Jerry of the Circus - Fire Put Out

Summary

Episode Summary: "Jerry of the Circus – Fire Put Out"

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Date: May 22, 2026
Episode Focus: Golden Age radio drama following the adventures of Jerry and his circus friends as they navigate danger, camaraderie, and resourcefulness after a fire on the circus train.

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Main Theme & Purpose

This episode, “Fire Put Out”, centers around an urgent crisis on a circus train: with a dangerous break failure and an onboard fire, young Jerry and the seasoned circus crew must work together to avert disaster and salvage what they can for the circus show the next day. It's a classic testament to teamwork, perseverance in adversity, and the close-knit bonds of the circus community.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Beats

1. The Braking Crisis (02:08 – 04:11)

• [02:08] The episode opens with Jerry and Sandy facing a runaway situation on the circus train—brakes on the main engine have failed.
• Sandy (Narrator): “We got to get up here on top of the cars. Now, quick, Jerry. We got no time to lose.”
• Key Moment ([03:14]): “You're doing swell. Only three more and we haven't hit the curve yet.” – Jerry encourages Sandy during the tense moment of tightening brakes.
• [04:04] Memorable Quote:
  • “Dad told me once that when you need extra strength in an emergency, you always get it. If you go right ahead and do what you have to and forget that you can't do it.” – Jerry ([04:04])
• Outcome: Just in time, with all hands and teamwork, disaster is averted—the cars slow down and the circus animals and people are safe.

2. Fire Aftermath and Inventory (05:03 – 06:15)

• [05:03] The crew checks for fire damage; most is under control but props, costumes, and some train cars are lost or heavily damaged.
• [05:21] Memorable Quote:
  • “Clara's having a whale of a time trying to get some order over there.” – Circus Manager
• Clara, the wardrobe caretaker, is overseeing the salvage and repair operations, marshalling help from the women and volunteers.

3. The Spirit of Recovery (06:15 – 09:07)

• [06:15] Slats, the clown, injects some levity as he jokes about re-wiring the cars for light and banters with Clara about sewing and circus life.
• [08:04] Memorable Quote:
  • “It's no disgrace to be able to sew. I'm a pretty good dressmaker myself, if I do say so. And I'm going to help Clara.” – Slats
• The group organizes to repair costumes and props overnight, embodying the “show must go on” spirit.

4. Camaraderie in the Wardrobe Car (09:07 – 12:12)

• [09:07] The teams of men and women begin repairing costumes; even the Circus Manager pitches in, humorously claiming he can “swing a mean needle.”
• [11:02] Notable Moment:
  • Whitey is found asleep on the costumes, drawing laughs and gentle ribbing, highlighting the exhaustion and the familial tease among crew.
• [12:00] Slats discovers his grandfather’s vest—a cherished prop—is nearly destroyed, underscoring personal losses in the fire and devotion to the circus tradition.
• [12:09] Memorable Quote:
  • “I'll go with you in the morning, Slats. We'll find you a vest with colors so loud that the audience won't see any of the other clowns in the ring.” – Jerry ([12:12])

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Notable Quotes & Moments

• “If the brakes weren't holding, we'd be gathering momentum.”
  – Jerry, on the breathless urgency of their risky effort ([03:04])
• “I need the strength of Samson on this job.”
  – Sandy, reinforcing the gravity and physical toll involved ([03:10])
• “You give up? An old circus man like you? Don't make me laugh.”
  – Circus Manager, challenging Sandy's humility ([04:55])
• “It's much more fun clowning outside working hours because folks aren't looking for it.”
  – Slats, on bringing humor into everyday struggles ([06:07])
• “Why is it boys think it's something to be ashamed of to be able to sew?”
  – Clara, reflecting on gender roles and teamwork ([08:53])
• “That vest has been with me for years...How can I be funny tomorrow without it?”
  – Slats, on the sentimental loss of his clown vest ([11:32])

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Timestamps of Important Segments

• [02:08 – 04:11] The brake emergency and near-catastrophe.
• [05:03 – 06:15] Assessing fire damage and organizing recovery.
• [06:15 – 09:07] Assigning tasks for wardrobe repairs; Clowning and camaraderie.
• [09:07 – 12:12] Details of the sewing and salvage efforts; Slats’ heartbreak over his vest and Jerry’s optimistic comfort.

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Tone and Style

The dialog stays spirited and colloquial, mixing high-stakes tension with light humor and moments of tenderness. The camaraderie of the fictional circus family shines, blending resourcefulness with playful banter—hallmarks of golden age radio drama.

