Jerry of the Circus - Forty Ten Dollar Bills Passed

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: Jerry of the Circus - Forty Ten Dollar Bills Passed
Date: May 20, 2026
Main Theme:
This episode transports listeners back to the Golden Age of Radio with an installment from the beloved series "Jerry of the Circus." Today's central drama: a wave of counterfeit ten-dollar bills has swept through the towns on the circus’s tour, and suspicion falls on the circus as a possible source or unwitting accomplice. The episode focuses on the investigation and the unique life within the circus, highlighting both mystery and camaraderie.

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Key Discussion Points & Storyline Breakdown

1. Suspicions of Counterfeit Money

• Setting the Scene: Circus manager Randall is discussing finances with his right-hand man, Jim Bennett, after rumors of counterfeit bills sweep through Evansville and Fordham. They meticulously check their accounts and ticket receipts for any fake money.
• Suspicion and Tension:
  • It is discovered that the counterfeit bills flooded the town precisely the same day the circus was there, leading to suspicion (02:07–02:42).
  • Jim Bennett tells Randall, “Looks mighty like it, don’t it?” when asked if someone from the circus might be involved (02:52, D).
• Discussion of Reputation:
  • Randall defends his staff: “Most of them have been with me for years. I know them better than my own family” (02:53, C).
  • The two realize the cleverness of the criminals in targeting crowded events to spread the counterfeit money.

2. Police Involvement and Plan of Action

• Introduction of Officer Hadley:
  • Officer Hadley from the Allendale Police arrives to investigate, explaining he will assist at the ticket booth and have plainclothes officers circulating among the crowds (03:28–04:11, E).
  • Randall cooperates and expresses hope the issue will be resolved quickly, while Jim discusses possible impact on business from a local convention increasing attendance.

3. The Cat and the Gnu—Subplot of Animal Care

• Animal Antics and Bonds:
  • Randall and Kelly discuss a peculiar friendship between a wounded alley cat and Maud the gnu: “I’ve heard of a lot of strange animal friendships, but this takes the cake. A gnu and an alley cat” (06:18, C).
  • Jerry tries to help the injured cat by suggesting, “Maybe we can get her food over there. No use it starving to death” (06:32, F).
  • Conversation highlights the animal care challenges in the circus, with themes of patience and animal instinct (07:09–07:22).

4. The Counterfeit Bills Strike Again

• Escalation:
  • Hadley delivers the news: “About 40 bad tens were reported about dinner time tonight” (09:31, E).
  • No culprits were caught; the criminals strategically hit during rush hour in crowded stores.
• Investigative Measures:
  • Two bad bills appear at the ticket window, but the men involved did not act knowingly—innocent townspeople passing along the counterfeit.
  • Police chief insists that Officer Hadley stays embedded with the circus for further observation: “The law isn’t taking any more chances. The chief wants someone with this circus who can watch things from the inside” (10:22, E).

5. Hadley Joins the Circus Incognito

• Hadley’s Disguise and Discovery:
  • Hadley decides to pose as “Joe Hatton,” a clown, to investigate from within:
    • “Just say I’m an old friend thinking of putting money in the show for next season… Yeah, tell them I’ve always wanted to be a clown” (10:50, E).
    • “Why don’t you let me be one of those clowns that mix with the audience and kid them?” (11:14, E).
    • Randall, amused, agrees: “Well, what do you think you can do best?” (11:04, C).
• Introduction to Circus Life:
  • Jerry, the title character, is tasked to introduce “Joe” to the circus family:
    • “Sure, I’d be glad to” (12:31, F).
    • Jerry’s exuberance: “Who, me? Only this season. But listen, Mr. Hadley, I’m gonna spend the rest of my life with the circus…” (13:03, F).

