
Jerry of the Circus - Fire Put Out - 09/14/1937
Loading summary
Spinquest Announcer
I'm here with spinquest, where you can play and win from the comfort of your own home with hundreds of slot games and all of the table games you love with real cash prizes. Right now, $30 coin packs are on sale for $10. For new users, it's all@spinquest.com. that's S-P-I-N Q U-E-T.com Spinquest is a
Narrator
free to play social casino void where prohibited. Visit spinquest.com for more details.
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.
Spinquest Announcer
Forget whatever plans you have this weekend because you're staying at home and playing on Spin Quest and there's never been a better time to sign up than right now. New users get 30 coin packs for just $10. All the table games you love with hundreds of slot games and real cash Prizes. That's at spinquest.com S P I N Q U E EST.com Spinquest is a
Narrator
free to play social casino void where prohibited. Visit spinquest.com for more details.
VRBO Announcer
VRBO makes it easy to claim your dream summer spot with early booking deals from homes with pools to poolside loungers. When you book a vrbo, you don't have to reserve any loungers. They're all yours. All you have to do is book early. Book with VRBO.
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.
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.
1. The Braking Crisis (02:08 – 04:11)
2. Fire Aftermath and Inventory (05:03 – 06:15)
3. The Spirit of Recovery (06:15 – 09:07)
4. Camaraderie in the Wardrobe Car (09:07 – 12:12)
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.
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.