Jerry of the Circus - Jerry Stays On The Payroll

Summary

Podcast Summary: Jerry of the Circus - Jerry Stays On The Payroll

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Date: May 15, 2026
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Format: Classic radio drama from the Golden Age of Radio

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Episode Overview

This episode of Jerry of the Circus delves into themes of responsibility, loyalty, and compassion within the close-knit world of a traveling circus. The story focuses on Jerry, a young circus worker, who is recognized for his dedication, and Johnny Bradley, a seasoned clown facing health and financial struggles. Alongside these main threads, we see the lighter side of circus life with the introduction of a lion cub, highlighting the camaraderie and family atmosphere among circus folk.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Jerry's Dedication and New Responsibilities

• Recognition for Jerry’s Work: Jerry is called in by Mr. Randall, the circus boss, to discuss the previous night’s performance where Jerry filled in for Johnny Bradley.
  • “A couple of the boys told me you make a pretty good clown. I said you did the act just as if you'd been doing it for a long time.” — Mr. Randall (03:40)
• Lesson on Circus Discipline: Mr. Randall stresses the importance of chain of command and the need for approval when making changes to the show.
  • “I'm the boss of this show. And anything that's done on this lot has to have my okay.” — Mr. Randall (02:42)
• Jerry Becomes an Understudy: Impressed with Jerry’s initiative, Mr. Randall appoints him as the official understudy for the clowns.
  • “I think I'll make you an understudy for all the clowns.” — Mr. Randall (04:47)
  • “An understudy? What's that?” — Jerry (04:59)
  • Mr. Randall explains, giving encouragement and guidance to Jerry.

2. Johnny Bradley’s Heartfelt Situation

• Health Concerns Unveiled: Johnny Bradley is beset by fainting spells, suspected to be due to a weak heart.
  • “It’s happened more than once, hasn’t it?” — Mr. Randall (05:56)
• Financial Strains & Family Secrets:
  • Johnny admits he’s been unable to save money, as most of his earnings support his son through law school.
  • “I’ve been sending him the biggest part of my salary. Oh, he’s a good boy, Mr. Randall, and deserving of it.” — Johnny Bradley (06:53)
  • Johnny reveals his son believes he is still a well-off theater performer, not a circus clown.
• Mr. Randall’s Compassionate Solution:
  • Despite business concerns, Mr. Randall allows Johnny to stay on, but with the condition that he only performs when feeling well.
  • “You can stay on. But I want you to promise me that you won’t do your act unless you feel up to it.” — Mr. Randall (08:05)
  • There’s a strong emotional undertone of mutual respect and empathy in this exchange.

3. New Additions and Circus Camaraderie

• Uncrating a Lion Cub: Jason and Jerry receive a new lion cub from a friend at the winter quarters.
  • “It’s a lion cub.” — Jerry (08:52)
  • “Not in your life. This little fellow’s going to have a nice little cage all by himself.” — Jason (09:34)
• Naming the Cub ‘Fuzzy’: Jerry gets the honor of naming the new member after observing its fuzzy fur, christening him ‘Fuzzy’.
  • “How about Fuzzy?” — Jerry (10:05)
  • “Do you hear that? Your godfather, Jerry Dugan, does hereby decree… the name Fuzzy.” — Jason (10:10)
• Training Young Animals: Jason gives Jerry insights on animal training, emphasizing patience and kindness.
  • “The first thing a jungle animal thinks of is to strike out… it takes a long time to teach them that they have a master.” — Jason (11:20)
  • “But you have to do it with both kindness and patience.” — Jason (11:32)

4. Letters and Ongoing Mysteries

• News from Uncle Dan: Jerry receives a letter from his recovering uncle, sharing optimistic news about his health.
  • “As I write this, I am in a wheelchair. And believe me, it feels pretty good to be out of bed for a while. The doctor says I’m getting along fine.” — Jerry reading Uncle Dan’s letter (12:30)
• Bank Letter and Safety Deposit Mystery: Jerry also receives a letter from the bank about his father's safety deposit box, setting up intrigue for future episodes.
  • Jerry decides to open it later with Patsy, hinting at the ongoing storyline about his family’s affairs.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Responsibility:
  • “No one in this outfit is allowed to take it upon himself to do anything but his own work.” — Mr. Randall (03:10)
• On Compassion:
  • “Your old heart may be weak, but it’s certainly not selfish.” — Mr. Randall to Johnny Bradley (07:55)
• Jerry’s Wide-Eyed Optimism:
  • “Golly. Thanks, Mr. Randall. I'll watch all the acts and learn them real good.” — Jerry (05:10)
• Animal Wisdom:
  • “But never cruelly.” — Jerry
    “That's right.” — Jason (11:35)

