Jerry of the Circus - Jerry in Jail

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Jerry of the Circus – Jerry in Jail

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Harolds Old Time Radio
Episode Date: May 14, 2026

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Episode Overview

In this classic episode of "Jerry of the Circus," listeners are immersed in a heart-tugging tale set during the heyday of traveling circuses. The focus is on young Jerry Dugan, whose loyalty to his dog Rags leads him into trouble just as the circus is about to leave town. The episode deftly explores themes of loyalty, family, hardship, and the challenges faced by orphans during this nostalgic period. The drama is heightened as misunderstanding and misfortune land Jerry in jail on the eve of a crucial circus departure.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Jerry’s Desperation to Find Rags (02:10–05:27)

• Setting: The circus has suffered a fire, and in the chaos, Rags the dog goes missing.
• Jerry confides in Whitey, a circus worker:
  • Jerry expresses that Rags is all the family he has left, emphasizing their bond and hardships shared in the past.
  • Quote:
    Jerry Dugan (02:49): “You don't understand. He's all a family I got, except an uncle I can't even find. Gee, Whitey, we've been hungry together.”
• Whitey’s Response: While sympathetic, Whitey urges Jerry to prioritize the circus and gives him practical advice and food (apples) but refuses to give him money, trying to impress responsibility on Jerry.
• Jerry’s resolve: Despite Whitey’s advice, Jerry insists he must find Rags even if it means risking missing the circus.

2. Jerry’s Search and Predicament (05:27–09:09)

• Jerry wanders the streets calling for Rags:
  • He attracts the attention of Police Officer Tom, who is suspicious due to recent petty thefts in the area.
  • Jerry tries to explain, but his answers make the officer more wary.
  • Quote:
    Police Officer Tom (06:16): “Looking for my dog?”
    Jerry Dugan: “Yes, sir.”
    Police Officer Tom (06:20): “At 2:00 o’clock in the morning?”
  • Eventually, Jerry is taken to the station for “vagrancy” and unpaid rent, and is threatened with being sent to an orphanage due to a complaint from Mrs. O'Brien, the landlady.
  • Quote:
    Sergeant (09:06): “Well, I’m afraid that clinches it, son. Guess we’ll have to lock you up for the night.”
  • Jerry pleads not to be put in jail, fearing for Rags and the circus’s departure.
  • Quote:
    Jerry Dugan (09:59): “No, I won’t. Anyhow, how can I sleep with Rags gone and the circus gone and... and it’ll be just too late.”

3. The Circus Community’s Concern (10:55–12:46)

• Scene shifts to the circus lot:
  • Patsy, Jason, and other circus members discuss Jerry’s absence, expressing worry and searching for him.
  • Key revelation: Jason has found Rags and is caring for him, unaware of Jerry’s predicament.
  • Patsy shares a humorous and heartwarming moment from the previous night, when Rags unexpectedly joined Bumps the Clown’s act, delighting the audience.
  • Quote:
    Patsy (11:32): “Well, Rags followed Bumps into the ring last night and went through a routine that had the audience laughing so they were practically in the aisle.”
• Consensus:
  • Patsy believes Jerry won't return without Rags, underscoring their bond.
  • Jason takes a taxi to search for Jerry, with Patsy urging him to check the police station.

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Memorable Quotes & Moments

• On Jerry’s Attachment:
  Whitey (04:44): “Jerry, it's great to feel that way about a dog. I'm proud of you. But your life belongs to the circus…the circus has to go on.”
• On being homeless and alone:
  Jerry Dugan (09:28): “Yeah, that’s true. Dad just died only last week.”
• On circus camaraderie:
  Patsy (11:32): “I laughed, so I cried and had to do my makeup all over again before going on with my own act.”

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• 02:10–05:27: Jerry and Whitey discuss loss, hunger, and the importance of Rags.
• 05:48–08:09: Jerry’s search attracts a police officer’s attention; he’s questioned and detained.
• 08:11–10:18: At the police station, Jerry’s past and predicament unravel, leading to his temporary imprisonment.
• 10:55–12:46: The circus community searches for Jerry as they prepare to depart; Rags is safe but separated.
• 11:32: Heartwarming recounting of Rags’s circus performance.

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Tone and Language

The dialogue is earnest and period-authentic, filled with colloquial expressions and heartfelt emotion. Jerry’s youthful innocence and stubbornness are apparent, while the adults display a blend of concern, practicality, and bureaucratic detachment. There are moments of comic relief, particularly in Patsy’s retelling of Rags’s accidental circus debut. The overarching mood is anxious but hopeful.

