Jerry of the Circus - Hadley Arrests Spike

Summary

---

Podcast Summary: Jerry of the Circus – "Hadley Arrests Spike"

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Date: May 21, 2026

---

Episode Overview

This episode revisits "Jerry of the Circus," a classic radio serial from the golden age of radio, set in the fascinating world behind the big top. In "Hadley Arrests Spike," a tense atmosphere grips the circus as Detective Hadley investigates the source of counterfeit money. The spotlight falls on Spike, a trusted circus worker whose past and present are about to collide, shaking the faith of those who know him best. The story highlights themes of loyalty, justice, and the pursuit of truth amid suspicion and circumstantial evidence.

---

Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

1. Investigating the Circus Car ([02:10]–[04:09])

• Hadley, accompanied by Randall, searches Spike’s bunk for evidence, noticing the orderliness and limited space typical of circus sleeping cars.
• They discover a cut in Spike’s mattress, and Hadley finds a stash of counterfeit bills inside.
  • Hadley (03:39): “Yes, sir, that's what it is.”
  • Randall (04:00): “It's a shame, too. I had a feeling Spike would have turned out to be a valuable man with the circus.”
• Randall is disappointed and expresses disbelief that Spike could be guilty, while Hadley sees the evidence as damning.

2. Preparing for Spike’s Arrest ([04:09]–[06:09])

• The men debate when and how to approach Spike, aiming to avoid a public scene in front of the circus troupe.
• Discussion of Spike’s history reveals he shared a prison cell with a known counterfeiter, “Slippery Tonetti,” leading Hadley to remark:
  • Hadley (04:36): “Birds of a feather… constant association with men like his cellmate… naturally made a criminal out of him.”

3. The Arrest of Spike ([06:09]–[07:10])

• Spike is confronted discreetly by Randall and Hadley near the mess tent.
• Hadley arrests Spike with little warning:
  • Spike (06:42): “Hey, hey, what's the idea of the handcuffs?”
  • Hadley (06:42): “You're under arrest.”
  • Spike vehemently protests his innocence: “But I don't know what you're talking about. Honest I don't.” ([06:55])
• Randall apologizes as Hadley leads Spike away.

4. Jerry Responds to Spike’s Arrest ([07:11]–[09:37])

• Jerry, shocked at seeing Spike arrested, seeks answers from Randall.
  • Jerry (07:36): “But I don't believe it. Spike never passed any counterfeit money. He just couldn't do anything like that.”
• Randall explains the overwhelming evidence but acknowledges Jerry’s faith in Spike.
  • Randall (08:51): “I have to, Jerry, as much as I dislike it, there's too much evidence against him.”
• Jerry pledges to visit Spike in jail, seeking permission and support from Bumps and Randall.

5. Jailhouse Conversation: Jerry Confronts Spike ([09:52]–[12:57])

• Jerry persuades the officer to let him and Bumps visit Spike after hours, stressing their impending departure from town.
  • Officer (10:06): “All right. Just for a couple of minutes. Now, mind you go right down through that door there.”
• In a heartfelt exchange, Spike maintains his innocence:
  • Spike (10:53): “All I know, Jerry, is that I was arrested for passing counterfeit money. But I didn't know that ten dollar bill was counterfeit.”
  • He claims to have received the money as payment from Belko for fixing a trunk and suspects someone has framed him.
  • Spike (11:25): “Then I've been framed. Somebody put them there. Jerry, you believe me, don't you?”
  • Jerry (11:29): “I sure do, Spike.”
• Discussion turns to Spike’s cellmate, “Slippery Tonetti,” whose association further clouds Spike’s situation.
  • Spike gives Jerry a photo of Tonetti:
    • Spike (12:21): “This picture here… that's me, second from the end. And the fellow next to me is Tonetti, my cellmate.”
• Jerry vows to clear Spike’s name:
  • Jerry (12:45): “Then don't you worry. I… I don't know how long it'll take me, but I won't give up until I clear this all up.”

6. Episode Closes ([12:57]–[13:01])

• Jerry and Bumps leave the jail, with Jerry energized to discover the truth and resolute in his loyalty to Spike.

