Jerry of the Circus - Jerry Leaves the Circus

Summary

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Podcast Summary: "Jerry of the Circus – Jerry Leaves the Circus"

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Date: May 17, 2026
Episode Focus: The bittersweet departure of Jerry from the circus family, capturing the spirit and emotional farewells from friends and colleagues.

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Episode Overview

This episode of "Jerry of the Circus" revolves around a turning point: Jerry's final performance and his heartfelt farewell as he leaves the circus for school. The story highlights the strong bond between Jerry and his circus "family," mixing nostalgia, pride, and encouragement as they send him off. The episode is filled with emotional goodbyes, memorable gestures, and promises to write, all wrapped in the warmth of Golden Age radio storytelling.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

Jerry’s Final Performance

• Bumps and Olson Reflect on Jerry’s Act:
  • Both are deeply impressed, noting it’s Jerry’s best performance yet (02:06–02:11).
  • Jerry introduces a new trick, standing on El Mundo's head for his last bow—something he'd never done before (02:46–02:47).
  • The significance: A special farewell gesture to the audience and his beloved elephant friend.

"You know, it's a funny thing, but as a rule, when a person is given their final performance, it's a good one. And Jerry certainly isn't breaking the rule." — Bumps (02:11)

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The Emotional Farewell

• Circus Friends Say Goodbye:
  • Jerry shares sincere moments with Bumps, Olson, and other circus staff.
  • Spike, unable to say goodbye in person, sends a heartfelt note (03:06–03:14).
  • Clara sends Jerry a travel kit as a memento, wishing him well (07:01–07:16).

"Every time you use this kit, I hope you’ll remember me and think of me." — Clara, via her gift (07:10)

• Jerry’s Internal Struggle:
  • Despite looking forward to school, Jerry is torn by sadness at leaving the circus.
  • He stops multiple times to take in the sights and sounds of the big top and circus lot one last time (03:48, 08:46).

"Oh, wait, Bumps. Let me take one last look at the big top with all the people in it. ... I hate to leave the circus, Bumps. I’m gonna miss it something awful." — Jerry (03:48, 08:53)

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Promises & Wisdom Shared

• Olson’s Parting Words:
  • Urges Jerry to keep in touch and assures him he’ll always be welcome.
  • Shares encouragement about school and future opportunities (05:40–05:51).

"Although I'm sorry to see you leave us, I'm glad you're gonna get a Chance to get some learning. Now, you keep in touch with us. Me and the boys here in the menagerie would be awful tickled to hear from you." — Olson (05:40)

• Major Mike’s Advice:
  • Offers “fatherly” advice with a touch of humor, reminiscing about Jerry’s playful tricks (10:45–10:53).
  • Tony’s Farewell is heartfelt and a bit comical, as he attempts a speech and offers a quirky bit of advice:

"Yes, I will say the circus. She will not be the same without you. ... Now, you be a...a good little soldier and don't take no...no wood, no money. Take a rubber because it stretches far." — Tony (11:13)

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The Final Goodbye at the Station

• Surprise Farewell Gathering:
  • Jerry, Bumps, Mr. Randall, and others are greeted by the clown band and more circus friends who turn up at the train station for one last send-off (10:10–10:21).
• Rapid-Fire Goodbyes:
  • Jerry wishes goodbye to each friend—Patsy, Jason, Whitey, and even the animals. There’s a sense of both rush and profundity (10:53–12:39).

"Jerry, my boy, we all know you’re going to miss us, but not a half so much as we all are going to miss you." — Olson (11:13)

• Encouragement for the Future:
  • All encourage Jerry to embrace this new chapter; they promise to keep in touch and expect great things from him (12:31–12:39).