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Conclusion

This episode masterfully delivers the tension of a classic serial adventure, exploring the insecurity of youth, the importance of companionship, and the bonds that form within a circus family. The journey is left unresolved—listeners are left eager to discover whether Jerry will be freed, reunited with Rags, and rejoin the circus. The dramatization, with strong period flavor and emotional stakes, is a standout installment of “Jerry of the Circus.”

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Transcript

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[Whitey]

Liberty.

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[Police Officer Tom]

Jerry of the circus.

[Whitey]

Now for Jerry of the circus.

[Jerry Dugan]

Whitey. Whitey.

[Whitey]

Hello? Oh, it's you, Jerry.

[Jerry Dugan]

Hi there.

[Whitey]

I wondered where you disappeared to. Thought you were coming back to help me with the horses.

[Jerry Dugan]

I was, Whitey, but Rags is gone.

[Whitey]

Rags?

[Jerry Dugan]

Yeah, I locked him up in our wagon. But during the fire, somehow he must have got out. When I got back, the door was open and he must have got frightened by the fire or something. I don't know. He never runs away.

[Whitey]

Rags is your dog, huh?

[Jerry Dugan]

Yeah, and he's all I got. Whitey. I just can't go away without him.

[Whitey]

Nonsense, son. The circus will be out of here in a couple hours. You're not going to stay behind because of some little mud dog.

[Jerry Dugan]

You don't understand. He's all a family I got, except an uncle I can't even find. Gee, whitie, we've been hungry together. You don't understand.

[Whitey]

I guess I kind of get the idea, kid. You sure he's not in the circus lot any place?

[Jerry Dugan]

I don't see how he could be. I've been calling him for hours, seems like. And I've been trying to watch all the wagons and things as they headed for the station.

[Whitey]

Oh, you poor kid. Listen, I gotta keep moving, but jump on and I'll take you on into town. He may have followed some of the audience during the fire. Amy's gone back to where you used to live.

[Jerry Dugan]

Gee, I never thought of that. Golly, I'm dumb.

[Whitey]

No, you're not. You're just plumb tired out. You've had enough excitement in the past 12 hours. The last most boys a month of Sundays. Hop on. I gotta get moving. Hot boy.

[Jerry Dugan]

Gee, but it's good to sit down for a while.

[Whitey]

Hmm. I thought you were kinda done up. Had anything to eat?

[Jerry Dugan]

Not since dinner.

[Whitey]

That was six, and now it's after two. Reach under the seat there. You'll find a bag of apples.

[Jerry Dugan]

Oh, thanks. Guess I am kind of hungry. Boy. Ear. Rags. I want to be sure I Don't pass him on the way in.

[Whitey]

Well, you'll probably find them back where you used to live. Dogs usually go back home.

[Jerry Dugan]

You're right. Of course, we haven't had much of a home. He probably doesn't know yet. Our home's in the wagon I locked him up in. I just gotta find him. We just gotta stay with this circus. Rags. Rags, wait. Where are you going, Whitey?

[Liberty Mutual Customer]

Oh.

[Whitey]

Oh, that's right. This is a shortcut to the station. I forgot. We missed part of the town. This way. You want to get off here?

[Jerry Dugan]

Yeah, we were staying in a boarding house just a little ways from here.

[Whitey]

Hi there. Easy, boy. Hi. Now listen, Jerry. When you get down to that station, shore by a quarter of three, that's when the last train pulls out.

[Jerry Dugan]

If I find Rags, I will.

[Whitey]

Jerry, it's great to feel that way about a dog. I'm proud of you. But your life belongs to the circus. The way you helped out at that far tonight.

[Jerry Dugan]

Aw, that was nothing and was everything.

[Whitey]

We need boys and men like you. Now get that dog if you can. But remember, the circus has to go on. And you don't want to throw away your whole life just for.

[Jerry Dugan]

Thanks, Whitey, but I can't give up Rags. But if I don't find him in time, you can just bet I'll get back to the circus somehow.

[Whitey]

Got any money?

[Jerry Dugan]

No, but.

[Whitey]

Well, then how you going to eat?

[Jerry Dugan]

Well, I can work.

[Whitey]

Oh, you're too young. They'll pick you up and put you in an orphanage or something. Listen, son, I could give you some money, but I'm not going to. You get to that station, dog or no dog. See? Bye, kid.