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Trust and Suspicion:

  • “Looks mighty like it, don’t it?” (Jim Bennett, 02:52)
  • “Most of them have been with me for years. I know them better than my own family.” (Mr. Randall, 02:53)

• Animal Friendship:

  • “I’ve heard of a lot of strange animal friendships, but this takes the cake. A gnu and an alley cat.” (Randall, 06:18)
  • “You know, Jerry, there’s a tremendous life force in the body itself. Often, if left alone, it seems to heal the body better than anything else.” (Randall, 07:03)

• Investigative Humor:

  • “Just say I’m an old friend… tell them I’ve always wanted to be a clown.” (Hadley, 10:50)
  • “Sure. Don’t worry. I’ll be so good you’ll hate to let me go.” (Hadley, 11:27)

• Jerry’s Heartfelt Ambition:

  • “Who, me? Only this season. But listen, Mr. Hadley, I’m gonna spend the rest of my life with the circus…” (Jerry, 13:03)

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Key Timestamps and Segments

• [02:07–03:14] - Discovery of counterfeit money suspiciously timed with circus visit
• [03:28–04:13] - Officer Hadley introduced and his role explained
• [06:02–07:34] - The subplot with the cat and the gnu, animal care philosophies
• [09:27–10:21] - Confirmation of wide-scale counterfeit passing, police increase scrutiny on circus
• [10:50–11:43] - Hadley’s plan to go undercover as a clown
• [12:20–13:03] - Jerry’s introduction to Hadley, expressing his deep love for the circus life

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Episode Tone and Style

The dialogue maintains a wholesome, earnest tone, full of camaraderie, gentle humor, and suspenseful intrigue. The world of the circus comes alive via endearing talk of animal antics and the daily hustle. The cast’s exchanges, particularly between Randall, Bennett, and Jerry, convey old-fashioned trust and playful seriousness befitting a classic radio show.

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Utility of the Episode for New Listeners

This episode serves as a perfect snapshot of both mid-century mystery storytelling and the close-knit, quirky life inside a traveling circus. Its combination of wholesome animal subplots and a detective thread provides intrigue for all ages, and the comedic touches with Officer Hadley’s undercover antics add a fun spin to the crime-solving.

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In summary:
The episode "Forty Ten Dollar Bills Passed" artfully blends circus life, camaraderie, mystery, and animal heart. The investigation into counterfeit bills keeps the tension high while moments with Jerry and the animals build warmth and nostalgia—an engaging excursion to the golden era of radio!

Transcript

[A]

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[B]

Liberty. Liberty. Liberty. Liberty.

[C]

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

[D]

Oh, There you are, Mr. Randall. I'm glad you got here. I tell you, I've been over and over these accounts and checked with the bank and I'm sure we didn't take in one bad bill in Evansville.

[C]

I don't say that hardly seems possible with so much funny money in that town. And the very day we were there too.

[D]

If you ask me, it looks like a plant.

[C]

How do you mean?

[D]

Look, the town is flooded with counterfeit. Yeah, and it happens the very day the circus plays the town. Not the day before or the day after. Well, and the circus doesn't take in one phony.

[C]

Of course, we did take in some counterfeit. And boredom.

[D]

Yeah, but that counterfeit was being passed around there for several days. But if you remember, the most of it was planted the day the fair closed.

[C]

Yes, pretty smart trick too. Less danger of getting caught. The last day.

[D]

Yeah, but it also was the last day of the circus.

[C]

Jim Bennett. You're not suggesting that someone in this circus is passing out that kind of fit?

[D]

Looks mighty like it, don't it?

[C]

Oh, but Jim, you know our folks. Why. Why, most of them have been with me for years. I know them better than my own family.

[D]

I know that as well as anyone. But it looks to me like whoever these criminals are, they're trying to make it look like the circus was to blame.

[E]

Huh?

[C]

Jim, I believe you've hit on something. I always did say you could think faster than anybody else in the business.

[D]

Have all the low down, sneaky.

[E]

Pardon me, buddy.

[D]

Yeah, what you want?

[E]

Well, I'm looking for Mr. Randall. Could you direct me to him?