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Memorable Quotes

• Bumps:
  "Well, that's that. There's a turn I'll never forget. And I'll just bet you there'll never be another one like it." (02:52)
• Olson:
  "Well, Jerry, I hope you'll be very happy at school. But don't go playing tricks on your teachers like you play tricks on me." (10:45)
• Major Mike:
  "I'll have you know, young man, that you won't get away without shaking my head." (10:36)
• Jerry:
  "Well, anyway, I sure had a lot of fun with the circus. And I'm gonna have a lot of fun at school, too." (08:53)

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Notable Timestamps

• 02:06 – Start of Jerry’s final act.
• 03:48 – Jerry’s poignant last look at the big top.
• 05:24 – Jerry’s emotional goodbye to El Mundo the elephant.
• 07:10 – Jerry receives Clara’s farewell gift.
• 10:10 – Reunion with the clown band and close friends at the station.
• 11:13 – Olson’s touching farewell speech.
• 12:46 – Jerry boards the train, surrounded by cheers and warm wishes.

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Tone & Atmosphere

The episode weaves nostalgia, affection, and a sense of coming-of-age. The camaraderie and humor among the circus folk shine through, even in sadness. Old-time radio warmth is felt in every exchange, making this an uplifting yet sentimental farewell.

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Summary:
This episode is an emotional conclusion to a pivotal chapter in Jerry's life, capturing universal themes of change, growth, and the enduring bonds of chosen family. Listeners are reminded that while Jerry leaves the circus, he carries its lessons and love with him into his next adventure.

Transcript

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[Bumps]

Jerry of the circus.

[Mr. Randall]

Now for Jerry of the circus.

[Bumps]

Just look at that boy, Olsen.

[Olson]

You know, Bumps, I believe that's the best act Jerry ever put on.

[Bumps]

You know, it's a funny thing, but as a rule, when a person is given their final performance, it's a good one. And Jerry certainly isn't breaking the rule.

[Olson]

I'll say he isn't. Hey, look. Now he's doing that swing trick from El Mundo's trunk. Golly, that smooth bump.

[Bumps]

El Mundo just snapping at those commands of Jerry's. Now here comes the finale.

[Olson]

Oh, I'm gonna miss that boy.

[Bumps]

Oh, we all will. Why, do you know, I've caught his act with El Mundo just about every time since he started doing it. Yeah.

[Olson]

Oh, now watch it, Bumps. This is the last time you'll ever see him.

[Bumps]

Yeah. Oh, there he goes. El Mundo just lifted him up pretty.

[Olson]

Look, Jerry's standing up on El Mundo's head.

[Bumps]

Please.

[Jerry]

Bows.

[Olson]

He never did that before. Good boy, Jerry.

[Bumps]

Well, that's that. There's a turn I'll never forget. And I'll just bet you there'll never be another one like it.

[Olson]

Well, I'll have to run around to the back door and get El Mundo now. See you later, Bump.

[Bumps]

Okay, Olton.

[Jerry]

Hey, Bump.

[Jeff]

Hey, Funk, hurry up. I only got a minute.

[Bumps]

Oh. Oh, hello, Jeff.

[Jeff]

Now listen, here's a note from Spike. It's for Jerry. Spike couldn't get away to say goodbye to him. He's busy getting a mess top down and loaded. And say goodbye to Jerry for me too, will you?

[Bumps]

Yeah, okay. Yeah, I will, Jeff. And thanks, Spike, for being so thoughtful. Fine, Jerry. Boy, you sure did a great act tonight. Oh, you just better was I was telling Ood. I don't think you've ever done that act any better.

[Jerry]

Hey, did you see me stand up on El Mundo? Said for my last bow and that

[Bumps]

was all right too. How'd you happen to do that?

[Jerry]

Well, I figured as long as it was my last act, I'd do something different. Hey, you're all dressed?

[Bumps]

Oh, sure. I'm not gonna do the last walk around. We gotta get packed and get down with the train. Leaves at quarter past 11. Work.

[Jerry]

Right.

[Bumps]

He's over in the wagon waiting for us now. Come on, Jerry, let's get a move on.

[Jerry]

Okay. Oh, wait, Bumps. Let me take one last look at the big top with all the people in it. Now, Jerry, I hate to leave the circus, Bumps. I'm gonna miss it something awful. Listen to that band. Oh, gee, Bumps.