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Closing Thoughts

For listeners, this episode captures both the thrilling peril of circus life and the everyday humor and resilience that keeps the show running, no matter what mishaps or emergencies arise. With teamwork, determination, and even a few sewing needles, Jerry and his friends ensure that the circus will indeed go on.

Transcript

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[Slats]

Jerry of the circus.

[Circus Manager]

Now for Jerry of the circus.

[Jerry]

What do we do, Sandy?

[Narrator]

Don't you worry, Jerry. We'll get those cars stopped before we hit that bad grade.

[Jerry]

But how?

[Narrator]

The air brake and the engine's broken. But each of these cars have individual brakes, one at each end. We got to get up here on top of the cars. Now, quick, Jerry. We got no time to lose.

[Jerry]

I'll say not. Seems like we're going faster.

[Narrator]

They harbor. See? Now the other break. The other end of the car.

[Jerry]

Can I help?

[Narrator]

Sorry, son. This is one time that takes even more than an average man's strength.

[Slats]

There.

[Narrator]

That's good. Now quick, back to the next car.

[Jerry]

But we're still moving.

[Narrator]

Yep. After all, there's three cars here. One set of brakes won't hold them.

[Jerry]

There's the curve ahead, and then it's an honest to goodness downgrade.

[Narrator]

These blame things are so stiff.

[Jerry]

I sure wish I were big right now. And strong.

[Narrator]

I wish you were, too. Come on, we got to get that next break.

[Jerry]

Those two breaks don't seem to be holding us any.

[Narrator]

Well, they're helping. We can get all six tightened before we turn that curve.

[Slats]

We're okay.

[Jerry]

Here you are. This is a third break. Only four more to go. Getting out of breath, huh?

[Narrator]

Kind of.

[Jerry]

Gee, Sandy, we don't seem to be going any faster. That's something anyhow. If the brakes weren't holding, we'd be gathering momentum.

[Narrator]

We're plum under that curve. Gee, I need to strength of Samson on this job.

[Jerry]

You're doing swell. Only three more and we haven't hit the curve yet.

[Narrator]

Yeah, but we're right up to it now. There, that's good. Just two more. Golly, One of these breaks at holding, I get them all done.

[Jerry]

We just gotta make it, Sandy. We can't let the circus down now. The brakes just gotta hold.

[Narrator]

You're right, Jerry. Can't let those horses end up in a heap of tangle steel at the bottom of the grave. Let me. Let me get up this weed.

[Jerry]

Now you're sure Strong. Why you turn that more. Hey Sandy, we're turning the curb. We're still moving. If we get a rider, we're lost.

[Narrator]

We're like in that last break that might hold us.

[Jerry]

Quick, Sandy, we are going slower. Hear the brakes, other dragon.

[Slats]

Excuse me, I just.

[Narrator]

I just can't get it any tighter.

[Jerry]

They're holding. Sandy, you did it. You made it, Sandy. In just in time. That first car was just starting down the grade.

[Narrator]

Well, Jerry, if anyone had asked me, I'd have said it couldn't have been done.

[Jerry]

Dad told me once that when you need extra strength in an emergency, you always get it. If you go right ahead and do what you have to and forget that you can't do it.

[Narrator]

I believe he's right. I'm not bragging, but honest, I never knew I had enough powder. Why it'd take three men on a job like this as a rule.

[Jerry]

Listen to em. Guess they're as thrilled as we are. Come on. We might as well get down on the ground. They're all headed this way. Seems like.

[Narrator]

I don't think I can move, Jerry. Guess I'm kind of done in.

[Jerry]

Well, I should think you would be. Can I do anything for you?

[Narrator]

No, I'll be all right in a jiffy. Just let me rest a minute, okay?

[Jerry]

You sure deserve a rest. Hi there, folks.

[Slats]

Hi ya, sir. You and Sandy trying to do run away with them horses?

[Jerry]

Yes. How we'd start a circus of our own. Come on, Sandy. Can you get down, Al?

[Narrator]

Sure, I'm okay.

[Circus Manager]

Hey, I never thought you'd do it, Sandy.

[Narrator]

Neither did I, Jerry. Kept me going though. I'd have given up, I'm afraid.

[Circus Manager]

You give up? An old circus man like you? Don't make me laugh.

[Narrator]

Well, we'll save your horses for you anyway. What about the fire back there? Whole out?

[Circus Manager]

Yeah, the worst of it. The fellas are going through it now, beating out any sparks and trying to see how much damage is done.

[Narrator]

Well, come on gang, let's see what we can do to help.

[Circus Manager]

Okay.

[Jerry]

Hey, don't tell me there's anything left of that car that had the props and costumes in it.