[D]

What you want with him? I'm the manager.

[E]

My name's Hadley. I've been sent up here by the Allendale police station.

[C]

Oh, oh, oh, yes. I was expecting you. I'm Randall. Come around to the side door here.

[E]

Yes, sir. Be right with you. I'm sorry, boss.

[D]

I thought he might be one of those busy bodies always taking up your time.

[C]

You're perfectly right, Jim. Listen, if you didn't get rid of half these people that bothered me in every town, I'd never get any work done.

[E]

Well, Mr. Randall, were you able to check on the money?

[C]

Yeah. Step right into the wagon. Hadley, this is Jim Bennett, my right hand man.

[E]

Howdy, Bennett.

[D]

Glad to meet you, Hadley.

[C]

Jim's just gone through the whole day's take very carefully and we can't seem to spot one bad bill. The counterfeit's been coming in in $10 mostly, hasn't it?

[E]

Yeah. Well, Mr. Randall, I. I'm afraid I'll have to hang around here today.

[C]

How do you mean?

[E]

Well, the chief said he wanted me to work here in the box office with your ticket seller and have a couple of plain clothes men stay in the crowd. If any phonies come through the window, I can tip the plain clothes men to follow whoever's passing them.

[C]

Well, that's fair enough. I'll be glad to cooperate.

[D]

Any bad money picked up in this town yet?

[E]

No, and there's not going to be if we can help it.

[D]

Reports from Fordham and Evansville certainly should give you the drop on those guys if they pull any phony business in this burg.

[E]

I hope so. We've notified the main stores and hotels in town, but it's not so easy. There's a convention here and it's pretty hard to check.

[C]

Yes. Yes, I heard there was a convention here from all over the state.

[D]

Guess that would hurt our business none.

[E]

I hope to tell you.

[C]

Well, I've got a check on Belko's new act going on this afternoon.

[D]

You're not wasting any time taking Belko out of the sideshow and putting him in the parade, huh?

[C]

No, sir. I'm afraid the major will blow up if I let Belko hang around the sideshow much longer.

[D]

I hear Belko went around with the Major after going through his routine for you this morning. And then they gave that midget apoplexy with his bragging.

[C]

Well, make yourself at home, Hadley. I'll be back after the parade and

[D]

by then we'll know whether anything is coming in during the three general admission, please. Yes, sir.

[C]

Well, business picking up and I'll be going.

[B]

Randall. Say, I'm glad I caught you. Have you got a minute?

[C]

Well, sure thing, Kelly. I've got to see Belko before the show starts, but. Well, how are your patients?

[B]

That's what I want to see you about.

[C]

Oh, that's so. The doc seemed quite pleased with Their progress this morning.

[B]

So am I. Maud ate a good meal again this morning.

[C]

How about the cat?

[B]

Oh, it's getting along all right. Poor thing was half starved. But something's wrong with its hindquarters. You mind dropping by and seeing it?

[C]

No, of course not. I'd be glad to.

[B]

Jerry's over there now trying to get the cat to crawl over to the edge of the cage.

[C]

Well, if it can't walk, how did it get away from the edge?

[B]

I don't blame you for asking. You know that crazy noo is gone, Bursar. After we left, he nudged the cat over into the middle of the cage and is standing guard over it. Won't let anyone get near it. We ain't even been able to get food to it. And listen, when Maud's worked up, it's no good for anyone to get near those horns of hers.

[C]

It's a wonder she hasn't killed the cat.

[B]

She will if she won't let us feed.

[C]

It knows there such cumbersome beasts with those big hoofs.

[B]

And I don't think we need worry about her stepping on the cat. So far she's been terribly careful. Won't take those huge brown eyes of her off to stray for a minute.

[C]

Well, I've heard of lots of strange animal friendships, but this takes the cake. A new and an alley cat.

[B]

Oh, well, here we are, boss. Right over here. Hi there, Jerry.

[E]

You having any luck?