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Hadley discovers the counterfeit money:

  • “Wait till I get it out. Feels like money.” ([03:36])
  • “Yep. You bet it is. Oh, I've got the man we've been looking for. Now, this is enough bad money to send him back to prison for a long, long time.” ([03:49])

• Randall expresses regret:

  • “I would have sworn Spike didn't have anything to do with this mess.” ([03:58])
  • “It's a shame, too. I had a feeling Spike would have turned out to be a valuable man with the circus.” ([04:00])

• Jerry’s faith in Spike:

  • “But I don't believe it. Spike never passed any counterfeit money. He just couldn't do anything like that.” ([07:36])
  • “I know Spike didn't do it.” ([07:46])
  • “Then don't you worry. I… I don't know how long it'll take me, but I won't give up until I clear this all up.” ([12:45])

• Spike on being framed:

  • “Then I've been framed. Somebody put them there. Jerry, you believe me, don't you?” ([11:25])

---

Episode Structure & Key Timestamps

• [02:10] – Hadley & Randall search Spike’s bunk
• [03:39] – Discovery of counterfeit bills
• [06:42] – Hadley arrests Spike
• [07:36] – Jerry reacts to the arrest
• [09:52] – Jerry pleads to visit Spike in jail
• [10:53] – Spike asserts innocence and details his side
• [12:21] – Spike gives Jerry a picture of Tonetti
• [12:45] – Jerry vows to uncover the truth

---

Tone & Atmosphere

• The episode maintains a classic radio drama tone, blending suspense and heartfelt emotion.
• Conversations are earnest, marked by Jerry’s unwavering loyalty and the adults’ sense of regretful duty.
• The dialogue brings the world of the circus vividly to life, infusing the mystery with both nostalgia and tension.

---

This episode stands as a strong example of golden age radio storytelling, leaving listeners anxious for answers—will Jerry clear Spike’s name and uncover the real counterfeiter? The search for truth continues under the big top.

Transcript

[A]

I'm Kiana.

[B]

And I leveled up my business with Shopify. Once I figured out that Shopify was a thing, I never turned back. I can create a site with my eyes closed. Shopify thinks ahead of us, you know, and it thinks about the customer more than anything. Every day I'm thinking about some other new business. But Shopify is doing it to me because it's so easy to use. It's like I can't stop. I'm addicted. Start your free [e-mail].

[C]

Jerry of the circus. Now for Jerry of the circus. All right, Hadley, here we are. Here's the car.

[D]

Hop up. Okay. That's kind of a high step.

[C]

Yeah. Open the door and go right inside. Anybody in here? I guess we're alone.

[D]

This is a new one on me.

[C]

What's that, Hadley?

[D]

This car. Don't believe I've ever seen one just like this before.

[C]

These cars are special. They're built to order. You notice the bunks? They're three high. Got to have them that way to conserve space.

[D]

They're compact. All right. Now, where do we find Spike's bunk?

[C]

Let me see. I think Murray said Spike was down at the end here. Now, come on.

[D]

The men keep the car nice and clean.

[C]

You bet they do.

[D]

They have to.

[C]

We haven't enough room to be throwing things around. There's a place for everything. And if you'll notice, everything's in its place. Oh. Oh. Here's Spike's bunk.

[E]

Yeah.

[C]

Have a look around this stuff His? Yeah. And that sweater and that little black valise.

[D]

Now, we'll have a look in the bag first.

[C]

Anything in it?

[D]

No, no, nothing but a clean work shirt.

[C]

How about that sweater there?

[D]

Let's see. No, nothing in the pocket. Yeah.

[C]

I don't think you're going to find anything, Hadley.

[D]

Wait. Let me examine this bunk.

[E]

Oh.

[C]

What is it, Heather?

[D]

Why, this mattress.

[C]

What about it?

[D]

It's been cut or torn here on the side. Say, this might be something.

[C]

Why, you don't think for one minute that's true.

[D]

Wait a minute. I put my hand in this mattress. A little farther.

[C]

There's something in there.

[D]

It feels like.

[C]

Say, what is it? What is it, Hadley?

[D]

Wait till I get it out. Feels like money.

