twice a day, you can go on anytime.

[D]

Of course, of course. Of course. I do it three times a day. Four times. Belko, he has great strength. Nothing bothers Belco.

[B]

Jerry here has made a suggestion. Belko Sounds pretty good to me. Now, let's see what you think of it.

[D]

Jude, what is it?

[B]

If I should give you one of the lighter wagons to drag around.

[D]

You not hear Belko complain about this wagon, did you?

[B]

Well, no, no, but wait until I finish. Suppose we use a lighter wagon and put a couple of lions in it. Think you could haul a couple of roaring lions along?

[D]

Good, good. I like that. King of men he leads King of the jungle with his teeth alone. So, Jerry, you're smart, huh?

[C]

All right. I just thought it'd be kind of exciting.

[B]

You want to try out the trunk turn now or wait? Maybe you're too tired.

[D]

Tired? To me. No, no, Velco. Just getting practice taking that wagon for a ride.

[B]

All right. I've had a trunk placed over there in the center ring. Sam, put a couple of men on that pulley in the midd ring. Okay, boss. You sure it's safe for the men to pull you up to the top of the tent?

[D]

Well, Belco, it Is easy. Like rolling off a log for years. I do it five times a day.

[B]

All right, you're the doctor. The rope has been tested, so there's no risk. There.

[D]

See? See, I used the same strut for this.

[C]

I think you'd pull your teeth right out of your head.

[D]

Most men, yeah, but not the great Belco.

[B]

Belco, You. You better lift that trunk first. It's a heavy one.

[D]

It is nothing.

[C]

Good night. He lifted that? Like I'd pick up a small suitcase.

[D]

Sure. Belco. Superman.

[B]

Yeah. Well, whenever you're ready. We're ready.

[D]

Good. Good. Now, first I stop this. Then I lift the trunk slowly off the ground. I circle slowly. Faster. And then faster. So trunk will go out in the air.

[B]

Yeah.

[D]

Then I grab the rope with one hand. Then you give a command. Have the man lift me to the top of the tent. Undone, not too far. Understand?

[B]

Yeah. Yeah. As soon as you grab the rope, I'll give the signal to the men to pull. Look, I'll. I'll pull it now, about this fast.

[D]

There. There. Just like that. I get ready now.

[B]

All right, men, stand by and raise that rope just this speed as soon as Velcro gets a good hold of it. You can count on me, boss. All right.

[C]

There he goes. The trunk's leaving the ground, all right. Yeah, Junior, it's flying right out in the air as he swings down.

[B]

Steady, boys. There. All right. As soon as he gets a good hold. Good. All right, pull it up slow. Slow. That's right. Steady.

[C]

Say, look, he's still twisting around in a circle. Seems like he's going faster and faster.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

Boy, look how red his face is getting. And his neck. Say, Mr. Randall. Well, it looks like those muscles will burn.

[B]

It's remarkable what the body can stand, isn't it, Jerry?

[E]

Mr. Randall. Here.

[B]

Yeah, just a minute. I'll be with you.

[E]

And I got to talk to you, Mr. Randall.

[B]

Well, not now. Now, wait till this man comes down here.

[E]

I'm from the Allendale police force.

[B]

Yeah, all right, all right. Just wait till this man is through.

[E]

Golly. Say, he's hanging on that trunk with his teeth.

[C]

Yeah. Isn't it wonderful?

[E]

Hey, I wish my old lady could see this. She'll never believe me if I tell her. Imagine hanging onto that thing with his jaws there.

[C]

He comes down now.

[E]

Say, he's like a human bulldog, ain't he?

[C]

Yeah. He did it, Mr. Randall, he did it.

[B]

Yes. It's one of the best stunts I've seen in a long time. Okay, Belco.

[E]

I'm sorry to interrupt you, Mr. Randall? But I got to see you right away.

[B]

All right, all right, Belko. That's great. We'll talk about this later. Drop by my office wagon after lunch.

[D]

The great Belko will come, all right.

[C]

He doesn't like himself much.

[B]

I'll tell you, Jerry, a man who can do things like that should be allowed to brag.

[C]

I'll say.

[E]

I sure wish my old lady could have seen that.

[B]

Well, now, what can I do for you, mister?

[E]

Shag's the name the chief sent me out with his note. Said be sure you read it and get an answer right away.

[B]

Oh, I see. Oh, that's bad.

[C]

Anything serious, Mr. Randall?

[B]

Well, I hope not, Jerry. Well, I'll have to see Jim Bennett about this.

[E]

The chief said to be sure you sent word back to him.

[B]

Oh, yes, of course. Well, I'll tell you, Shag. Tell him if he'll send a man around here this afternoon, I'll have a report ready for him right now. I have him the information.

[E]

Sure. Sure thing. I'll tell him. Say, you got pretty good show here.

[C]

Best show on earth.

[B]

Well, at least we think so.

[E]

I sure like for my old la. To see what I just seen. Sure enough. If I tell her, she'd say it was a whopper.

[B]

Well, I guess we can't have that, can we? Suppose you bring her around tonight? I'll. I'll have a couple of seats put aside for you.

[E]

You will? Well, say, that's great. You can just bet me and the old lady will be there.

[D]

Good.

[B]

Well, I hope you enjoy the show.

[E]

You bet we will. Well, okay, Mr. Randall, I'll give the chief your message, and I'm sure he'll send a man out this afternoon.

[B]

All right.

[E]

Goodbye.

[B]

Goodbye. Well, that's that.

[C]

Say, I hope it's nothing bad.

[B]

So do I.

[C]

That policeman was kind of hinting for those passes.

[B]

Yeah. Funny how folks rather get things free.

[C]

He sure was pleased, though.

[B]

Well, I hope he and the old lady enjoy the show.

[C]

I guess there's not much danger there.

[B]

You're a mighty good booster, Jerry.

[C]

Well, it's the best show in the world.

[E]

Who wouldn't be?

[B]

You know, Jerry, between you and me, I think you're right. Now, I've got to see Jim Bennett. And I thought we'd moved away from where they were passing that counterfeit.

[C]

What, more phony money?

[B]

Not so loud. I don't want this thing to get around. As long as you heard about Fordham, you may as well know that yesterday a lot of counterfeit was passed in Evansville.

[C]

Good night.

[B]

Yeah. So Jim will have to check through with a bank and see how we came out.

[C]

Well, see, that's tough.

[B]

I'll say it is. Whoever's doing this thing is certainly going hog wild with it. I can see we'll have to watch that ticket wagon pretty close from now on.

[C]

I should think so. But we're almost 60 miles away from Evansville now.

[B]

Yes, but Evansville? We were 92 miles from Fordham and, well, there you are.

[C]

Say, they must be spreading this phony money all over the country.

[B]

Well, I'm going to see Bennett. Jerry, run over to the ticket wagon and tell Bennett to be in my office wagon in 10 minutes.

[C]

You bet, Mr. Randall.

[B]

Sam. Ram. Sam. Foreign.

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