Jerry of the Circus - Jerrys Lawyer Richard Grayson

Summary

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Jerry of the Circus – “Jerry’s Lawyer Richard Grayson”

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Date: May 16, 2026
Theme: A glimpse behind the scenes of the Randall Brothers Circus, exploring dedication to performance, tension between personal needs and show business demands, and a revelation about a circus performer’s hidden identity.

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Episode Overview

This episode revisits the world of Jerry of the Circus, capturing the camaraderie, risks, and high expectations within a traveling circus. Central to this story are Jerry, Mr. Randall (the circus boss), star performers like Patsy, and veteran performer Johnny Bradley. The episode blends moments of suspense (with a daring aerial act in blustery conditions), character insight, and finally, a dramatic revelation concerning Johnny Bradley’s true identity, connecting past fame and present humility.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Rags Returns to the Spotlight

(02:07–03:49)

• Jerry chats with Mr. Randall about Rags the dog and his excitement in returning to perform.
  “He used to whine and cry like a baby if I didn't bring him around the backyard during the show.” —Jerry (02:34)
• Mr. Randall clarifies his responsibility:
  "I don't put things into my show to be nice to people... my first problem is to please the audience." —Mr. Randall (03:22)
• The segment highlights the delicate balance between affection for performers (even animals) and the drive to entertain the public.

2. Patsy’s High-Wire Challenge

(04:04–10:14)

• Patsy, the aerialist, faces pressure to deliver a new trapeze act despite heavy winds.
• Patsy insists on fulfilling the program’s promise to the audience:
  "When you promise the public something, you've got to give it to them." —Patsy (04:19)
• She endures multiple falls due to wind but persists:
  "When you once start a trick in front of your audience, you have to keep on until you get it right." —Mr. Randall (07:07)
• The audience cheers after her final, successful attempt.
• Patsy feels she let down the circus, but Mr. Randall reassures her and discusses the audience’s sense of heightened excitement when acts initially fail but later succeed: “You know this business well enough to know the advantage of falling now and then… when it happens because of things we can't help… it made it even more exciting for the folks.” —Mr. Randall (09:51–10:13)

3. Johnny Bradley’s Dilemma

(10:31–13:04)

• An emotional turn: Johnny Bradley reveals that his estranged son, now a lawyer (Richard Grayson), is in the audience for the first time.
• Johnny is overcome by anxiety, believing his son will recognize his Shakespearean routine—something he grew up hearing backstage:
  "He knows how I read every line I've ever played. He was brought up hearing me rehearse from the moment he woke up till he fell asleep in my dressing room at night." —Johnny Bradley (11:48)
• Mr. Randall agrees to swap acts so Johnny can avoid possible recognition, showing compassion for his performer's predicament.
• The revelation: Johnny Bradley is not only a clown but actually John B. Grayson, once a famous Shakespearean actor:
  “I didn't give you my true name. It's... John B. Grayson.” —Johnny Bradley (12:44)
  “Not the great Grayson… The Great Grayson. A clown in my circus.” —Mr. Randall (12:54–12:56)
• Mr. Randall pledges secrecy, underscoring trust within the circus family.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Dogs are certainly funny.” —Mr. Randall (02:40)
• "If I find something good, I put it in because I think the audience will like it." —Mr. Randall (03:22)
• "Oh, youth, youth. How wonderful it is to be young with the whole world at your feet." —Johnny Bradley (07:53)
• “It was all right. That wind blowing all those trappings around. It's beyond me how you made the performance at all, let alone a new turn.” —Mr. Randall to Patsy (08:11)
• "May heaven shower you with blessings, Mr. Randall." —Johnny Bradley (12:15)
• “I've never gone in for fooling the public that way. Lots of show folks do… but when it happens because of things we can't help, it made it even more exciting for the folks.” —Mr. Randall (10:03–10:13)

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Key Timestamps

• 02:07 – Jerry and Mr. Randall discuss Rags' act
• 04:10 – Patsy debates performing in poor weather
• 06:14–08:06 – Patsy’s performance, fall, and comeback
• 09:41–10:14 – Mr. Randall consoles Patsy about her perseverance and the nature of show business
• 10:36–13:04 – Johnny Bradley reveals his anxiety over his son’s presence and discloses his true identity to Mr. Randall

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Tone & Atmosphere

The episode is warm, nostalgic, and rich with circus camaraderie. It blends moments of tension (the windy trapeze act), gentle humor (Jerry’s playful comments), and sincere emotion (Bradley’s confession about his son). The dialogue is earnest, with characters openly expressing gratitude, worry, and pride, all set against the unique background of a 1930s circus.