[E]

What?

[D]

There. Yes, sir, that's what it is.

[C]

But. But is it counterfeit?

[D]

Let's have a look at these numbers.

[E]

Hmm? Is it?

[D]

Yep. You bet it is. Oh, I've got the man we've been looking for. Now, this is enough bad money to send him back to prison for a long, long Time.

[C]

I would have sworn Spike didn't have anything to do with this mess.

[D]

Well, here's the evidence, Mr. Randall.

[C]

Yeah. Yeah, I guess that's all there is to it. It's a shame, too. I had a feeling Spike would have turned out to be a valuable man with the circus.

[D]

Where do you figure he'd be about this time?

[C]

Let's see what time it is. Oh, it's just about time for the flag to be going up for supper. He should be going over to the mess top about now to take on some food.

[D]

Well, let's get over there then.

[C]

You going to pick him up right now?

[D]

Might as well get it over with.

[C]

Well, come on, then.

[D]

What's the matter? What are you so quiet about?

[C]

Oh, I just can't understand why Spike would do a thing like this.

[D]

Go ahead, Mr. Randall. Oh, it's the same old story, Mr. Randall. Birds of a feather.

[C]

What do you mean by that?

[D]

Prison, exactly? The constant association with men like. Well, like his cellmate, Tonetti, naturally made a criminal out of him.

[C]

Yeah. Yeah, it's too bad. By the time he gets out of jail for this offense, he'll be an old man and not much use to the world.

[D]

You go this way.

[C]

Yeah, right over there. We'll walk along that path and it'll take us right to the mess top at the end of the lot.

[D]

I don't like to brag, Mr. Randall, but it looks like I've got the right man spotted.

[C]

I'd have bet anything on Spike. Honesty. There's just something about him that. Well, as I said before, it's hard for me to believe this.

[D]

You saw me pull this counterfeit money out of his mattress.

[C]

Yes, yes, I know, I know.

[D]

He'll get a fair trial, all right. When it's over, he'll be on his way to prison again.

[C]

Yes, but now you'll have to find out where he got this bad money to pass.

[D]

I'll get that out of him, all right.

[C]

Oh. Oh, look. Isn't that Spike coming this way?

[D]

Where?

[C]

Oh, yeah. Yeah, that's him, all right. Now, how are you going to do this?

[D]

He won't try to make a getaway.

[C]

Oh, I know that, but I was just wondering if we couldn't do it some way so the rest of the troop wouldn't know about it. No use making a big issue of it if we can help it.

[D]

I see what you mean. Well, how about waiting here by the side of the tent and calling him over? He doesn't suspect anything yet.

[C]

Well, yes, that's A good idea. I'll call him as he comes by.

[D]

I'll try to be quick about it. I don't think any of the folks will notice what we're doing.

[C]

Here he comes, poor fella. Oh, I hate to do this, but the law has to take its course.

[D]

That's the way to look at it, Mr. Randall. Now go ahead and call him. All right. Spike.

[C]

Oh, Spike.

[E]

Hello, Mr. Randall.

[C]

Come here a minute. I want to talk to you.

[D]

He doesn't suspect anything. He's coming right over.

[E]

Yes, Mr. Randall. Oh, hello, Hadley.

[D]

Hello, Spike.

[C]

Yeah. Got a couple of minutes to spare?

[E]

Sure. Just going into supper. I got plenty of time, though. What'd you want?

[D]

I wanted you. Spike, I want to tell you something, but I. I don't want you to let anyone else in on it. Okay, let's shake hands on that.

[E]

All right. Hey, hey, what's the idea of the handcuffs?

[D]

You're under arrest.

[E]

Oh, for what? I haven't done anything.

[C]

I'm sorry about this, Spike.

[E]

What's it all about, Mr. Randall?

[D]

You're under arrest for passing counterfeit money.

[E]

Me? For. Say, there must be some mistake.

[D]

No, there's no mistake, Spike. Now, come on, let's get going.

[E]

But I don't know what you're talking about. Honest I don't.

[D]

Playing dumb, huh? Okay, Spike. Okay. Come along. We'll talk this over down the police headquarters.

