Jerry of the Circus - Jerry Inherits Forty Acres

Summary

---

Podcast Summary: Harold’s Old Time Radio – Jerry of the Circus: Jerry Inherits Forty Acres

Date: May 21, 2026
Host: Harold’s Old Time Radio
Episode Theme:
A heartfelt adventure from the classic radio series “Jerry of the Circus,” spotlighting a turning point in young Jerry’s life as he discovers his inheritance and tries to save a beloved circus colt, Splendor.

---

Episode Overview

This episode delivers a dual story of hope, responsibility, and compassion. Young Jerry receives news about inheriting land—forty acres in Montana—while simultaneously rallying to help his friend Whitey tend to the critically ill circus colt, Splendor. Through camaraderie and quick thinking, Jerry provides emotional support to his friends, both human and animal, reflecting the golden values of classic radio serials.

---

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Excitement Over a Telegram

• Jerry rushes through his morning chores, hinting at great anticipation.
• [02:51] Jerry: “There’s a telegram for me over at the office wagon—it’s from Mr. Grayson about the safety deposit box.”
• His friends Bumps and others express mutual hope that the long-awaited news is good.

2. Splendor’s Sickness

• Alongside his personal hopes, Jerry is committed to helping Whitey care for Splendor, a young colt gravely ill with what is suspected to be pneumonia (distemper).
• [03:08] Jerry: “When I get through finding out about the telegram, I have to hurry right over to the horse stop and help Whitey with Splendor... he’s awful sick.”

3. The Contents of the Safety Deposit Box

• With Mr. Randall, Jerry opens Mr. Grayson's telegram.
• [04:54] Jerry (reading): “Open deposit box. Contents, family papers, photograph of your mother...deed to 40 acres of property in Montana in name of Timothy Dugan. Last will is all to you.”
• Jerry is overjoyed by the inheritance and sentimental over the photograph of his mother.
• [05:14] Jerry: “Boy, I think that’s keen, don’t you?...The property might have gold or even oil!”

4. Realism and Hope

• Randall tempers Jerry’s enthusiasm, noting much of Montana is open plain, though he reassures Jerry that it must have some value.
• [05:28] Randall: “Well, Montana’s a big state, and a great deal of it is just wide open plain.”

5. Care for Splendor

• Jerry hurries over to help Whitey and learns Splendor has “distemper”—the animal term for pneumonia.

• Only warmth and hope can help now; the doctor says, “if Splendor gets through the day, he’ll have a fifty-fifty chance.” ([08:15])

• Jerry suggests bringing the colt’s mother, Lady, nearby for comfort, and comes up with a practical solution: swapping out warm blankets from the forge or stove to help keep Splendor warm.

  Memorable moment:

  • [09:21] Jerry: “I thought maybe if those blankets were warmed, it might help some...always keeping a warm blanket next to him.”

  • [09:42] Whitey: “Well, there’s a fire in the forge. Now go ahead and take one of those blankets and get it warm.”

6. Animal Compassion and Bonding

• The group observes how the presence of Lady lifts Splendor’s spirits—with Whitey sharing stories about animal friendships on his childhood farm, highlighting the “strange animal friendships” that carry a healing power.
• [12:04] Whitey: “Speaking of strange animal friendships...reminds me of a funny thing that happened with an old mule and a goat—mule wouldn’t do a lick of work unless the goat was running beside her.”

7. Resilience and Planning for the Circus’ Return

• Brief discussion about recovering from a cyclone—the circus is patching damage and planning for their next show.
• [10:05] Randall: “Yes, yes, I think we will, Whitey. The extra canvas I sent for should get into Harper City before we arrive.”

8. Anxious Vigil and Hopeful Resolve

• Whitey leaves Jerry to watch over Splendor, entrusting him with the colt’s care.
• Jerry remains optimistic, determined that the colt will pull through.
• [11:18] Jerry: “No, sir, he’s going to get better.”

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• [04:54] Jerry (reading telegram):
  “Deed to 40 acres of property in Montana in name of Timothy Dugan. Last will is all to you and probating will and having property transferred to your name.”

