Jerry of the Circus - Jerry Wont Tell

Summary

Podcast Summary: Jerry of the Circus – "Jerry Won't Tell"

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Air Date: May 21, 2026

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Main Theme

This episode of "Jerry of the Circus" is a classic slice of Golden Age radio drama, centering on a growing mystery under the big top. The plot revolves around two interconnected threads: a string of threatening notes directed at Carmen, one of the performers, and a shocking sabotage—the bearded lady's beard has been cut off! As suspicion swirls, Jerry is caught in the middle and forced to choose between telling the truth and protecting a friend.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. Carmen’s Mysterious Notes (02:07–03:23)

• Jerry visits Carmen, concerned about recent anonymous notes she has received.
• Carmen shares good news—another note has arrived, but this time it’s less threatening, which she hopes means the sender has had a "change of heart."
• Jerry plays detective, noticing the ink on the note is smudged, speculating someone may have been crying. ("I know, but it does look that way, doesn't it? All smudged and streaked." – Jerry, 03:51)

2. The Bearded Lady’s Misfortune (04:02–06:17)

• Jason bursts in with a shocking revelation: the bearded lady is no longer "the bearded lady."
• The group reacts with disbelief and confusion, learning someone has cut off her beard while she slept.
• The act is described as both tragic and comical, highlighting the camaraderie and dark humor in circus life.
• The bearded lady is devastated and refuses to face anyone, with her future in the circus uncertain.
• Quote: "I've been with circuses all my life and I've never heard of such a thing happening before." – Bumps (05:47)

3. Accusation & Suspicion Falls on Jerry (06:28–07:50)

• Mr. Randall, the circus boss, pulls Jerry aside for a private talk.
• He connects Jerry to the incident, explaining he found scissors in the bearded lady’s wagon—the same kind Clara lent to Jerry earlier.
• Jerry tries to explain but is told to produce the scissors to clear his name.
• Quote: "I'm certainly relieved to hear you say that, Jerry, and I want to believe you, but there's something about this thing that seems to involve you." – Mr. Randall (07:29)

4. The Truth Comes Out—But Not to Everyone (08:40–10:14)

• Outside, Jerry meets Major, who confesses in a moment of guilt: "I cannot tell a lie, Jerry. Yes, I cut off her beard." (09:00)
• Major implores Jerry not to tell, fearing the bearded lady’s wrath if discovered. He reveals his motive: he wanted to protect Carmen, as the bearded lady was revealed to be behind the threatening notes.
• Major orchestrated the note to make Carmen feel safe, and by cutting the beard, he hopes the bearded lady will leave, removing the danger to Carmen.

5. Jerry’s Dilemma—Loyalty vs. Truth (11:14–14:52)

• Jerry faces Mr. Randall and is pressured to confess or identify the real culprit.
• Despite mounting consequences—including being barred from performing his beloved elephant act—Jerry refuses to “tattle” on Major.
• Key Exchange:
  • "I can't, Mr. Randall."
  • "I'm sorry, Jerry, but this time I'm afraid you'll have to tell me. I insist on knowing who used those scissors." – Mr. Randall (12:05–12:12)
  • "You've been awful good to me, Mr. Randall, and I appreciate it, but, well, this is just something I can't talk about." – Jerry (12:14)
• Mr. Randall, upholding circus ethics, tells Jerry he can’t let him work the act, demonstrating the tension between personal loyalty and professional responsibility.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the mystery note:
  • "You know, Jerry, I think when you grow up, if you get tired of the circus, you can be a great detective." – Carmen (03:23)
• On circus camaraderie:
  • "I've been with circuses all my life and I've never heard of such a thing happening before." – Bumps (05:47)
• On guilt and responsibility:
  • "I cannot tell a lie, Jerry. Yes, I cut off her beard." – Major (09:00)
• On principle and sacrifice:
  • "Well, Jerry, I'll tell you. It was the bearded lady that sent those notes to Carmen. So I had to protect the Spanish senorita... But she's no use to a circus without a beard. I meant to sacrifice her for the good of the circus." – Major (10:33–10:48)
• On loyalty:
  • "You've been awful good to me, Mr. Randall, and I appreciate it, but, well, this is just something I can't talk about." – Jerry (12:14)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• Carmen’s mysterious notes: 02:07 – 03:23
• News about the bearded lady: 04:02 – 06:17
• Mr. Randall’s talk with Jerry (suspicion): 06:28 – 07:50
• Major confesses to Jerry: 08:40 – 10:14
• Jerry confronts Mr. Randall, faces consequences: 11:14 – 14:52