[Sergeant]

Good luck up there.

[Whitey]

See you later, Jerry.

[Jerry Dugan]

So long. See you later, I hope. Rags. Rags, where are you? Rags, where are you? Rags. Rags. It's getting cold. Rags.

[Whitey]

Hey. Hey.

[Police Officer Tom]

What are you yelling for? This is a decent neighborhood. Folks want to sleep.

[Jerry Dugan]

Sorry, mister, I lost my dog.

[Police Officer Tom]

I'll wait until morning.

[Patsy]

Gee.

[Jerry Dugan]

Rags. Rags. Rags.

[Police Officer Tom]

Well, what's up, kid?

[Jerry Dugan]

Oh, hello, mister.

[Police Officer Tom]

You live around here?

[Jerry Dugan]

No, I.

[Police Officer Tom]

Well, what you doing in this neighborhood?

[Jerry Dugan]

Looking for my dog.

[Police Officer Tom]

Yeah? At 2:00 clock in the morning?

[Jerry Dugan]

Yes, sir.

[Police Officer Tom]

Where do you live?

[Jerry Dugan]

Well, I.

[Police Officer Tom]

Quit stalling now.

[Jerry Dugan]

I'm not. I live with a circus.

[Police Officer Tom]

Yeah, it's leaving town.

[Jerry Dugan]

I know. That's why I gotta get my dog before they.

[Police Officer Tom]

Sorry, son, but I gotta run you in. What you got in your pockets? Nothing good. All right, get moving.

[Jerry Dugan]

But I haven't done anything.

[Police Officer Tom]

Maybe not, but there's been some Petty thieving on this beat the last few nights. And we got orders to run in anyone at this time of night who can't explain what they're doing. Come on, get going.

[Jerry Dugan]

But I can't explain. Gee, mister, please don't take me in. I just gotta get that dog. The train's leaving in about an hour.

[Police Officer Tom]

All right, all right. You can explain it to the desk sergeant. You got plenty of time to make that train.

[Jerry Dugan]

But I gotta get my dog.

[Police Officer Tom]

Here we are, kid. Here's the radio car. Won't take a minute to check your story. All right, get in. There we are. Now, no tricks, kid.

[Jerry Dugan]

Honest, mister, I've been trying to find my dog all evening. He got away from the wagon and must have got frightened while they were moving the circus.

[Police Officer Tom]

I thought you said you belonged to the circus.

[Jerry Dugan]

We do.

[Police Officer Tom]

Then why'd he be scared? Ain't he used to moving?

[Jerry Dugan]

Well, you see, we just joined just today.

[Police Officer Tom]

Oh, so you live around here, eh?

[Jerry Dugan]

No, we. We just been here a few weeks.

[Police Officer Tom]

Where'd you stay?

[Jerry Dugan]

Well, I.

[Police Officer Tom]

We stayed funnier and funnier. You'll have to tell a better story to the desk circle sergeant. Well, here we are. Out you get. All right, come on in here now. Hello, Serge.

[Sergeant]

Oh, Top. Well, where'd you get the boy?

[Police Officer Tom]

I picked him up in the wood lawn section.

[Sergeant]

Yeah, Pretty young. What's your name, son?

[Jerry Dugan]

Jerry Dugan.

[Sergeant]

Jerry Dugan, huh?

[Police Officer Tom]

Dugan.

[Sergeant]

That's funny. That name's familiar. Hey, wait a minute. That's the name of the boy that o' Brien woman sent in the complaint about. The kid that skipped owing rent. Had a dog, I think. Now, let me look through these files.

[Police Officer Tom]

Oh, yeah. Well, it ties in. Then. This kid claimed he was looking for his dog. What kind of dog was it?

[Jerry Dugan]

White and not so big and kind of curly.

[Sergeant]

Ah, here it is. Yep, that's what I thought. Jerry Dugan, a miner. Wanted two weeks rent. And let me see. Yeah, you got freckles, all right. Brown hair, blue eyes, about 11. And a white dog.

[Police Officer Tom]

There was no dog with him.

[Jerry Dugan]

That's what I told you. I was looking for him.

[Sergeant]

Well, I'm afraid that clinches it, son. Guess we'll have to lock you up for the night.

[Jerry Dugan]

Oh, no, not tonight. Gee, you can't do that.

[Police Officer Tom]

What do you mean, can't?