• [08:15] Whitey (on Splendor):
  “He said the little horse was pretty bad off. However, he did say if Splendor gets through the day, he’ll have a fifty-fifty chance.”

• [09:21] Jerry (innovative care idea):
  “I thought maybe if those blankets were warmed, it might help some... always keeping a warm blanket next to him.”

• [12:36] Whitey (on his farm animals):
  “It got so the mule wouldn’t do a lick of work unless the goat was running along beside her.”

• [11:18] Jerry (determined):
  “No, sir, he’s going to get better.”

---

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [02:51] – Jerry learns about the telegram regarding his inheritance
• [04:54] – Full reading and discussion of the telegram’s contents
• [07:14] – Doctor reports on Splendor; prognosis is grim
• [09:21] – Jerry’s plan to keep Splendor warm
• [10:05] – Plans for circus recovery post-cyclone
• [12:04] – Whitey’s animal friendship story
• [13:03] – Splendor appears to worsen, Jerry stands vigil

---

Episode Tone and Style

Heart-warming, earnest, and practical—with a touch of boyish optimism from Jerry and gentle wisdom from the adults and circus workers around him. The camaraderie among the circus folk and their love for the animals provide a window into the spirit of classic radio storytelling, where every challenge is met with community, resourcefulness, and hope.

---

Transcript

[A]

Pros save more on the materials you need to get the job done inside and out at Lowe's. Right now, get 10 off in stock Trex Naturals decking now available in more styles. Plus get 15% off select custom entry, interior and storm doors. Then we'll deliver it all straight to your job site. To help keep your jobs moving, get the brand's pros trust priced right and ready when you need them. Our best lineup is here at Lowe's, valid through 527, while supplies last selection varies by location.

[B]

Jerry of the Circus.

[C]

Sam. Ram.

[B]

Now for Jerry of the Circus.

[D]

Now hold still there, boy. Rags, you're gonna get your Coleman impression whether you want it or not. Yes, sir. You gotta get your beauty treatment. Oh, now what? Oh, it's Jerry, huh,

[B]

boy?

[D]

Never mind, never mind. Looks like our friend Jerry's in quite a hurry.

[E]

Hey, Bubs, where's my work shoes?

[D]

Let's see now, aren't they.

[E]

Never mind. I found them.

[D]

Seems like you're in a mighty big rush, young fella.

[E]

Yeah, I am.

[D]

Well, what's the hurry?

[E]

I'll be right out soon as I get this other shoe on.

[D]

Well, I don't know when I've seen you move so fast.

[E]

I've got plenty to do today.

[D]

You must have.

[E]

There, I'm all set.

[D]

Well, you're gonna let me in on the reason for this burst of speed?

[E]

Sure. Well, in the first place, there's a telegram for me over at the office wagon.

[D]

Oh, Telegram.

[E]

It's from Mr. Grayson about the safety deposit box.

[D]

Well, now, that's sure good news, Jerry. You've been waiting an awful long time to hear about it. I hope it's the kind of news you've been waiting for.

[E]

Me too.

[D]

But that doesn't explain why you put on your work shoes.

[E]

Well, when I get through finding out about the telegram, I have to hurry right over to the horse stop and help Whitey with Splendor. Oh, didn't you know? Splendor's awful sick with pneumonia or something like that.

[D]

Oh, say, that's too bad. I did hear he wasn't feeling so good, but I didn't think it was so serious.

[E]

I don't know what I can do to help, but I promised Waddy I'd be sure to be there to do all I can.

[D]

Oh, sure, Jerry. You should see what you can do. You and that culprit pretty good pals. And if he's sick, you don't want to let him down. Now, you go ahead and run along now.

[E]

There's Nothing you wanted me for, was there?

[D]

Oh, no, no, not a thing, Jerry. This is not much for any of us to do until we can get the circus back in order again and get out on the road.

[E]

Well, I'll have to hurry then. No, Rags, you can't come with me. You stay here with Bunny. See you later.

[D]

Okay, Jerry. I'll be right around here when you get through. Bumps.