[Circus Manager]

Well, some stuff has been saved, but lots. It's pretty badly damaged. Claire's having a whale of a time trying to get some order over there.

[Jerry]

Clara. The women are out too.

[Circus Manager]

I'll say they are. And they'll be up all night trying to fix up that wardrobe so we can get together some kind of a show tomorrow.

[Jerry]

Too many Christmas. Hey, what about the car the pops

[Circus Manager]

were in well, that's one flat car we'll never use again. They'll just leave it on the roadside.

[Narrator]

Why don't you get those horses organized? We'll back up the engine and couple these cars together again. We got to get going.

[Circus Manager]

Yeah, I know. Okay, Sandy. Right away. Come on, Jerry.

[Clara]

Okay, Whitey.

[Slats]

Hey, Sandy. I just been back when he's loading and Claire's raising offer on us.

[Narrator]

What's wrong with that wardrobe woman now?

[Slats]

Well, says she'll have to have light in those boxcars if she's gonna be sewing her all night long.

[Narrator]

She'll have a light. We got some coal oil lanterns we

[Slats]

can stick in there, you know, if you'd get them to wire the horse cars for electricity, we'd have decent lights in an emergency like this.

[Narrator]

Always clowning, aren't you, Slats? Don't you even get enough of it in the ring?

[Slats]

Well, everyone expects you to clown in the ring. It's much more fun clowning outside working hours because folks aren't looking for it. And I can get a better rise out of.

[Narrator]

Don't tell me anyone ever takes you serious.

[Slats]

No, not if they know me. Just look at those folks around.

[Narrator]

Clara, you tell. I'll see that she has light. I got work to do. You tell Clara not to interfere with the men loading the stove.

[Slats]

Yeah, I'll tell him. Hey, Clara.

[Jerry]

Yeah?

[Clara]

Who wants me?

[Slats]

Well, it's me Slat. Sandy says he'll get some coal oil lamps and set them in the box cars for you to work by.

[Clara]

Oh, thanks, Slatt. No use looking through that stuff. Pete can't use any of it.

[Circus Manager]

But what about my tights?

[Clara]

Well, don't you worry about your tights. We'll have some for you by matinee time.

[Slats]

Well, you didn't come across my vest, did you?

[Clara]

Listen, what. What do you think I'm doing? I can't check everyone all at once.

[Slats]

Sure, I know. I was just asking. It's. It's a mighty swell vest. Belonged to my grandfather. Don't know where I'd ever get another.

[Clara]

You should have kept it with your own thing.

[Slats]

Sure, I know, I know, I know. But it needed fixing. Don't you remember?

[Clara]

That's right.

[Slats]

There all these boxes go, Clara.

[Clara]

Yes, they're kind of scorched, but I'll go through that stuff and maybe we can make some of it do.

[Slats]

Okay. Some of you men give us a hand here, will you? Well, looks like you pretty near got it loaded.

[Jerry]

Just that pile of stuff over there,

[Clara]

and we'll be ready.

[Slats]

I Got enough folks helping tonight? I'll pitch in if you say the word.

[Clara]

As a matter of fact, I could use some more people. Can you sew straight?

[Slats]

You bet I can. And I can darn too.

[Clara]

Then get into the box car when we get moving. Most of the women have taken things back to their own cars to work on. But I'll have to do a lot of sorting.

[Jerry]

Hey, Slats. Clara. Any of you seen Sandy?

[Slats]

What's wrong now? You just running the race?

[Jerry]

Well, why do you? And I just finished fixing up the horses. And why do you want me to tell Sandy? So he wouldn't think we was holding up the train.

[Slats]

He'll be back in a minute. Sounds like they're backing up now. Once to get those cars coupled together again, we'll be on the way.

[Clara]

Good.

[Jerry]

See, Clara? Anything I can do to help?

[Clara]

Sure thing. Can you sew?

[Jerry]

Of course not. Boys don't sew my shore.

[Slats]

They do. Guess I saw you fixing up your sock the other morning, didn't I?

[Jerry]

But that's different.

[Slats]

Now, listen, it's no disgrace to be able to sew. I'm a pretty good dressmaker myself, if I do say so. And I'm going to help Clara.

[Clara]

He sure is. Hope he's as handy with a needle as he thinks he is.

[Jerry]

However, if you want to really work

[Clara]

all night, Jerry, I'd be glad for you to help me. There's lots of sorting and stuff to be gone through. I could use an extra pair of hands and lifting boxes and pollution.

[Jerry]

Sure thing. I'll be glad to you. Waddy says you'll be working in the boxcar where the baggage horses were.