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Tone & Atmosphere

The episode carries a blend of youthful earnestness, old-time circus camaraderie, and gentle moral lessons. The dialogue is lively, peppered with humor even amid serious revelations—characteristic of vintage family-friendly dramas. Jerry’s integrity is tested, and the performers’ personalities shine through, reflecting the tight-knit, sometimes quirky world of the circus.

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Summary

"Jerry Won't Tell" is an engaging whodunit showcasing themes of trust, loyalty, and moral ambiguity. The core conflict—Jerry’s refusal to "tell" on a friend despite personal loss—highlights the show's classic values. The episode ends on a somber note, with Jerry paying the price for his silence, setting up further adventures and ethical dilemmas under the big top.

Transcript

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson]

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[Mr. Randall]

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

[Jerry]

What is this, your first date? 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.

[Mr. Randall]

Yeah, the bird looks out of your league.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson]

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

[Major]

Liberty.

[Jason]

Liberty.

[Major]

Liberty.

[Mr. Randall]

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

[Carmen]

Hello, Jerry. Why do you worry so much? It is not that you are hungry.

[Jerry]

Oh, hi. You Carmen? No. You see, I saw the flag was out and so I just thought I'd drop around and say hello to everybody.

[Carmen]

Oh, you grow up like my two brothers. Always liking to kids. But listen, Jerry, I have good news.

[Jerry]

You have? What is it?

[Carmen]

I get another note on the same kind of paper?

[Jerry]

No. And you call that good?

[Carmen]

Ah, but this is different. This time the note say, but look, I show it to you,

[Jerry]

Say, so that's it. Someone was only kidding you. I don't mind saying they had me fooled.

[Carmen]

Yes, a joke is all right, but not when you make it so serious. I have not yet showed these to Carlos and Alfredo. But I think they not think it's so funny.

[Jerry]

Well, I should say not especially kidding about putting acid on your wire. Or that you must leave the circus or something will happen to you.

[Carmen]

I wish I know who do this. But I guess maybe something happened. So they have another heart? Yes.

[Jerry]

You mean a change of heart? Yes, you're probably right. I suspect there's something behind all this, though. I have an idea about it. But as long as it's all right now. I guess I'd better keep my suspicions to myself.

[Carmen]

Always like a detective. Yes. You know, Jerry, I think when you grow up, if you get tired of the circus, you can be a great detective.

[Jerry]

Eh, I shouldn't wonder. Well, here's your note. Say, what did you do, spill water on it?

[Carmen]

How do you mean water?

[Jerry]

See where the ink is blotted?

[Carmen]

No, it come like that.

[Jerry]

Really? See, that's funny. Looks like someone was crying or something.

[Carmen]

Oh, you see, you cannot help to think always of how you say clues.

[Jerry]

I know, but it does look that way, doesn't it? All smudged and streaked.

[Carmen]

Maybe. Maybe it rained.

[Jerry]

Well, it hasn't rained for a week.

[Carmen]

Oh, you win, Jerry. Those are dear. Say, I'm sure.

[Jerry]

I wonder what Jason and Bumps are so happy About?

[Carmen]

Hey, what's the joke?

[Jason]

Jason, Jerry, just wait till you hear this. Oh, hello, Carmen.

[Carmen]

Hello.

[Jason]

It's really a riot, isn't it, Bumps?

[Bumps]

Yes, it is funny, but it's tragic too.

[Carmen]

How do you mean funny? Sad? What's gonna be joke? Easy.