[E]

I'll let you know what's in the telegram when I get through at the horse stop.

[D]

Okay.

[E]

Oh, Mr. Randall. Mr. Randall.

[F]

Yes, Jerry?

[E]

I. I was just going over the office wagon.

[B]

Good. That's just where I'm heading for.

[E]

You got my telegram over there, haven't you?

[B]

Oh, yes, Jerry. Slipped my mind for a minute. I've had so much to think about.

[E]

I guess you have?

[B]

Yes, sir. That cyclone was just about the worst thing I've ever encountered. Yeah, but we'll get rolling again.

[F]

All right.

[B]

Go ahead, Jerry.

[E]

Okay.

[B]

Now, let's see. Where did I put that wire of yours? Jim and Mr. Thomas and I have had so much figuring to do. My desk is pretty much upset.

[F]

Oh.

[B]

Oh, here we are. Here it is, Jerry.

[E]

Thanks. Boy, I sure hope it's good news.

[B]

I do, too.

[E]

Shall I read it?

[B]

Yes, yes, go ahead. Let's see what it is.

[E]

All right. Open deposit box. Contents, family papers, photograph of your mother and only thing of entrance.

[B]

Entrance Intrinsic.

[E]

Intrinsic value. Deed to 40 acres of property in Montana in name of Timothy Dugan. Last will is all to you and probating will and having property transferred to your name. We'll send particulars indeed by mail later. Richard Grayson.

[B]

Well, Jerry, that's what you've been waiting so long to hear.

[E]

Boy, I think that's keen, don't you? Well, the property might have gold on it or even oil. Well, I'll bet it's worth a lot.

[B]

Let's hope so.

[E]

Anyway, it must be real valuable or dad wouldn't have bought it in the first place. What's the matter? You don't seem very happy about it.

[B]

Well, Montana's a big stage area, and a great deal of it is just wide open plain.

[E]

Yeah, but. Oh, don't you think it must be valuable?

[B]

Yeah, sure, Jerry. The property must have some value. No doubt Mr. Grayson will find out something about it and let you know.

[E]

Maybe it's got a silver mine on it.

[B]

Well, you'll find out pretty soon. Now, at least the suspense of knowing what was in the box is over with.

[E]

Oh, I couldn't hardly ask for more. Just think, I own 40 acres of land. That's pretty good, I think.

[B]

Not bad, Jerry. Not bad at all for a boy like you.

[E]

There's a picture of my mother, too. I'm sure glad I'm going to get that.

[B]

Yeah. Yes, that is nice, Jerry. Well, careful with that wire now.

[E]

I will. I'm gonna put it right here in my pocket. I want to show it to Bumps after I get through. At the horse stop, I mean.

[B]

Oh, you gonna help Whitey out a little?

[E]

Yeah. Splendor's pretty sick, I guess.

[B]

Well, I think I'll take a walk over there with you and see just how bad off that little colt is. You ready now? Uh huh huh.

[F]

All right.

[B]

Come on, then.

[E]

Okay.

[B]

Yeah, I'd hate to have anything happen to Splendor. Sort of been counting on him for big things.

[E]

He's got pneumonia, I guess.

[B]

Yes, that's what Whitey seems to think. We'll find out what the doctor had to say.

[E]

I guess Waddy'll do all he can.

[B]

Oh, you bet he will. And he's mighty handy with horses. I've seen him nurse some pretty sick animals back to hell.

[E]

He told me that once in winter quarters, he had an awful little time with some of the workhorses.

[B]

Yes, yes, I remember that year. But we didn't lose one animal. Why'd he run into that? Winter quarters like a nursery. He sure babies his charges.

[E]

That's because he loves them.

[B]

You're right that time, Jerry.

[E]

Oh, there goes the doctor. Out of the horse stop now. Gee, I sure hope Splendor's better.

[B]

We'll find out in a minute now. Oh, yeah, There's Whitey just inside the tent.

[E]

Oh, Whitey.

[F]

Hello there.

[B]

What did the doctor had to report about Splendor?