[Clara]

Yes, that's right. Okay.

[Jerry]

I'll be back soon as we're ready to start. I gotta find Sandy.

[Slats]

Well, he'll be over there where they're coupling those cars.

[Jerry]

Okay, Smash.

[Clara]

Thanks.

[Jerry]

Be seeing you.

[Slats]

Sure. And I'll be teaching you how to embroidery before the night's over.

[Clara]

Go on with you.

[Slats]

Kidding.

[Clara]

That nice boy.

[Slats]

He's a funny kid. Always wanting to help.

[Clara]

Why is it boys think it's something to be ashamed of to be able to sew?

[Slats]

Oh, I don't know. It's a woman's job, I guess. Of course, when they're not around, it just behooves us to to get in a couple of stitches ourselves if we're going to wear things out.

[Clara]

Well, that's the last of this. Hope Sandy doesn't forget those oil lamps.

[Slats]

Are you the wardrobe lady?

[Clara]

Yep.

[Slats]

Sandy sent me over with these lanterns. Speaking of angels, we were just wondering about those lamps. Well, put them in that box car and thanks, buddy. Okay.

[Clara]

Night, night. And thanks for the light burner. Here we go.

[Slats]

Well, better let me give you a lift into this box car. Quite a climb for a woman.

[Clara]

No, not for me. Oh, hello there, Whitey.

[Circus Manager]

Hiya, Clara. How you doing?

[Clara]

Well, tell you better in the morning. Want to help us tonight?

[Circus Manager]

Well, sure thing. I swing a mean needle.

[Slats]

Yeah, I'll bet you do. Probably be dangerous for anyone within an arm's distance, though. What'd you ever sew? Horse blankets.

[Circus Manager]

Got a job for me, Clarence?

[Clara]

Yep. Climb in if you can stay awake. After all you've been through, I guess it can keep you busy.

[Slats]

Jerry better step on it if he wants to get in this boxcar once we start moving. Here he comes now. Hey, Jerry, hurry up.

[Jerry]

They got started sooner than I expected. Well, give me your hand here. Hang on tight and I'll swing up quick.

[Circus Manager]

The other hand.

[Narrator]

There you are, Jerry.

[Jerry]

Kind out of breath.

[Circus Manager]

Now, you listen here. Don't you ever do that again.

[Clara]

What?

[Circus Manager]

Try to board a moving train. It's dangerous.

[Jerry]

I was talking to Sandy and, well, he boarded the next car and I suddenly realized I'd have to get going or I wouldn't be able to help Claire tonight.

[Clara]

Close that door there flat. It's cold. We got a heap of work.

[Jerry]

Well, what can I do?

[Clara]

Move those lights over so I can go through this pile of scorch thing. There, now, that's better. Land sakes, what a mess. Yeah, we can use this.

[Jerry]

Well, what'll I do with it?

[Clara]

Put these things in a pile to be thrown out.

[Jerry]

Whitey. Hey, Whitey.

[Clara]

Here's something you can do. Now, where's the dickens? As Whitey. Hey, look.

[Jerry]

Found asleep on those costumes in the corner.

[Clara]

Isn't that just like a man? I can see I should have made some of the women work in here tonight.

[Jerry]

Don't worry. What did you want? I'll bet I can do it.

[Clara]

All these trappings for the elephants. See, they're scorched, but we can brush them up. Well, if you'll shine the metal up, I think we can get by tomorrow.

[Jerry]

Sure. That's easy, Clara.

[Clara]

Now that.

[Slats]

That thing your throne away.

[Clara]

What of it?

[Slats]

Well, what of it? It's my vest.

[Clara]

You mean it was your vest? It's almost a cinder now.

[Slats]

My grandfather's vest. What a break. How in the name of Sam Hill can I go on tomorrow without the vest? There are other vests, but not like that. And that vest has been with me Yes, I know.

[Clara]

For years. Come on Flats, get to work.

[Slats]

But how can I be funny tomorrow with my heartbreaking always have been able to look down on the gold braid and the yellow and red spots on that beautiful vest and know that the audience just couldn't help seeing me.

[Jerry]

We'll find another vest slash.

[Clara]

Sure, go around to the secondhand shops tomorrow. This is just the kind of a vest most people send to the ragman. Pawn shops will be full of you.

[Slats]

You think so?

[Clara]

Sure. You don't think self respecting people would keep them at home?

[Jerry]

I'll go with you in the morning Slats. We'll find you a vest with colors so loud that the audience won't see any of the other clowns in the ring.

[Slats]

Foreign.

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