[Jason]

Oh, we're just trying to be mysterious, Carmen. But really, this is terribly funny.

[Jerry]

Oh, hurry up. What happened?

[Jason]

Well, you all know the bearded lady, of course. Well, my dear friends, she is no more.

[Jerry]

What?

[Carmen]

What did you say?

[Jerry]

Hey, what's this all about?

[Bumps]

Jason, I'm ashamed of you, talking like this.

[Jason]

Joking about what I say is the truth. Our dear friend, the bearded lady is no longer the bearded lady.

[Jerry]

Jason, what on earth are you talking about?

[Jason]

It's a long story, my friends, but to be brief and to the point, or shall I say to cut it short, it seems that the bearded lady has been robbed.

[Carmen]

Rob, you say she is no longer the bearded lady, and you laugh. Then you pretend to be sad. Jason, I know understand you this evening.

[Jason]

All right, I'll put it this way. When is a bearded lady not a bearded lady?

[Jerry]

That's simple. She hasn't got a beard.

[Jason]

Good boy.

[Jerry]

That's it. What? Say, you don't mean that.

[Bumps]

Yes, Jerry, that's it. She's lost her beard.

[Jerry]

No. But how could she?

[Carmen]

She no got her beard. Oh, the poor lady.

[Jason]

It was really tragic. And was she mad. She practically raised the roof. Threatened to get even with whoever did it.

[Jerry]

You mean to say she didn't cut it off herself?

[Bumps]

What do you think a woman who earns her living because she has a fine beard would deliberately cut it off herself?

[Jerry]

No, that's what makes it seem so funny. Say, may I have some ketchup?

[Carmen]

But how? How do such a thing happen?

[Jason]

Well, that's what nobody knows. She says she was asleep, and then suddenly she heard a noise, a click or something. And then her door slammed shut. And she got up in a hurry and happened to catch sight of herself in the mirror. And that's when she screamed.

[Bumps]

I've been with circuses all my life and I've never heard of such a thing happening before.

[Jerry]

Well, has she coming to dinner yet?

[Jason]

No, and she won't. She said she'd never face any of us again.

[Jerry]

Well, what's she doing now, I wonder?

[Jason]

I don't know. But I got a hold of Randall and he's talking to her.

[Jerry]

Say, I'll bet Mr. Durandal will be plenty upset.

[Bumps]

He certainly will be. She's not much good to him without a beard. She's not very Good company when everything's all right. I can imagine she'll be impossible to

[Mr. Randall]

get along with now.

[Jerry]

But do you think Mr. Randall will keep her, Jason?

[Jason]

Your guess is as good as mine.

[Jerry]

But who on earth could have cut off her beard?

[Jason]

Looks like you've got a new mystery, Jerry.

[Jerry]

Good night.

[Bumps]

What's the matter, Jerry?

[Jerry]

Oh, nothing. I just happened to think of something good.

[Jason]

Here comes Mr. Randall. Now we can all get the dope.

[Bumps]

Well, good evening, Sam.

[Mr. Randall]

Hello, folks.

[Jason]

Hello.

[Mr. Randall]

No, no, I'm not going to sit down. I've got too much on my mind. Jerry, I'd like to talk to you.

[Jerry]

Yes, of course, Mr. Randall.

[Mr. Randall]

I think we better go outside. Excuse us for.

[Bumps]

Of course.

[Jerry]

Sure.

[Jason]

Don't tell me you're going to miss your dessert, Jerry.

[Jerry]

Looks like it. Tonight's ice cream night, too.

[Mr. Randall]

Hurry up, Jerry. I'm pretty busy.

[Jerry]

Yes, Mr. Randall, I'm coming.

[Mr. Randall]

I wouldn't do this if it weren't pretty serious, Jerry.

[Jerry]

Yes, sir. But I don't know what this is all about.

[Mr. Randall]

You will as soon as we're outside. There. Now we can talk. This is between us, and there's no need for the rest of the circus folks to know all about it. But what is, Jerry, do you know anything about what happened to the bearded lady?