[E]

Mr. Randall, can't you tell me what this is all about?

[C]

Really, I. I'm. I'm sorry, Spike. It's out of my hands. I've. I have nothing to do with it.

[D]

I'll be back to see you later, Mr. Randall.

[C]

All right, Hadley.

[A]

Mr. Randall. Mr. Randall, what's the matter?

[C]

Why. Why, nothing, Jerry. Why?

[A]

Well, I saw Mr. Hadley put those handcuffs on Spike. What's wrong? Please tell me what's up, Sam.

[C]

Well, I. I guess you'll find out sooner or later, so I may as well tell you now. Spike's been arrested for passing counterfeit money.

[A]

Oh, no.

[C]

Yeah, Jerry, I didn't want to believe it either, but Hadley has the evidence.

[F]

Oh, say, Sam, this is bad.

[C]

Yeah, it's not so good, Bumps. Not so good.

[A]

But I don't believe it. Spike never passed any conference money. He just couldn't do anything like that.

[C]

You were right about Spike the other time. But I'm afraid you're wrong this time, Jerry.

[A]

No, I'm not. I know Spike didn't do it.

[C]

Now, Jerry, Spike spent a counterfeit ten dollar bill when you were with him this morning when he bought his new Jacket and cap and shoes.

[A]

He didn't. He didn't, I tell you.

[C]

Oh, no, Jerry, I. I know how you feel about Spike, Jerry, but Hadley checked on the bill and found it was bad.

[A]

But maybe Spike didn't know it.

[C]

I thought of that possibility, too, but there's more to it.

[D]

What is it, Sam?

[C]

Hadley and I just came from Spike's bunk over in the car. And Hadley found a whole package of counterfeit bills hidden in his mattress.

[A]

Oh, no.

[C]

Yes, he did, Jerry. I was with him and saw the bills when he found them in the mattress.

[A]

Oh. What right is Mr. Hadley looking through Spike's things?

[C]

Mr. Hadley is a detective, Jerry.

[A]

What?

[C]

Yep. That's why he joined up with us. To find out why the circus was leaving a trail of counterfeit money.

[A]

Odd.

[C]

Jiminy, it's pretty hard for you to believe this about Spike, isn't it?

[A]

I don't believe it. There's something funny about it, I tell you.

[C]

Now, listen to me, son. Everything in the world points against Spike. His cellmate in prison was a counterfeiter, and there's little doubt. But what? They worked out a deal together. Finding the bad bills hidden in his mattress is all the proof the police will need.

[A]

Then you believe he's guilty, too?

[C]

I have to, Jerry, as much as I dislike it, there's too much evidence against him. Now, you run along and have your supper. I've got to get back to the office wagon.

[A]

I don't want any supper.

[F]

Oh, no, Jerry.

[A]

I want to see Spike and have a talk with him.

[F]

You can't do that now. You gotta eat and then get ready for the show. You're a performer now, Jay. You gotta do your show regardless.

[C]

Yes. Yes. Jerry, you helped Spike once before. And now if he was foolish enough to get into trouble again, he'll have to get out of it the best way he can. Or take his medicine.

[A]

Bumps, I want you to promise me something.

[D]

Well, what is it?

[A]

I want you to promise me you'll take me down to the jail after the show tonight. I've just got to see Spike before we leave this town.

[C]

It's okay, Bumps. Let him go down and have a talk with Spike if he wants to. Then he'll feel better about it.

[F]

All right, Jerry, you go down and see if we can get to talk to him.

[C]

But.

[F]

Come on now, and let's get our supper. We'll go down to the jail before we go at the railroad station.

[E]

Well, I don't know now. It's after visiting hours, and I really shouldn't break the rule.

[A]

Please, mister, we're leaving town in just a little while, and this will be my only chance to see him.

[F]

We won't be long, officer. The boy just wants to talk to him for a couple of minutes.

[C]

Well, please.

[E]

All right. Just for a couple of minutes. Now, mind you go right down through that door there.

[A]

Thanks, mister.

[E]

Just tell the guard I said it was okay.

[A]

Okay. Gee, bumps, I. I just know Spike is gonna be able to prove he didn't know anything about that counterfeit money.