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Key Timestamps

• 02:11 — Jerry called into Mr. Randall’s office; discussion of last night’s performance.
• 04:47 — Jerry is named clown understudy.
• 05:36 — Mr. Randall visits Johnny Bradley about his health.
• 06:53 — Johnny reveals his reason for working: supporting his son.
• 08:05 — Mr. Randall allows Johnny to stay on with conditions.
• 08:52 — Delivery and naming of the new lion cub, ‘Fuzzy’.
• 11:32 — Insights into animal training techniques.
• 12:30 — Jerry reads a heartwarming letter from Uncle Dan.
• 12:08–13:24 — Discovery of bank letter regarding the safety deposit box.

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Episode Tone and Style

The episode combines the earnestness of classic family radio drama with light touches of circus fun and animal hijinks. The dialogue is warm, compassionate, and occasionally humorous, reflecting the values of teamwork, kindness, and perseverance.

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Conclusion

Jerry of the Circus - Jerry Stays On The Payroll stands out as a heartfelt episode centered on family-like bonds and personal honor in the face of adversity. It offers listeners a nostalgic slice of circus life—from backstage worries to the joy of new animal arrivals—while advancing ongoing storylines and deepening the relationships between its winsome cast of characters.

Transcript

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson]

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[Doug]

Hey, everyone, check out this guy and his bird.

[Jerry]

What is this, your first date?

[Doug]

Oh, no.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson]

We help people customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual. Together we're married. Me to a human, him to a bird.

[Doug]

Yeah, the bird looks out of your league.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson]

Anyways, get a'@libertymutual.com or with your local agent.

[Doug]

Liberty. Liberty. Liberty. Liberty. Of the circus. Now for Jerry of the circus.

[Jerry]

Mr. Randall.

[Doug]

Who is it?

[Jerry]

It's Jerry, Mr. Randall.

[Doug]

Oh, come in, Jerry.

[Jerry]

Come on, Rags.

[Doug]

Good morning, Jerry. Rags.

[Jerry]

Good morning, Mr. Randall. You sent for me?

[Doug]

Yes, Jerry, Sit down. It's about last night. You're going on in place of Johnny Bradley and doing his act.

[Jerry]

Golly, Mr. Randall.

[Doug]

Just a minute, Jerry, I guess it wasn't altogether your fault, but there are a few things about this show I want you to know.

[Jerry]

But I.

[Doug]

You just let me do the talking for a minute. I. I sent for you because I want to explain something to you.

[Jerry]

Yes, sir.

[Doug]

Now, in the first place, I'm the boss of this show. And anything that's done on this lot has to have my okay. Has to be that way. If everybody in the circus wanted to change his act or let someone go on for him and he went ahead and did it without telling me about it first, well, just wouldn't be any time until I wouldn't have any show at all.

[Jerry]

Yes, sir.

[Doug]

You know by now, Jerry, that everything goes off like clockwork around a circus. There can never be a slip up. It might throw the whole routine off.

[Jerry]

I know that if there has to

[Doug]

be a change or a substitution, I should know about it so I can tell the different ones that might affect. No one in this outfit is allowed to take it upon himself to do anything but his own work.

[Jerry]

But you weren't around and, well, something had to be done quick because Mr. Bradley couldn't go on.

[Doug]

Yes, yes, I heard he was sick, and that part is all right. Besides, I've heard some excellent reports on your work. Your taking Bradley's place last night was all right, but I want you to understand that I'm to be notified of any changes made in any part of the show from now on.

[Jerry]

Yes, sir.

[Doug]

A couple of the boys told me you make a pretty good clown. I said you did the act just as if you'd been doing it for a long time.

[Jerry]

They said that?

[Doug]

Yeah. Guess you did very well, how'd you learn that routine so fast, Jerry?