[Jerry]

Why, yes, sir. Jason was just telling us.

[Mr. Randall]

Oh, yes, yes, of course. I suppose everyone will know about it in another hour. But do you know the rest of the story?

[Jerry]

Why, no. What do you mean?

[Mr. Randall]

Jerry, did you have anything to do with this?

[Jerry]

Well, Mr. Randall, what are you talking about?

[Mr. Randall]

You're sure you didn't do this thing as a joke or a prank?

[Jerry]

Why, of course not.

[Mr. Randall]

I'm certainly relieved to hear you say that, Jerry, and I want to believe you, but there's something about this thing that seems to involve you.

[Jerry]

Well, how do you mean?

[Mr. Randall]

Well, needless to say, the bearded lady is pretty hysterical at the moment. However, while I was talking to her, I. I noticed a pair of scissors on the floor. Oh, you know about them? Well, what is this? Jerry, you do know something about this.

[Jerry]

No, honest I don't, Mr. Randall.

[Mr. Randall]

Well, you might as well tell me right now. After all, I recognize those scissors as the type that Clara uses. I've just come from talking to her.

[Jerry]

Oh, you mean she told you she lent me some today?

[Bumps]

Yeah.

[Mr. Randall]

So you see, I know all about that.

[Jerry]

But, Mr. Randall, I didn't.

[Mr. Randall]

All right, Jerry. It's possible that it just happens those scissors are similar. You give me the pair you borrowed and you'll be clear of all Suspicion.

[Jerry]

What? Well, I can't right away. I'll get them for you, though.

[Mr. Randall]

All right, Jerry. I'll be waiting for you in my office wagon. But remember, I've got the pair of scissors that I found, and you'd better have another pair or.

[Jerry]

Or what, Mr. Randall?

[Mr. Randall]

Well, we'll worry about that when the time comes. But get over to my wagon as soon as you can, Jerry.

[Jerry]

Yes, sir, I will.

[Mr. Randall]

No one will be happier than I to have you cleared of this thing.

[Jerry]

Well, I'll be over as soon as I can, Mr. Randall. Bye.

[Mr. Randall]

So long, Jerry.

[Jerry]

I wonder.

[Major]

Jerry.

[Jerry]

Oh, hello there, Major. Hey, what you doing hiding around the corner of the wagon? Golly. I'm sure glad you're here, though.

[Major]

Well, to be frank, Jerry, when I saw you leave the dining room with Mr. Randall, I was pretty worried.

[Jerry]

You. Gee whiz, you didn't do it.

[Major]

I cannot tell a lie, Jerry. Yes, I cut off her beard.

[Jerry]

But how could you? Gee, you'll get into a lot of trouble. Mr. Randall's awful man.

[Major]

Yes, yes, I know. But he must never know I did it. Nobody must.

[Jerry]

But they're bound to find out.

[Major]

But they mustn't. Why, if the bearded lady thought that I did it, she'd. Why, she'd kill me. You know how excited she gets. She just doesn't know what she's doing.

[Jerry]

But, Major, the scissors.

[Major]

Imagine dropping them. And it woke her up. If it hadn't been for that majority.

[Jerry]

Mr. Randall has those scissors, and he knows Clara gave me some like it this afternoon. And he'll blame me.

[Major]

No, he won't, Jerry.

[Jerry]

But he will. He just told me to bring him the scissors or he'd hold me responsible.

[Major]

But you didn't do it.

[Jerry]

Oh, I know, but he'll think I did if I don't give him the scissors.

[Major]

Oh, Jerry, I don't know what to say. I don't want to get you into trouble. Of course, you know I haven't the scissors.

[Jerry]

What'll I do?

[Major]

I don't know what you can do. I suppose you'll have to tell him everything. I can't have a boy blamed for something he hasn't done. And yet if that woman finds out that I'm to blame, well, I might just as well be dead. Hey, where are you going?

[Jerry]

Over to the office wagon.

[Major]

But what are you going to say to Mr. Randall?