[F]

Oh, but, Jerry. Now, listen.

[E]

Just a minute.

[C]

Where are you two going?

[F]

Oh, oh, well, the man at the desk said that we could see Max Peters for a couple of minutes.

[E]

Max Peters? Oh, yes. The fellow was just booked this evening. He's right in that second cell there. Thanks.

[F]

Now, you will have to talk fast, Jerry.

[A]

Oh, don't worry. I know just what I'm gonna say.

[F]

Jerry.

[A]

Spike. Aw, gee, Spike.

[D]

Hello, Bump.

[F]

Hello, Spike.

[A]

Hey, what's this all about, Spike? Please tell me.

[E]

I wish I knew.

[A]

What do you mean? Don't you?

[E]

All I know, Jerry, is that I was arrested for passing counterfeit money. But I didn't know that ten dollar bill was counterfeit.

[A]

You. You're sure about that?

[D]

Sure.

[E]

I got that ten dollar bill from Belco for fixing his trunk.

[F]

You did?

[E]

But I'm not blaming Belko. He most likely got it somehow and changed. And didn't know it was counterfeit either.

[F]

How about the package of bad bills that was found in your mattress?

[E]

The detectives told me that too. I don't know anything about them. Honest, I don't. I thought they were just trying to trick me.

[A]

No. There were some counterfeit bills hidden in your mattress. Mr. Randall saw them himself.

[E]

Then I've been framed. Somebody put them there. Jerry, you believe me, don't you?

[A]

I sure do, Spike.

[F]

I don't like to say this, Spike, but Mr. Randall says your cellmate, you know, when you were in prison. Well, he was a counterfeiter.

[E]

I know it looks pretty bad, but I never had anything to do with that fellow. I'll even admit that he made several propositions, but I wouldn't have any part of him.

[A]

Who was he? I mean, your cellmate?

[E]

His name was Tonetti. They called him Slippery Tonetti.

[A]

Is he still in jail?

[E]

No, he got out a couple of months before I did.

[A]

Have any idea where he might be?

[D]

No, I don't.

[E]

Jerry.

[A]

What did he look like?

[E]

Well, he was fairly tall and kind of heavy. Of course, his head was shaved, but, well, he had bushy black eyebrows. I guess that's all I can tell you about him.

[F]

What are you driving at, Jerry?

[A]

Oh, I got some ideas. Say, is that all you can tell me about him?

[E]

Yeah, Jerry, I'm afraid it is. Wait. Yeah, let me look at my wallet here. I took almost everything out of it,

[D]

but it might be here.

[A]

What?

[E]

Yeah, here it is. Now, this picture here, this is a picture of the prison football team. Here, take it. Now, that's me, second from the end. And the fellow next to me is Tonetti, my cellmate.

[A]

Jiminy. He's a big fellow, all right.

[E]

Honest, Jerry, I don't know what this is all about, really.

[A]

Oh, I believe you, spy.

[F]

Well, Jerry's pretty sure about your honesty.

[D]

Spike.

[E]

I think that's. Well, if I was guilty, I'd admit it.

[A]

Can I take this picture with me?

[E]

Sure, Jerry.

[A]

Then don't you worry. I. I don't know how long it'll take me, but I won't give up until I clear this all up.

[E]

Time's up.

[F]

Oh, all right, we're coming.

[A]

Goodbye, Spike.

[C]

Bye, Jerry.

[E]

And thanks. Bye, Bum.

[F]

So long, Spike.

[A]

Don't be surprised if you're out of this jail in a few days. I'm gonna do the very best detective work I ever. Ram.

[G]

Day or night. VRBO Care is here 247 to help make every part of your stay seamless. If anything comes up or you simply need a little guidance, support is ready whenever you reach out. From the moment you book to the moment you head home. We're here to help things run smoothly, because a great trip starts with the right support. And, hey, a good playlist doesn't hurt either. This summer, don't squeeze in. Spread out. Find homes big enough for your whole guest list on vrbo. From family reunions to trips with friends, VRBO has spacious summer stays for every group size and budget. That's vacation rentals done right. Start exploring on VRBO and book your next day now.