[F]

No, not a bit. But I got an idea.

[B]

Yeah, what is it?

[F]

Well, as long as we can't get the cat over here to eat, maybe we can get her food over there. No, use it starving to death.

[B]

Say, that's not a bad idea at that, Jerry. But then that won't help the doctor much. He wants to look it over. But at least it'll keep the animal from starving.

[C]

Well, maybe it's all for the best. You know, animals have great recuperative powers.

[E]

3.

[F]

What's that word?

[C]

Recuperative, Jerry. That means to get well.

[E]

Oh.

[C]

You know, Jerry, there's a tremendous life force in the body itself. Often, if left alone, it seems to heal the body better than anything else.

[F]

Oh, I see. Yeah, I've often noticed that with animals like when Rags is sick, all he wants is to be left alone.

[B]

Well, of course, in the native element, animals instinctively know what to do.

[F]

Sure, often Rags runs around and begins eating a lot of grass when he's been kind of sick.

[B]

You see, most animals know what's good for them when they're left to their own instincts.

[C]

But it's different with circus animals, Jerry. Especially in cages. You see, they're not free to roam around and pick up what's good for them. So we humans have to use what little we know to try to help them out.

[B]

Yeah, and I'll tell you, sometimes we feel pretty helpless.

[C]

Well, I guess Jerry suggested the only thing you can do for this cat, Kelly.

[B]

And I tell you one thing, those two animals will certainly be a big attraction together like that.

[C]

Yeah. Might be a good idea to have one of the guards stationed here to explain to the folks how the cat saved the life of a new.

[F]

Say, that'll be great. The kids will be crazy about that.

[C]

And he might add that the new won't let anyone near the cat. You better not mention the cat's back is hurt. No use upsetting the crowd.

[F]

I kind of have a hunch it'll get well by itself. If the cat gets enough rest and food.

[C]

We hope so. Well, if there's nothing else on your mind, Kelly, I'd better go over and get Belko started off on the right foot. Well, so long.

[F]

Hey, Jiminy, it's almost time for the folks to be coming in.

[B]

I say, look, here come the towners now. Well, I intend to feeding this cat.

[F]

And I better get in my uniform. I'll be back after the show, Kelly.

[D]

Right this way, Floats. Right this way. Last chance to buy your tickets for the big show. Sorry, lady, no reserved seats left. Only a few general admissions.

[E]

Looks like a sellout tonight, Bennett.

[D]

Yeah, the convention must be here in full force, Hadley. Only a few general admissions left. Now, don't miss this chance to see the most gigantic soul ever presented to you. The lucky citizen of Valentine.

[E]

I wish Mr. Randall would get here. Did you tell him about. Oh, here. Here he comes now. Excuse me a minute, Bennett. I'll catch up with him. I'll see you later. Okay.

[D]

Hurry, folks. Hurry, hurry. Only a few choice seats.

[E]

Hi there, Mr. Randall. Mr. Randall?

[D]

Oh.

[C]

Oh, there you are, Handley. I was looking for you.

[E]

Do you mind if we get off this midway? I'd like a few quiet words with you.

[C]

Oh, of course. Here, duck behind this tent. It'll be quieter.

[E]

Good. This is better. Well, I suppose you've heard the news.

[C]

No. No, nothing outside the fact that no counterfeit was taken in during the matinee.

[E]

Oh, you haven't heard, then? The chief just sent word over that about 40 bad tens were reported about dinner time tonight.

[C]

No. Where did they. Did they catch anyone?

[E]

No. Seems that whoever was spreading the paper was working fast all over town.

[C]

And not one person spotted the bad money?

[E]

Not at the time. They worked during the rush hour and evidently waited till the stores were filled with customers.

[C]

Oh, this is terrible. Oh, what about Bennett? Did he pick up any of that phony money at the ticket window tonight?

[E]

Yeah, two bad tens dribbled in. I happen to know both men, garage men who got stuck themselves and didn't realize they were passing out bad paper.