[Jerry]

Oh, I don't know. I guess I knew it pretty well from just watching.

[Doug]

You're going to turn out to be a real trooper someday. The circus needs wide awake young men like yourself. It's plain to be seen that if you keep your eyes and ears open, you'll get a long way. Jerry, you just keep watching the axe.

[Jerry]

Gee, thanks, Mr. Randall.

[Doug]

Now, getting back to Johnny Bradley, what do you know about his being sick?

[Jerry]

Why, nothing, that is. Well, all I know is that he gets fainting spells.

[Doug]

Fainting spells?

[Jerry]

Uh huh. Grump said he thought he had a weak heart.

[Doug]

Well, funny I haven't been notified of this. Guess I'll have to look into it myself.

[Jerry]

He gets weak and shaky and he can hardly walk.

[Doug]

That's not so good. I think I'd better look him up right away and have a talk with him. Are you going over toward your wagon?

[Jerry]

Uh huh. Come on, Rags.

[Doug]

Always ready, aren't you, Rags?

[Jerry]

Then you're really not mad at me for last night, are you, Mr. Randall?

[Doug]

I know, Jerry. I just want you to understand about making any changes without telling me first. As a matter of fact, you did such a good job of substituting for Johnny last night, I think I'll make you an understudy for all the clowns.

[Jerry]

An understudy? What's that?

[Doug]

Well, an understudy is a person who watches and learns other people's acts so that in case of emergency he can go on and take their place.

[Jerry]

Just like I did last night, huh?

[Doug]

That's it, Jerry.

[Jerry]

Golly. Thanks, Mr. Randall. I'll watch all the acts and learn them real good.

[Doug]

That's a boy, Jerry.

[Jerry]

Oh, there's Jason, Mr. Randall. He's calling me.

[Jason]

Come here, Jerry.

[Doug]

All right, run along and see what he wants. I'll see you later, Jerry.

[Jerry]

Okay. Goodbye. Come on, rand.

[Jason]

Good morning, Mr. Randall.

[Doug]

Oh, good morning, Slim. Johnny around? Yeah, boss, he's in his wagon. That's good.

[Johnny Bradley]

Come in.

[Doug]

Good morning, Johnny.

[Johnny Bradley]

Oh, good morning, Mr. Randall.

[Doug]

Where's Lats and Hooligan?

[Johnny Bradley]

Why, they went uptown after breakfast to do a little shopping.

[Doug]

Good. I want to have a little talk with you, Johnny.

[Johnny Bradley]

Sit down, Mr. Randall.

[Doug]

Thanks. Now then, I understand you're not feeling so good.

[Johnny Bradley]

Oh, it's really nothing. I. I just had a bit of a weak spell.

[Doug]

It's happened more than once, hasn't it?

[Johnny Bradley]

Well, yes it has, Mr. Randall.

[Doug]

Is it your heart, Johnny?

[Johnny Bradley]

I'm inclined to think it is not

[Doug]

very good business working with a weak heart.

[Johnny Bradley]

But I've got to go on working, Mr. Randall.

[Doug]

Well, I. I don't know anything about your business affairs, Johnny, but you've been getting a very nice salary from me for many seasons now and, well, nothing personal, mind you, but you're getting along in years and I should think that perhaps you might have some money put aside so you can take it easy now.

[Johnny Bradley]

That's just it, Mr. Randall. I haven't been able to save anything for myself.

[Doug]

That's a shame. As I said, nothing personal. I like you and I like your work. Your act is as clever as any I've ever had. But, well, I just can't have a sick man working in the show.

[Johnny Bradley]

You're not going to let me go.

[Doug]

You're not being fair to yourself going on working. The work you do isn't especially easy, and, well, you're just killing yourself.

[Johnny Bradley]

But I've got to finish the season. I can't quit now. It's for my boy, Mr. Randall.

[Doug]

Your boy?

[Johnny Bradley]

Yes, sir. You see, ever since I started working for you, I've been sending him the biggest part of my salary. Oh, he's a good boy, Mr. Randall, and deserving of it.

[Doug]

Can't he take care of himself?

[Johnny Bradley]

I've been putting him through law school. He passed the bar examinations only a couple of months ago. And. And I'm helping him along with his office now.