[Bumps]

Oh, no. Jerry. Come on. I know how you feel, but the world. Say, you know, the circus is gonna go on and on. Maybe you'll be with us again next season.

[Jerry]

Or part of it, anyway, when I'm on my vacation.

[Bumps]

Why, sure. A person would think you were saying goodbye forever. Well, come on, now. We gotta hustle.

[Jerry]

Okay. Goodbye, Big top.

[Bumps]

Huh?

[Major Mike]

Nothing.

[Jerry]

Come on. I'm ready.

[Bumps]

All right. We'll have to hurry, Jerry.

[Jerry]

I know it, but it won't take me long to get out of this uniform and get dressed once we get over to the wagon. Yeah.

[Bumps]

I've got all your other things packed for you.

[Jerry]

Where's Mr. Randall gonna meet us?

[Bumps]

He'll be over at the wagon as soon as he counts the day's receipts. Jim Bennett already got our tickets. And arrange for rags.

[Jerry]

What do you mean, arrange for rags?

[Bumps]

Well, he'll have to ride up in the baggage car, Jerry. We can't take him into the sleeping car with us.

[Jerry]

Oh, hey, look, there goes Olson in with El Mundo now. Hey, I sure want to say goodbye to him too.

[Bumps]

Who?

[Jerry]

El Mundo. You know, bumps up. I think he knows I'm going away. Maybe I was seeing things, but I thought for sure I saw a different look in his eyes during tonight's show.

[Bumps]

Well, I've never seen but one expression on an elephant's face.

[Jerry]

Hey, Olson.

[Olson]

Yes?

[Jerry]

Wait a second.

[Olson]

Well, Jerry, I. I guess this is where we part company. That is, for the time being.

[Jerry]

Yeah, I guess so. Gee, you sure got El Mundo's trappings off him in a hurry.

[Olson]

Yeah, yeah, he's through acting for today. He's got work to do now. He'll be pushing these wagons. As soon as the show's over, I'm

[Jerry]

gonna say goodbye to him.

[Olson]

Okay, Jerry.

[Jerry]

El Mundo. Adios, mi amigo. I'll see you again sometimes. Adio, Sel. Mundo. You know I'm leaving you, don't you? Well, I guess we better go get ready. Goodbye, Olson.

[Olson]

Goodbye, Jerry. Although I'm sorry to see you leave us, I'm glad you're gonna get a Chance to get some learning. Now, you keep in touch with us. Me and the boys here in the menagerie would be awful tickled to hear from you.

[Jerry]

Oh, don't worry. All right. And you be sure and answer and tell me all about the animals and my friend El Mundo.

[Olson]

Oh, you betcha. Well, so long, Jerry. Put her there. Lots of good luck to you, boy. Goodbye.

[Jerry]

So long, Olson.

[Olson]

Goodbye, Jenny.

[Jerry]

Hey, Bumps, now I want to go find Spike and say goodbye to him, too. I guess he's busy now loading, but I sure would like to see him for just a minute before I leave.

[Bumps]

Oh, so that reminds me, Jerry. I got a note here for you from Spike. Jeff brought it over while you were on doing your act. Here you are.

[Jerry]

Oh, thanks. I'll read it later on the train.

[Bumps]

Jeff says that Spike was sorry he couldn't get away. They've got to get down to the runs with the mess top. That's got to get loaded on the cars, you know. And Jeff said goodbye, too.

[Jerry]

Oh, yeah.

[Bumps]

See, how about your new friend, Speed? Did you see him?

[Jerry]

Why, sure, when I did the act with him.

[Bumps]

Oh, I forgot about your riding lady in that race. Here we are, Jerry. This way.

[Jerry]

I said goodbye to Speed when we finished the race act. Goodbye. You're right.

[Bumps]

Yeah, we're back, old fella.

[Jerry]

I guess he knows something's in the wind, too.