[C]

Well, did you explain it to them? Sure.

[E]

They knew me.

[C]

Anyhow, I'm glad of that because as a rule, if there's any mix up at the ticket window, the towners think the circus is trying to cheat him.

[E]

Now, there's one more thing. The chief sent word that as long as this thing has happened, the day you're a circus in town, you'll have to take me on.

[C]

What do you mean?

[E]

Well, you may not be carrying the guilty party, but the law isn't taking any more chances. The chief wants someone with this circus who can watch things from the inside.

[C]

Why, of course. Anything I can do to help, Hadley. But I'm afraid you're chasing up the wrong tree. Most of my people have been with me for years and I'd trust them anyway.

[E]

I know, but the way things are, you can see why the chief thinks that. Well, it looks pretty bad.

[C]

Yes, of course, but how will I explain your presence to the performers? I don't suppose you want to be known as an officer.

[E]

I should say not. Oh, just say I'm an old friend thinking of putting money in the show for next season and say that. Yeah, I've got it. Yeah, tell them I've always wanted to be a clown. You're taking me on a while to allow me to get acquainted with the outfit.

[C]

But are you clowns?

[E]

Sure, I can do anything. Say, I've used more disguises in my career than most actors.

[C]

I can well believe that. Well, what do you think you can do best?

[E]

Well, I tell you, I'm a practical joker by nature. Why don't you let me be one of those clowns that mix with the audience and kid them?

[C]

Oh, you mean a heckler?

[E]

A what?

[C]

Well, that's the name we have for that kind of work. Heckler Clown. It's a good idea, Hadley.

[E]

Sure. Don't worry. I'll be so good you'll hate to let me go.

[C]

Maybe you'll be so crazy about the circus by then, you won't want to leave.

[E]

Hell, I hadn't thought of that.

[C]

Well, if you're working for me, you might as well come on and meet the gang now.

[E]

Sure thing. I guess my own name's good enough. Just introduce me as Joe Hatton.

[C]

All right. Come through here. I'll introduce you to Bumps. He's one of my best clowns. I'll let him help you with. Well, anything you may need.

[E]

Delighted. Say, I think I'm going to like this job.

[C]

I hope so.

[E]

And now, Mr. Randall, if you will furnish me with a complete list of everyone connected with the circus, we can go over it pretty thoroughly. Probably we can check most of the folks off as being beyond report.

[C]

Oh, I'm sure we can.

[E]

Anyhow, we'll narrow down to the most likely ones. I can begin my investigations immediately.

[C]

I'll have a list ready for you right after the show. Hadley. Oh, just a minute. Here comes a youngster I want you to meet. Jerry. Jerry, come here a minute.

[F]

Hello, Mr. Randall.

[C]

I want you to meet Joe Hadley. Jerry.

[F]

Glad to meet you.

[E]

I'm glad to meet you, Jerry.

[C]

Jerry, will you take Mr. Hadley over to your wagon? He's joining the show and I want him to meet Bumps and the whole crowd.

[F]

Sure, I'd be glad to.

[C]

I thought of something I'd better attend to. You'll be in good hands, Hadley. I'll explain the Bumps later. Okay.

[E]

It's all right with me, Mr. Randall. Then I'll see you after the show.

[C]

Yes, yes. Remember, we leave town tonight at 1:20. The last section pulls out then. So if you've got anything to attend to, you'd better get it taken care of.

[E]

Thanks, Mr. Randall. I will.

[F]

Goodbye, Mr. Randall. Don't worry about Mr. Hadley. I'll see he meets everyone.

[E]

Well, that's nice and friendly of you, Jerry.

[F]

Posse. We got a swell troop.

[E]

You like Bumps the Clown, huh? How long you been with the circus, Jerry?

[F]

Who, me? Only this season. But listen, Mr. Hadley, I'm gonna spend the rest of my life with the circus. If I.

[A]

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[C]

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[B]

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