Jerry of the Circus - Jason Pays the Twenty Two Dollars

Summary

Podcast Summary: Jerry of the Circus – “Jason Pays the Twenty Two Dollars”

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.

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Episode Overview

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.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Highlights

1. Jerry’s Arrest and Predicament

• [02:16] “I sure hate to lock up a youngster like that.” – Sergeant expresses regret over holding Jerry.
• Jerry was picked up wandering the town looking for his beloved dog, Rags.
• The police suspect he’s a runaway matching the description from a missing persons report filed by Mrs. O’Brien, who claims he owes her two weeks’ board.

2. Jason’s Intervention at the Police Station

• [02:51] Jason arrives, explaining Jerry just joined the circus and is vouched for by Mr. Randall.
• [03:19] Sergeant: “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 pleads to pay the debt if charges are dropped, pushing the Sergeant to an unusual negotiation given the late hour.

3. Negotiating Jerry’s Release

• [04:30] Jason makes a heartfelt plea:
  “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.”
• The Sergeant relents and calls Mrs. O’Brien.
• [05:17] Mrs. O’Brien eventually agrees. Jason pays the $22 owed.

4. Reunion with Rags and the Race to the Train

• [06:38] Jerry: “But I can’t go, Jason. Not without Rags. I’d sooner go to the orphanage.”
• Jason reveals Rags has been found and is waiting at the train.
• Fast-paced cab ride and chase to make the circus train in time.
• [08:14] Jerry: “Gee, Jason, you think we’ll make it in time?” Jason: “Sure, Jerry. Sure we will. We’ve got to.”

5. Back with Friends – Warmth and Resolution

• [09:03] “Hello, Patsy. Where’s Rags? You got him?” – Jerry is reunited with his faithful dog, Rags.
• Patsy and Jason reassure Jerry, teasingly noting all they accomplished in one hectic day.
• [09:54] Jason: “Randall said you were to bunk in with Lawrence and Decca. They have compartment B.”
• Patsy mentions she's written to her father about Jerry’s uncle, hinting at more family developments to come.

6. Hints of Trouble Ahead

• [10:59–11:53] A shadow of suspicion emerges as Lorenz and Decker have a secretive conversation about a plan involving a gun and an upcoming payday theft in the circus. Jerry nearly overhears their plotting, raising tension and foreshadowing future conflicts.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• 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.”

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Important Timestamps

• [02:16] Jerry’s arrest discussed by officers
• [02:51] Jason appears at station, begins negotiation
• [05:17] Sergeant calls and convinces Mrs. O’Brien to drop charges
• [06:24-06:32] Jason pays the $22 in cash; Jerry is released
• [07:17] Jerry learns where Rags was found
• [08:23] They arrive at the train station just in time
• [09:03] Jerry is reunited with Patsy and Rags on the train
• [10:59] Lorenz and Decker’s conspiratorial conversation
• [12:09] Jerry enters, tension rises as conspirators cover their plan

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Tone & Style

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.

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Summary for New Listeners

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.

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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.

Transcript

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[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson 2]

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[Jason]

Oh, no.

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[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson 2]

Yeah, the bird looks out of your league.

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[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson 2]

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[Jason]

Liberty.

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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]

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[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]

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[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson 2]

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[Jason]

Liberty.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson 2]

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