[Doug]

This puts a different light on it.

[Johnny Bradley]

You see, sir. Well, I'm trying to do all I can to help him get a start in life.

[Doug]

Well, that's fine, Johnny.

[Johnny Bradley]

I've never told you this before, sir, but I was a star in my own right on Broadway. Why, I've operated my own stock company. I really amounted to something in the show world at one time, that's all. My boy doesn't know I'm with the circus. He thinks I'm still in the theater and doing well. For reasons I. Well, I'd rather not go into. I had to leave the theater, so I took to the circus. In my letters to him, I have given him the impression that I can well afford to send him through school and pay the expenses of his office until he becomes established.

[Doug]

Where is your son, Johnny?

[Johnny Bradley]

In Jackson City, sir.

[Doug]

Jackson City? Why, we play there soon. Won't you see him?

[Johnny Bradley]

Not if I can help it, Mr. Randall.

[Doug]

You're a funny fellow, Johnny. Your old heart may be weak, but it's certainly not selfish.

[Johnny Bradley]

No, sir. Won't you let me go on? Just until my boy can. Can get along without me.

[Doug]

I'll tell you what I'll do, Johnny. You can stay on. But I want you to promise me that you won't do your act unless you feel up to it. If you feel the least bit ill, I want you to report to me and I'll see that you won't have to go on. Will you promise me that?

[Johnny Bradley]

Oh, yes, sir. I will, sir. And thank you, Mr. Randall.

[Doug]

You get as much rest as you can. And above all, don't worry. There's no doubt that boy of yours will make good. I can tell he comes from mighty fine stock.

[Johnny Bradley]

My everlasting gratitude, Mr. Randall.

[Doug]

All right, Johnny. Take it easy now. See you later.

[Johnny Bradley]

Goodbye, Mr. Randall, and thank you again, sir.

[Doug]

Goodbye, Johnny.

[Jerry]

Mr. Randall.

[Doug]

Oh, yes, Jerry.

[Jerry]

Look what Jason's got.

[Doug]

I'll be right with you.

[Jerry]

We got a surprise for you, Mr. Randall.

[Jason]

Another mouth to feed.

[Doug]

Well, watch this. What do you mean, Jason?

[Jason]

Well, Jerry and I just got this crate down at the railroad station.

[Jerry]

It's a lion cub.

[Doug]

Well, you don't say.

[Jason]

O', Malley, back at the winter quarter, sent this cub on to me. We're just going to uncrate him.

[Doug]

Well, let me look through that crate there. Say, he's a cute little fella, isn't he?

[Jerry]

Aren't you gonna wait until we uncrate him?

[Doug]

I'm sorry, Jerry. I got a lot of business to attend to. I'll see him later. Remind me to come over and have a look at him, Jason.

[Jason]

Okay, Mr. Randall. Hand me that screwdriver there, Jerry.

[Jerry]

Okay. Here you are. Want the hammer, too?

[Doug]

Mm, no.

[Jason]

Now, let's see.

[Jerry]

Poor little thing. He wants to get out.

[Jason]

All right, we'll have him out in a minute.

[Jerry]

Oh, you'd like to play with him, huh, Ray? Where are you gonna put him, Jason? In with one of the big lions?

[Jason]

Not in your life. This little fellow's going to have a nice little cage all by himself. There we are. Out you come.

[Jerry]

What's his name?

[Jason]

Don't know that he's got a name yet, Jerry. Oh, Mallory didn't mention it in the letter he sent to me the other day.

[Jerry]

Well, what are you gonna call him?

[Jason]

Well, we'll have to name him ourselves, won't we?

[Jerry]

Do you name all of your animals?

[Jason]

Most of them. Of course, some of them already had names when I got them.

[Jerry]

Can I name this one?

[Jason]

Sure, if you want to, Jerry. Have you got a name for him?

[Jerry]

Well, no, but I bet I can think of a good one.

[Jason]

Well, what's it gonna be?

[Jerry]

Well, how about Fuzzy?

[Jason]

Fuzzy?

[Jerry]

Yeah. Cause his fur is so fuzzy.

[Jason]

Do you hear that? Your godfather, Jerry Dugan, does hereby decree and throw upon you the name Fuzzy.

[Jerry]

Isn't he cute? Golly. Thanks for letting me name him.

