
Jerry of the Circus - Jason Pays the Twenty Two Dollars - 07/02/1937
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Jason
Oh, no.
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Officer Rooney
Jerry of the circus. Now for Jerry of the circus. Well, Sergeant, the boy is locked up for the night, but I doubt if he'll sleep much. Taking it pretty hard, poor kid.
Sergeant
I sure hate to lock up a youngster like that.
Officer Rooney
Yeah, seems like a nice enough kid, too.
Sergeant
Bad business, though, letting a young boy like that loose on the streets at night.
Officer Rooney
Sure was funny how he kept insisting he belonged to the circus.
Sergeant
I almost believed him. Might have believed him myself if I hadn't remembered that report.
Officer Rooney
Yeah, that o' Brien woman sure described him. I guess he's the boy she's looking for, all right.
Sergeant
He was probably hoping to skip with a circus when it pulls out tonight.
Officer Rooney
Poor kid. It was a pretty good story he told.
Sergeant
Yeah, not quite good enough. Hello.
Jason
Are you the sergeant?
Sergeant
Yes, sir.
Jason
Jason's my name. I'm with the Randall Brothers Circus. I'm looking for one of our boys. Can't seem to find him anywhere, and our train leaves in just 20 minutes. Can you give me some help?
Sergeant
What kind of a boy? What's his name?
Jason
He's just a youngster. His name's Jerry Dugan.
Sergeant
Jerry Dugan?
Jason
Yeah. Have you seen him?
Sergeant
Seen him? We got him locked up. Locked up?
Jason
For what? What's he done?
Sergeant
Well, we're not sure that he's done anything, but Officer Rooney here picked him up a little while ago. He was roaming around town whistling for his dog.
Jason
Well, there's no harm in that, is there?
Sergeant
No, but I check through the missing persons files and finds he answers the description of a boy. A woman has preferred charges against a Mrs. O'. Brien.
Jason
Charges against Jerry for what?
Sergeant
Seems he disappeared owing to board Bill.
Jason
Oh, but the boy belongs with the circus now.
Sergeant
Yeah, that's what he said.
Jason
But he just joined us today. Mr. Randall, the owner of the circus can vouch for him. He was a great friend of the boy's father. That's why Randall took Jerry on. Gee, it's late. We've got to make that train.
Sergeant
Sorry, but I guess you'll have to stay locked up for the night.
Jason
Listen, Sergeant, can I see the boy? Just for a minute. I want to make sure he's the right one.
Sergeant
Well, all right. Tom, bring Jerry Dugan in here.
Officer Rooney
Yes, sir.
Jason
Now, listen, Sergeant, exactly what is the complaint against this boy?
Sergeant
Well, this Mrs. O' Brien claims he owes her for a couple of weeks. Board and room. Seems she's been trying to get the authorities to find him for the idea of putting him in an orphanage.
Officer Rooney
Orphanage?
Jason
Jerry. Listen, Sergeant, if I pay the bill in cash.
Sergeant
Well, we'll see when it comes up in court tomorrow.
Jason
But we've got that ketchup train in. Good heavens, 15 minutes.
Sergeant
Sorry, but I guess I can't help you.
Jason
But if you'd call this woman on
Sergeant
the Phone now at 3 o' clock in the morning.
Jason
I know it's irregular.
Sergeant
Irregular? It's crazy.
Jason
Sergeant. Supposing you had a son and he was in trouble, but some responsible people wanted to take care of him. Now, if I pay the bill and this woman agrees over the phone to withdraw the charges, well, you won't have any reason to hold him.
Sergeant
It sounds simple, but at this hour.
Jason
Please, Sergeant, it may mean a real future for the boy. I know it's asking a lot, but.
Sergeant
It sure is. But by golly, I'll try. Now, where's her phone number? Now, let me see. I got it right here somewhere.
Officer Rooney
Here he is, Sergeant.
Jerry Dugan
Jason. Jason.
Jason
Jerry Dugan, you monkey. What kind of a mess have you gotten yourself into now?
Jerry Dugan
Well, I was just looking for rags. I had to find him before we left town. I was heading for where we used to live and, well, his policeman arrested me.
Jason
Gosh, look at the time. How about it, Sergeant?
Sergeant
I don't know. Phone's ringing, but she's probably so sound asleep that. Oh, hello. Hello there, Mrs. O'. Brien. Yeah, just a minute. Mrs. O', Brien, this is the police station. Yeah. I'm sorry to disturb you at this hour, but we've picked up the boy that you preferred charges against and. Well, I. Yes, but. Well, now, now, just a minute, please. Now, there's a man down here who wants to pay the boy's bill, but he's leaving town by train in 15 minutes. Yeah, he. He says he won't pay the bill, though, and unless you agree to withdraw the charges so he can take the boy with him. I say he refuses to pay the money unless you're willing to withdraw the charges. Yes, cash. You agree? All right, then. Come down in the morning, sign the release and I'll turn The money over to you. And thank you, Mrs. O'. Brien. It hung up on me. He's a nice customer. Good work.