[Bumps]

Sure he does. I let him in on it. I told him he was going to leave the circus and go with you to school.

[Jerry]

Hey, Luke. Bumps, what's this?

[Bumps]

What's what, Jerry?

[Jerry]

This package. Here, look it. Goodbye, Jerry, and good luck to you. Every time you use this kit, I hope you'll remember me and think of me.

[Olson]

Clara.

[Bumps]

Oh, isn't that nice of Clara? That's thoughtful. Open it up, Jerry.

[Jerry]

Oh, boy, this is keen. And something I can use, too. It's a traveling kit for you. Oh, gee, I'm sure glad to get this all right.

[Bumps]

Well, I should think you would be. I'll thank Clara for you when I get back. But you better write to her a nice letter.

[Olson]

Oh, sure. Yeah.

[Bumps]

Well, come on now, hurry up. We haven't got much time, you know.

[Jerry]

Okay. Hey, what do I do with my uniform, Bob?

[Bumps]

I'll put it in my trunk for the time being. Then later we'll have Clara store it away in one of her wardrobe trunks.

[Mr. Randall]

You ready, Jerry?

[Bumps]

Oh, hello, Sam.

[Jerry]

I will be in just a minute, Mr. Randall.

[Mr. Randall]

And I've got a cab waiting right out by the side of the lot.

[Bumps]

Why, it's only a block over at the station, Sam. We can walk over.

[Mr. Randall]

Not with our suitcases and luggage. We better take a cab.

[Jerry]

Where did I put my cap? Oh, here it is.

[Bumps]

All right. Now then, I'll hold your coat for you, Jerry.

[Jerry]

Oh, thanks, Bumps. Say, has Reggs got his collar on?

[Mr. Randall]

Oh, yeah. All set, Jerry. A woof to you, too.

[Jerry]

Seems like you're sort of rushing me.

[Mr. Randall]

Oh, not at all, Jerry. But we don't want to miss that train. There won't be another one for Fair Oaks until morning. And I don't want to be away from the circus too long.

[Bumps]

I can't be missing too many shows either.

[Jerry]

Yeah, I know. Well, ready now? Oh, Jiminy.

[Bumps]

Whoa. Now what?

[Jerry]

I'm sure gonna miss this wagon, Bump.

[Mr. Randall]

Oh, now, Jerry, look here. You're going on to something better. Why, you should be the happiest boy in the world.

[Jerry]

I know it and I am happy, but I just can't help it.

[Bumps]

Well, I got your suitcase, Jerry. Now, come on.

[Mr. Randall]

Come on, you let Rags go. He's not sorry. He's leaving. All right. Right around back here. The cab's right there at the curb.

[Jerry]

Hey, wait a minute. Let me have just one more good look at the lot.

[Bumps]

Oh, here revs. Here, boy. Now, this way, fella.

[Jerry]

Well, anyway, I sure had a lot of fun with the circus. And I'm gonna have a lot of fun at school too.

[Mr. Randall]

That's the way to talk, Jerry. You bet you are.

[Bumps]

Oh, there we are. There's the cab right there. Oh, no, you stay right close, young fella. You don't know where we're heading.

[Mr. Randall]

All right, off in, Jerry. Go ahead, Bob.

[Bumps]

Ear rides, boy. Come on.

[Jeff]

Come on, boy.

[Olson]

Out the station.

[Mr. Randall]

Yeah, that's right, driver.

[Jerry]

Oh, dear, I forgot to say goodbye to Whitey.

[Bumps]

Oh, it's too late now, Jerry. But you'll be seeing them at Winter Quarter some weekend maybe.

[Jerry]

And that reminds me, how about Patsy and Jason? Yeah, and Slats and Tony and all the rest.

[Bumps]

Well, what about them?

[Jerry]

Well, they didn't come over and say goodbye to me. They weren't even in the pad room tonight. They're almost always there.

[Mr. Randall]

Well, maybe something happened that they couldn't get away. I'm sure they didn't do it on purpose, boy.