[Jason]

Well, Rag, getting jealous, huh? Are we paying too much attention to our new pal, Fuzz?

[Jerry]

You told me I could start training the little cub sometime.

[Jason]

And you'd like to start on Fuzzy, hm?

[Jerry]

Is he too young to teach tricks to?

[Jason]

Oh, I guess not. We can start with a few simple things, like just getting him used to commands.

[Jerry]

What's the first thing to do?

[Jason]

Well, we can teach him to sit up. Might even see if he'll jump through a hoop for a nice piece of meat. But first, let's teach him to put him in the cage over there. Poor little fella's been in that crate so long, we'll have to let him stretch his legs for a while. Here, open the door, Jerry. There you are, Fuzzy. There's your new home. That's the fella. Sniff around a bit and get your bearings.

[Jerry]

He acts just like a little kitten, doesn't he?

[Jason]

He does now, but it won't be long until his fur stands up and he declares himself quiet.

[Jerry]

Rags.

[Jason]

Rags is acting more like a wild animal than Fuzzy.

[Jerry]

You know, Jason, I don't see how you can take a real wild jungle animal and. And make him tame.

[Jason]

Tame? Well, you wouldn't call any cats of mine tame, would you?

[Jerry]

I guess I didn't mean that.

[Jason]

You meant manageable, Jerry.

[Jerry]

Yeah, that's it.

[Jason]

Well, as I've told you before, it takes a lot of patience. The first thing a jungle animal thinks of is to strike out. Fear is unknown to them. And it takes a long time to teach them that they have a master.

[Jerry]

You have to show them that you're the boss, don't you?

[Jason]

That's it, Jerry. But you have to do it with both kindness and patience.

[Jerry]

But never cruelly.

[Jason]

That's right. Hiya, Jason. Hello, Sid. What's on your mind? I got the mail, Jason. Here's a letter for you.

[Johnny Bradley]

Thanks.

[Jerry]

Any for me?

[Jason]

This is Jerry Dugan.

[Doug]

Sid Dugan.

[Jerry]

Let me see. Yep, yep. Here we are. Golly. Thanks, mister.

[Jason]

Well, who's it from, Jerry?

[Jerry]

Let's see. Lakeside Hospital. Oh, I. It's from my Uncle Dan.

[Jason]

Oh, fine, Jerry. Gee, that's great.

[Jerry]

Oh, here's another one for you, son. Another one?

[Jason]

Well, a popular boy, huh, kid? You bet he is.

[Jerry]

That's all.

[Jason]

See you later, Sid.

[Jerry]

Goodbye.

[Jason]

Who's the second one from, Jerry?

[Jerry]

Oh, that's from the bank.

[Jason]

The bank?

[Jerry]

Uh huh. They were gonna find out about the key I have to Dad's safety deposit box.

[Jason]

Oh, yeah, I forgot about that. Well, aren't you gonna open that one first and find out if they've located the bank where your safety deposit box is?

[Jerry]

Collie, I don't know which one to open first. They're both important.

[Jason]

Well, go ahead and see what your Uncle Dan has to say.

[Jerry]

Oh, okay. Should I read it?

[Jason]

Sure, go ahead.

[Jerry]

My dear Jerry, you're most likely be waiting to hear from me. But until today, I haven't been able to do much with a pen. As I write this, I am in a wheelchair. And believe me, it feels pretty good to be out of bed for a while. The doctor says I'm getting along fine, and in a few days he is going to let me try to walk.

[Jason]

Oh, say, that's fine.

[Jerry]

Golly, I'll say. I hope everything is going along all right for you. Give my regards to bumps and Mr. Randall and all your friends with the circus. I'm anxiously looking forward to the day when I can join you. However, I will write you again before I am dismissed from the hospital. If you find time, I would like to have a letter from you, hoping to see you soon, Uncle Dan.

[Jason]

Oh, that's a fine letter, Jerry. You gonna answer it?

[Jerry]

You bet. I'm sure glad he's getting better.

[Jason]

It won't be very much longer before he'll be with us. Now, how about the letter from the bank? It's pretty important that you find out where that safety deposit box is.

[Jerry]

I think I'll wait and let Patsy open it. There might be something real important in. Sam. Ram.

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