[F]

Ah, poor little colt's not so good, Mr. Randall. He's in a bad way.

[B]

I'm sorry to hear that.

[E]

What did the doctor say was the matter with him?

[F]

Just what I thought. Distemper.

[E]

Distemper? But I thought you said he had pneumonia.

[F]

Well, that's the same thing, Jerry. In an animal we call it distemper, but it's really pneumonia.

[B]

What are you doing for him, Whitey?

[F]

Well, there's not a whole lot can be done. The doc gave him some medicine and all he can do is hope he'll pull through.

[E]

Can we see him?

[F]

Sure, sure. Come on back. Poor little fella.

[E]

Look, Mr. Randall. Look at lady here. She sure looks sad about her little cold.

[B]

She does look like she's grieving.

[F]

Yeah, that's what she's doing all Right. Hasn't touched her oats since Splendor took sick. Those animals know when something's wrong.

[E]

You're Splendor, Mr. Randall.

[B]

Aw, this is a shame, Whitey. Just look at that poor little colt.

[F]

He's a sick one, all right.

[B]

You've got him covered up with enough blankets.

[F]

That's the most important thing we can do for him. You gotta keep him warm. Yep, keep him warm and white.

[B]

Didn't the doctor have any word of encouragement?

[F]

No, he didn't. He said the little horse was pretty bad off. However, he did say if Splendor gets through the day, he'll have a 50. 50 chance.

[E]

He's gotta get well. He's just gotta.

[F]

I'd sure hate to lose him.

[E]

Don't you think it might help if you put lady down here next to him?

[F]

Well, now, I don't know.

[B]

Well, that sounds like a good idea, Jerry. I don't see how it would hurt any. Do you, Whitey?

[F]

No, wouldn't hurt. And it might do some good at that. Jerry, go get lady and bring her down here.

[E]

Okay.

[B]

What's the truth about Splendor, whitie?

[F]

Well, it's just like you said, Mr. Ann. If the little cold pulls through the day, you'll have a 50. 50 chance to get well.

[B]

I thought maybe you might be holding something back on account of Jerry Bean.

[F]

No, no, that's the story.

[E]

Come on, Lady. Come on, now. Right over here, girl. Right here. By Splendor. You want to see your baby, don't you?

[F]

Just find lady up here, Jerry.

[B]

Just look at the way she's watching Splendor.

[F]

That's what she wanted, all right. Wanted to be near her colt.

[E]

There now. How's that, huh?

[F]

I should have thought of that myself, Jerry.

[E]

And I've got another idea.

[F]

Yeah?

[B]

What's that?

[E]

Well, you said Splendor had to be warm, didn't you?

[F]

Why, sure. That's all we can do for them. Just keep them good and warm.

[B]

Well, what's the idea, Jerry?

[E]

Well, I thought maybe if those blankets were warmed, it might help some.

[F]

I don't believe I get you, Jerry.

[E]

Well, it's all right to keep him covered up, but I think it'd be a whole lot better if we kept changing the blankets. Always keeping a warm blanket next to him. That way he'd be good and warm.

[F]

That's a good idea, but how do you aim to warm the blankets?

[E]

Well, either over by the forge or. Well, we can get a kerosene stove going and heat them that way.

[B]

I think Jerry scored Again?

[F]

Well, there's a fire in the forge. Now go ahead and take one of those blankets and get it warm.

[E]

Okay, Watty.

[B]

Well, I guess there's not much I can do around here to help, so I better be getting back to business.

[F]

No, Jerry and I can do whatever there is to do for this poor little critter. I guess you've got plenty on your mind, let alone worrying about the sick list and the horse top.

[B]

You bet I have.

[F]

You think we'll get away Tomorrow all right, Mr. Randall?

[B]

Yes, yes, I think we will, Whitey. The extra canvas I sent for should get into Harper City before we arrive.

[F]

But we won't be doing a show tomorrow night.

[B]

No, no, but if everything goes all right, we'll do a matinee day after tomorrow.

[F]

You know, to tell the truth, I didn't think we'd get rolling so fast.