Jason
What's the amount, Sergeant?
Sergeant
Well, now, let me see. Yeah, here it is. Two weeks room and board, $22.
Jason
22. Okay, sergeant. Here you are.
Sergeant
5 and 5 and 10 is 20 and 2 is 22. All right, sir.
Jason
Thanks, Sergeant. You've done this boy a favor he'll never forget. Come on, Jerry, quick.
Sergeant
Think you'll make the train?
Jason
We've got to.
Jerry Dugan
But. But I can't go, Jason. Not without Rags. I. I'd sooner go to the orphanage.
Jason
But, Jerry, I found Rags. I found him.
Lorenz
You.
Jerry Dugan
You found him?
Sergeant
Sure.
Jerry Dugan
Where?
Jason
Patsy took him down to the train. He's there now. Come on, quick.
Sergeant
Oh, good luck, Jerry.
Jerry Dugan
Goodbye, Sergeant, and thanks.
Jason
Only a few minutes. We've got to make that train.
Jerry Dugan
Is Rags okay? He didn't get hurt, did he?
Jason
No, he's all right. Here's the cab, Jerry. Hop in, driver. Back to the station and step on it.
Jerry Dugan
Yes, sir.
Jason
Yeah, Rags is okay, but he must be kind of sick. Tried to feed him several times, but he wouldn't eat.
Jerry Dugan
Of course not. He never eats anything unless I give it to him. Dad and I train him like that.
Jason
Oh, and that accounts for it. I never saw a dog that wouldn't eat if you offered it some meat.
Jerry Dugan
Where was he, Jason? Where'd you find him?
Jason
He was having the time of his life digging around there. Those ashes after the fire.
Jerry Dugan
Oh, gee whiz. And I looked all over for him. I'm sorry I caused you so much trouble.
Jason
Forget it, Jerry. Any boy that likes his dog that much must have something pretty real way down deep.
Jerry Dugan
Gee, Jason, you think we'll make it in time?
Jason
Sure, Jerry. Sure we will. We've got to.
Officer Rooney
Here's the station.
Jason
There you are. Keep the change.
Officer Rooney
Thank you.
Jason
Quick, Jerry, we'll have to run for it.
Jerry Dugan
Yeah, I. I don't think I can make it.
Jason
You've got to. Here we are.
Lorenz
Give me a hand.
Jason
Come on, hop up. There you go. Just in time, huh, boy?
Jerry Dugan
Gee, thanks, Jason. I.
Jason
Come on, let's get inside. Well, you turned out to be quite a sprinter after all. Jerry.
Jerry Dugan
Jerry. Jason.
Patsy
I was afraid you missed the train, not us.
Jerry Dugan
Hello, Patsy. Where's Rags? You got him?
Patsy
I surely have. He's down at the end of the car.
Jerry Dugan
Gee, Rags. Rags.
Patsy
Look at that dog run.
Jerry Dugan
Rags. You crazy little mutt. See, I was afraid I'd never see you again. You know, Jason, I don't think that
Jason
dog likes that Boy, I'm sure that boy doesn't like that dog much.
Jerry Dugan
Rags, if you ever go up like that again, I'll. Oh, is that so? You don't say. Oh, no.
Patsy
If your face wasn't clean, Jerry, certainly she should be by now.
Jason
Rag, stop licking his face.
Jerry Dugan
You see, he feels just like I do. You do see that I couldn't leave him, don't you?
Patsy
Of course we do, Jerry. It's pretty late, though. Don't you think you better get some sleep? Remember, we've got to get up bright and early.
Jerry Dugan
Where am I supposed to sleep?
Jason
Randall said you were to bunk me in with Lawrence and Decca. They have compartment B down there at the end of the car.
Patsy
Yes, and they're probably in bed already.
Jason
Guess you'd better turn in, Jerry.
Jerry Dugan
Aw, gee, can't I sit up a while and talk? Golly, I'm so excited I'm sure I can't sleep yet.
Patsy
You should be excited. You join a circus, put your dog in an act and help put out a fire. Lose your dog and get in jail all in one day.
Jason
Well, it's been a big enough day for me. I'm turning in.
Patsy
Excuse me. The sandman is certainly calling me. Well, see you in the morning. Oh, say, Jerry.
Jerry Dugan
Yeah?
Patsy
I mailed that letter to dad and asked him if he knew anything about your uncle.
Jerry Dugan
Oh, you did? Gee, thanks, Patsy. Good night. Good night, Jerry.
Patsy
Good night, Jason.
Jason
Good night, Patsy. Well, Jerry, we're on our way. It'll be another year before we play Midvale again. Guess you're not sorry to leave, are you?
Jerry Dugan
No, I'm glad. I was awful lonesome after dad died.
Jason
I know, but time is a great healer. And you're going to find a lot of happiness, Jerry. You've got a big life ahead of you.
Jerry Dugan
Here comes Lorenz.
Jason
So he wasn't in his room.
Jerry Dugan
Stop growling, Legs. I never knew him to growl at anyone like that before. Rags, behead.