[Jerry Dugan]

Oh, I. I mean, but, gee, the circus is leaving town in about an hour and. And I.

[Police Officer Tom]

Still sticking to that circus yarny.

[Jerry Dugan]

But honest, it's true. Gee, mister, can't you believe me?

[Sergeant]

There'll be plenty of Time to check on that tomorrow. You see, in this report, it says you're an orphan.

[Jerry Dugan]

Yeah, that's true. Dad just died only last week.

[Sergeant]

Well, I'm sorry, son, but you see, this lady. What's her name?

[Police Officer Tom]

Mrs. O'. Brien.

[Sergeant]

Yeah, Mrs. O'. Brien. She says she's trying to arrange to have the boy put in an orphanage.

[Jerry Dugan]

Oh, no, you can't do that.

[Sergeant]

I'm afraid I wouldn't have anything to do with that.

[Jerry Dugan]

But. But an orphanage?

[Sergeant]

Why, they'd take good care of you, good food.

[Jerry Dugan]

Oh, no.

[Sergeant]

Well, we'll see about all that in the morning, buddy.

[Jerry Dugan]

No, you can't do that to me.

[Sergeant]

Now, now, now, just take it easy. You get a good night's sleep and then you'll feel different.

[Jerry Dugan]

No, I won't. Anyhow, how can I sleep with Rags gone and the circus gone and. And it'll be just too late.

[Sergeant]

Sorry, but with all the wood lawn trouble the past few nights and you being at large according to the claim of this o' Brien woman, I can't let you go without checking pretty thoroughly. Tom, put him in 113. Night, kid.

[Jerry Dugan]

No, please. My dog. You can't put me in jail. You can't. I don't want him. Please let me alone. I don't want to go to jail.

[Patsy]

Jason.

[Jerry Dugan]

Jason.

[Patsy]

Have they found Jerry?

[Jason]

No, Patsy, but I've been talking to Whitey. Seems he picked the kid up and drove him toward town. He was looking for rag. But why do you think he'll be here by a quarter to three? He told him 15 minutes earlier than the train pulls out, so he'd be

[Whitey]

sure and make it.

[Patsy]

But it's almost three now and Jerry's not here. You don't think he could have gotten into any trouble, do you?

[Sergeant]

No.

[Jason]

Now, don't you worry your pretty head about Jerry. He'll get here.

[Patsy]

Patsy, Bumps told me that you'd found Ray.

[Jason]

Yeah, he was having a wonderful time sniffing around the ashes. I was afraid he'd get run over with all those wagons and things, so I locked him up in my place. I tried to feed him, but he acted funny. I guess he's not feeling so well.

[Patsy]

Poor little mutt. All that excitement of doing his act and everything.

[Jason]

What do you mean, doing his act?

[Patsy]

Didn't you hear?

[Jason]

No.

[Patsy]

Well, Rags followed Bumps into the ring last night and went through a routine that had the audience laughing so they were practically in the aisle.

[Whitey]

You don't mean it.

[Patsy]

Yes, I do. I heard Mr. Randall say that they were going to put the dog in the act, Bumps, was, please pink. I never saw anyone so surprised as Bumps. When he found that dog following him. He was crazier than usual trying to get that pup out of the ring. Gee, what a trooper that clown is. Best in the business. I laughed, so I cried and had to do my makeup all over again before going on with my own act.

[Jason]

He's a cute dog, all right. Funny thing, he wouldn't eat. I got him a nice bone from the cook's tent.

[Patsy]

Jason, it's 20 minutes of three. Jerry's not here yet. He won't come without that dog.

[Jason]

Sure he will.

[Patsy]

No, he won't. Jason. I know he worships that dog. He'd give up the circus and everything for it.

[Jerry Dugan]

And.

[Patsy]

And you've got the dog and he doesn't even know it. You've just got to find him, Jason.

[Jason]

Well, I've no idea where to look. I say, just a minute. Hey, taxi.

[Whitey]

Taxi, mister?

[Jason]

Yeah, just a minute. Listen, Patsy, I'll cruise around town in that taxi for a few minutes. I might just happen to see him.

[Patsy]

But, Jason.

[Jason]

Don't worry. I'll catch the train. All right. You stay here and keep a lookout for Jerry. He might get back before I do.

[Jerry Dugan]

Good luck.

[Patsy]

And Jason, you might try the police station.

[Jason]

Quick, driver, step on it. Right through town it.

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