[B]

Well, I didn't either. But we were fortunate in patching up most of the damage right here.

[F]

And that cyclone was bad enough. I guess it could have been worse.

[B]

You bet. Well, I better get going now. See you later, Whitey.

[F]

Okay, Mr. Randall. Take it easy, lady. Easy girl. We're doing all we can for.

[E]

Splendid. Okay, Jerry, now get ready to change the blanket while this one is still warm.

[F]

All right, here we are. Now when I take this one off, you throw that warming over him. You ready?

[E]

Uh huh.

[F]

All right, now quick now. We don't want Splinter to get a chill. There.

[E]

Now put those other two blankets on too.

[F]

Now, better take this one was next to him and get it warm. Make sure it's good and dry. Poor little Colder's perspiring something fierce.

[E]

Is that a bad sign?

[F]

No, it's good, Jerry. He's got to get over this fever. It gets just so high and then it starts to go down. Oh, the doc says to expect the crisis at any time.

[E]

Now what does that mean?

[F]

Crisis? That means a turning point, Jerry. Splendor will either start to get better and lose his fever or he'll grow steadily worse.

[E]

No, sir, he's going to get better.

[F]

I hope you're right, Jerry.

[E]

Oh, I think he's getting better already.

[F]

What makes you think so?

[E]

Oh, look at him. He's not sneezing so much. And he looks up at lady now that she's next to him.

[F]

Yeah, it does seem like he's taking a little interest in his ma. Well, come on, let's get that blanket dried out and warm.

[E]

Okay.

[F]

You know, Jerry, there's something to that. I mean, a sick animal taking on new interest when there's another animal near them that they like.

[E]

Sure, I know that. Well, look at the new one, the alley cat over at the Menadri.

[F]

Yep, that's an example. The new got well in no time once it took an interest in that cat.

[E]

Hey, it looks like that fire is dying down in the forest.

[F]

Yeah, I'll fix that right now. There. How's that for a fire?

[E]

That's better.

[F]

I'll hold one end of the blanket, Jerry.

[E]

All right. Here you are.

[F]

Speaking of strange animal friendships, brought to mind a funny thing that happened when I was a boy back home on the farm.

[E]

What was that, Whitey?

[F]

Well, sir, we had an old mule that dad used to work in. She was a good worker, too.

[E]

Not stubborn, huh?

[F]

Not for a long time, but she finally got that way. Let me tell you about it.

[E]

All right, go ahead.

[F]

Hey, hold up your end of the blanket. Up higher there so the fire can get.

[E]

Oh, I'm sorry.

[F]

Well, this old mule and a goat we had struck up a friendship.

[E]

A goat. That's a good one.

[F]

Yep. And it got so the mule wouldn't do a lick of work unless the goat was running along beside her. I'll never forget that. Those two were always together, even when

[E]

the mule was working, huh?

[F]

That's the way it had to be if we expected to get anything done. Well, come on now. That blanket's okay. Let's get back to Splendor.

[E]

All right.

[F]

I don't like to leave him alone too long at a time.

[E]

If you've got anything to do, Whitey, I'll be glad to stay with Splendor and watch him.

[F]

Well, now, I'll just take you up on that, Jerry. I have got a lot to do, so if you'll keep an eye on that poor little feller, he'll help out a lot.

[E]

He look at what, Jerry? Look at Splendor. Now he's shivering worse, it seems like.

[F]

Does look like he got another chill, Jerry. This little colt is plenty sick.

[C]

Sam. Ram,

[G]

Book a loved by guest property with VRBO and you get a top rated vacation rental that's loved for all the right reasons.

[H]

I love my VRBO for the location.

[G]

Good reason.

[H]

Oh, and for the pool. Cause pools are cool.

[G]

I feel the love. Book a VRBO that's loved by guests. If you know you've Erbo premiere hosts on VRBO deliver quality vacation rental stays with fast responses and clear instructions.

[H]

Oh, I had a question. Our host replied super quick Premier move. Wish I had a Premier group chat. They won't even write me back book

[G]

a top rated stay with a premier host if you know you vrbove.