Lorenz
Growling at me again, eh? I thought we had good riddance of this dog. So you found the kid too, eh?
Jason
Yeah, found him just in time to make the train.
Lorenz
Well, I turn in now.
Jerry Dugan
I'll be in soon.
Lorenz
Don't hurry on my account. Where is this going? B C being here is. This is my order. Decker. Decker, what you doing with that gun out?
Officer Rooney
I don't know.
Lorenz
I told you to keep your hands off that gun.
Officer Rooney
I'm sorry.
Lorenz
That boy will be in any moment. But you got a craving for guns. You get us in trouble yet?
Officer Rooney
I'm sorry, Lorenz, I just looking at it It's a fine pistol.
Lorenz
It will serve the purpose if it is not discovered before we have a
Jason
chance to use it.
Lorenz
Here, I put it away.
Jason
It's.
Officer Rooney
It won't happen again.
Lorenz
It better not. I guess I hide it from the baby who likes to play with cotton. Now listen, Decker, get this straight before the kid comes in. Everything will work out if.
Officer Rooney
If what?
Lorenz
If we are careful and follow the plan. Now, tomorrow is payday.
Sergeant
Yes.
Lorenz
Bennett will bring money to the office wagon as usual.
Sergeant
Yes.
Lorenz
Here's what we do. I file the lock from the office wagon. Then I go inside and wait for it. You watch outside and when careful, dare not knock, huh? Well, I. Snooping at the door, huh? What do you hear?
Jerry Dugan
Nothing. I just came in. I didn't hear anything. Honest.
Officer Rooney
He wasn't snooping. Lorenz. How are you, Jerry? Well. And Red, glad they found you.
Jerry Dugan
Thanks, Decker. I guess I better get to bed.
Officer Rooney
There's your bunk over there.
Jerry Dugan
Come on, rags, up you go. I haven't got any pajamas. Guess I'll have to sleep in my shirt tonight. Well, good night.
Officer Rooney
Good night, Jerry. Have a good sleep.
Jerry Dugan
Oh, this bed feels good.
Liberty Mutual Spokesperson 1
And, Doug, there's nowhere I wouldn't go to help someone customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual. Even if it means sitting front row at a comedy show.
Liberty Mutual Spokesperson 2
Hey, everyone. Check out this guy and his bird. What is this, your first date?
Jason
Oh, no.
Liberty Mutual Spokesperson 1
We help people customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual together. We're married. Me to a human, him to a bird.
Liberty Mutual Spokesperson 2
Yeah, the bird looks out of your league.
Liberty Mutual Spokesperson 1
Anyways, get a quote@liberty mutual.com or with your local agent.
Liberty Mutual Spokesperson 2
Liberty.
Jason
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Podcast: Harold’s Old Time Radio
Episode Date: May 14, 2026
Theme: Classic radio drama from the "Golden Age" – today’s focus is on an eventful night for Jerry and his friends in the Randall Brothers Circus.
This episode follows the dramatic escapade of Jerry Dugan, a young member of the Randall Brothers Circus. Detained by the local police due to outstanding charges brought by Mrs. O’Brien, Jerry’s fate hangs in the balance as the circus is set to leave town. Jason from the circus intervenes, leading to a tense negotiation with the police in an attempt to free Jerry before the circus train departs. The episode is filled with warmth, danger, and a touch of mystery as the story moves from the police station back to the bustling life of the circus.
Jason’s Empathy:
[04:30] Jason (to Sergeant):
“Supposing you had a son and he was in trouble, but some responsible people wanted to take care of him…”
(Heartfelt plea demonstrating Jason’s fatherly concern for Jerry)
Reunion Relief:
[09:13] Patsy: “Look at that dog run.”
Jerry Dugan: “Rags. You crazy little mutt. See, I was afraid I’d never see you again.”
Comic Relief after a Rough Day:
[10:09] Patsy: “You join a circus, put your dog in an act and help put out a fire. Lose your dog and get in jail, all in one day.”
Looking Forward:
[10:49] Jason: “You’re going to find a lot of happiness, Jerry. You’ve got a big life ahead of you.”
The episode remains true to the rich, warm, and adventurous tone classic radio dramas are known for. Dialogue is earnest and a little melodramatic, capturing the innocence, stakes, and camaraderie of a circus family — all while hinting at darker subplots to come. There’s humor, suspense, and a deep sense of community and loyalty running through every scene.
This episode is a great example of the classic radio serial format — weaving a suspenseful but ultimately heartwarming story about found families and the lengths people will go to protect each other. Jason steps up to save Jerry, ensuring he has a place with the circus and doesn’t end up in an orphanage, while also highlighting strong character dynamics and teasing further drama within the tight-knit circus community. The reunion with Rags provides emotional closure, but the episode ends with the promise of mystery and tension just around the corner.
For listeners seeking nostalgia, family adventure, or just a dose of Golden Age drama, “Jason Pays the Twenty Two Dollars” ticks every box, offering both comfort and intrigue in just over ten minutes.