[Jerry]

Oh, I don't know yet.

[Major]

I'll walk over with you. Goodness me, I wish I'd never been born, Jerry, to get my good friends into trouble.

[Jerry]

Oh, don't worry, Major. I won't tell him you did it.

[Major]

Nobody will know.

[Jerry]

Well, how?

[Major]

Well, when you tell him you got the scissors for me.

[Jerry]

Well, I won't tell him.

[Major]

You won't?

[Jerry]

Oh, no, of course not. Not if you're going to get into so much trouble.

[Major]

Well, Jerry, you know why I did this, don't you?

[Jerry]

Oh, no, not exactly.

[Major]

Well, Jerry, I'll tell you. It was the bearded lady that sent those notes to Carmen. So I had to protect the Spanish senorita. So I had the bearded lady write a note.

[Jerry]

Yeah, I saw it.

[Major]

You did? Well, now Carmen won't worry anymore. And now I fixed a bearded lady so she won't be around here anymore endangering people's lives. But she's no use to a circus without a beard. I meant to sacrifice her for the good of the circus. I didn't mean to get you into trouble.

[Jerry]

It's all right, Major. Well, here we are. Guess I better go in and get it over with.

[Major]

Good luck, Jerry, and be sure to let me know what happens.

[Jerry]

Yeah, I will. Goodbye.

[Major]

Goodbye,

[Jerry]

Mr. Randall.

[Mr. Randall]

Come in, Jerry.

[Jerry]

Mr. Andle.

[Mr. Randall]

Yes?

[Jerry]

I haven't got the scissors after all. Jerry, I'm awful sorry.

[Mr. Randall]

Jerry, how could you do a thing like that? Well, I. Jerry, cutting off that beard was bad enough. It's much worse than a prank because it brings a lot of trouble to the innocent victim.

[Jerry]

Well, how do you mean?

[Mr. Randall]

Of course I can't use the bearded lady like that. I'm afraid I'll have to let her go. Oh, no, that's bad enough. But to have you lie to me.

[Jerry]

Well, honest, I didn't, Mr. Randall.

[Mr. Randall]

I didn't. To have you lie to me is worse than to have had you do such a thoughtless and unkind thing.

[Jerry]

Truly, I didn't lie to you, Mr. Randall. You must believe me.

[Mr. Randall]

Then someone else is involved in this. So that's it. Yeah, not as much. I'm sorry, Jerry. I don't like to ask you to tell on another, but in this case, I'm afraid I'll have to ask you to tell me who did this thing.

[Jerry]

I can't, Mr. Randall.

[Mr. Randall]

I'm sorry, Jerry, but this time I'm afraid you'll have to tell me. I insist on knowing who used those scissors.

[Lowe's Announcer]

You.

[Mr. Randall]

You won't tell me?

[Jerry]

You've been awful good to me, Mr. Randall, and I appreciate it, but, well, this is just something I can't talk about.

[Mr. Randall]

Well, Jerry, I'm sorry, but I'm afraid you're going to have to take some pretty stiff medicine.

[Jerry]

Yes, sir.

[Mr. Randall]

I'll have to tell Clara not to make up that costume for you.

[Jerry]

Why?

[Mr. Randall]

Because I'm going to have to let someone else go into the ring with that elephant act.

[Jerry]

Oh, Mr. Randall. Oh, no, please, please. I just can't tell you. But I just got to do that act with El Mundo. I've been practicing and thinking about it so much, and.

[Mr. Randall]

I'm sorry, Jerry.

[Jerry]

And I'm good. Honest I am. Carmen says so, and so does Olson, and. Oh, gee, Mr. Randall, do something else to me, please. But let me work with El Mundo in the ring.

[Mr. Randall]

It's too bad, Jerry. I feel as bad about this as you do, but I can't have performers who don't consider the show above everything else. I don't like tattling any more than you do, but this case is a little different, and, well, I. I guess we'll just have to forget about you working that elephant in the ring.

[Lowe's Announcer]

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[Major]

Visit your nearby Lowe's.