[Bumps]

Of course not. You know how much Jason and Patsy think of you.

[Mr. Randall]

Oh, there's the station right ahead. We've got plenty of time now, Bumps, you better take this ticket and check rags with the baggage man.

[Bumps]

Yeah, yeah, okay. S.

[Mr. Randall]

All right. Here we are. How about Jerry? No, I'll take your case yeah, come on.

[Bumps]

Come on, rag boy. Come on, now, hold still. Got to put this leash on you. Can't have you gallivanting all over the station.

[Olson]

Thank you, sir.

[Bumps]

Yeah, I guess this is the way we go.

[Mr. Randall]

Yeah, that's right. Bumps right through here.

[Jerry]

Hey. Hey, what's this? Why, look at it. It's a clown band and slats and Tony and Hooligan.

[Olson]

Are you getting a single?

[Jerry]

Well, look at Patsy and Jason.

[Olson]

You got away without saying goodbye to her, did you?

[Jerry]

Oh, Jiminy. I'll see this young fella.

[Olson]

I guess they climbed apartments in to forget you.

[Jerry]

I'll see you didn't, Tony.

[Major Mike]

Break it up. Come on, move some of those legs. Let me.

[Bumps]

Excuse me.

[Jerry]

Oh, Major Mike.

[Major Mike]

I'll have you know, young man, that you won't get away without shaking my head.

[Bumps]

I'll take rags back and chickens then.

[Mr. Randall]

All right, all right. Do that, bum.

[Olson]

So long, Rag.

[Major Mike]

Goodbye, Rag. Well, Jerry, I hope you'll be very happy at school. But don't go playing tricks on your teachers like you play tricks on me.

[Jerry]

I was only fooling, major.

[Major Mike]

Yeah, sure you were. But I was on to you. Yes, sir, every time. You don't need to think that you ever had me fooled, you. Not for one minute. Jerry.

[Olson]

Wait. Wait a minute, boy. Wait a minute. I'm going to have a quiet one. I make up my speech.

[Mr. Randall]

All right, Tony.

[Bumps]

All right.

[Olson]

Well, there's just so much to say. Jerry, my boy, we all know you're going to miss us, but not a half so much as we all are going to miss you. I think I could have said the circus. She. She will not be the same without you. Yes, I will say the circus. She will not be the same without you. Now, you be a. A good little soldier and don't take no, no. No wood, no money. Take a rubber because it stretches far.

[Major Mike]

All right, let me throw here. Let me throw here.

[Jerry]

It's Whitey.

[Jeff]

I've only got a minute, Jerry. I gotta get back to the runs and help load the horses. But I just didn't want to miss saying goodbye. Now, you'll be as good at school as you were around the circus. And we'll all have reason to be mighty proud of you. Well, goodbye, son. We got to hurry now. Now, you keep in touch with us, Jerry.

[Jerry]

Oh, you bet I will. Goodbye, Waddy. Hey, and take good care of Splendor

[Bumps]

Rights is all taken care of, see? We better get old now. Yeah.

[Olson]

Yeah.

[Bumps]

All right.

[Mr. Randall]

Come on, Jerry.

[Major Mike]

Goodbye, Jerry. You gonna kiss me?

[Jerry]

Come on.

[Major Mike]

Now, Jerry. You'll be sure and write to us. And be good and study hard.

[Jerry]

Oh, I will.

[Olson]

So long, Jerry. Don't forget about your old friend Jason either. We're gonna expect big things from you, Jerry.

[Bumps]

Don't let us down.

[Olson]

We'll be seeing each other again someday.

[Jerry]

Oh, sure.

[Jeff]

All right.

[Bumps]

Come on, Jerry.

[Jerry]

All right. Well, goodbye, everybody.

[Major Mike]

Goodbye, Jerry. Pick me up, Jason. Hurry. I can't see him.

[Olson]

Up you go, Major.

[Major Mike]

Goodbye, Jerry. Goodbye. Come on. Come on.

[Jerry]

It.

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