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Summary:
This episode offers a window into the tightly knit, emotionally complex world behind the circus curtain—where performance is both profession and identity, every show is a risk, and moments of vulnerability are met with solidarity and understanding.

Transcript

[Narrator/Announcer]

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[Mr. Randall]

Gary of the circus. Now for Jerry of the circus.

[Jerry]

Hello, Mr. Reynolds. What you doing around here? Watching Rags's act.

[Mr. Randall]

Well, now, I hadn't thought of it. Guess it's a pretty good idea. Now that you've reminded me.

[Jerry]

He's got a new trick. That's a fifth.

[Mr. Randall]

I'm glad to hear it, Jerry. As a matter of fact, I'm hanging around to see Patsy's new stunt.

[Jerry]

Well, of course, I. I should have thought of that.

[Johnny Bradley]

Hi, Mr. Randall.

[Mr. Randall]

It looks like we're in for a big blow. I hope not, Bill. I noticed the wind coming up after lunch.

[Jerry]

There they go in their walk around now. Gee, I bet Rag is glad to be working again.

[Mr. Randall]

You think he missed it?

[Jerry]

Oh, I'm sure he did. Used to whine and cry like a baby if I didn't bring him around the backyard during the show.

[Mr. Randall]

Dogs are certainly funny.

[Jerry]

There he goes now he's your great. Hey, did you see that somersault, Mr. Randall?

[Mr. Randall]

Can't say they did sign.

[Jerry]

I did. You shouldn't have missed it.

[Mr. Randall]

I'm looking at those swings and ropes and trappings hanging from the top of the tent.

[Jerry]

Where?

[Patsy]

Oh.

[Jerry]

Good night. Look at him swing.

[Mr. Randall]

I'm afraid that wind's getting pretty heavy.

[Jerry]

He. What about bats? New trick.

[Mr. Randall]

I know that's what I'm doing around here during the show. Well, now, let's see who how Rag is doing.

[Jerry]

Gee, he's most through. Here they come now.

[Mr. Randall]

My golly, that. That dog jumps like Betsy says.

[Jerry]

He jumps like a kangaroo.

[Mr. Randall]

He does that. Pretty cute dog. He's getting to be quite an attraction.

[Jerry]

It was sure nice of you to let him work with bumps.

[Mr. Randall]

Oh, no, it wasn't. I don't put things into my show to be nice to people much as I'd like to. After all, my first problem is to please the audience, of course, so they have to come first. If I find something good, I put it in because I think the audience will like it.

[Jerry]

If the audience doesn't seem to like

[Mr. Randall]

it, I take it right out again.

[Jerry]

Then I guess Rags is Pretty good to still be allowed to work. Rags, your axe is over. I'm ashamed of you. So, Mr. Randall.

[Mr. Randall]

Thing. He certainly knows how to beg forgiveness.

[Jerry]

It's almost. Well, sometimes I. I just think I can't say no to him.

[Mr. Randall]

I can see how hard it must be. Where'd bumps go?

[Jerry]

Yes, he went right through the wagon to change. He often does when I'm here to pick up rags. Oh, gee, here comes Patsy now. Hi, Patsy.

[Patsy]

Hello. Oh. Oh, how are you, Mr. Randall?

[Mr. Randall]

Fine, thank you. Patsy, about that new act of yours.

[Patsy]

Yes, Mr. Randall?

[Mr. Randall]

It's a pretty bad wind.

[Patsy]

Oh, I've worked in winds before.

[Mr. Randall]

I know, but don't you think it's a bad time to try out a new act?

[Patsy]

Well, you've announced it in the programs, haven't you?

[Mr. Randall]

Oh, yes, but that doesn't matter.

[Patsy]

Oh, yes, it does. When you promise the public something, you've got to give it to them.

[Mr. Randall]

Not if I risk hurting any of my performers.

[Patsy]

Oh, now, don't you worry, Mr. Randall. I have the net, so there's no real danger. I've only been in the business long enough to take any falls if necessary.

[Mr. Randall]

Yes, but I don't want you to.

[Johnny Bradley]

And now, ladies and gentlemen, Randall Brothers Circus takes great pleasure in bringing to you the renowned little artist, Patsy of the air. This gorgeous little lady, for the first time will bring to her public a new and hazardous trick in her latest and most practical spectacular, heat of the air.

[Jerry]

Polly. Mr. Randall. She's pretty, isn't she?

[Mr. Randall]

Pretty and clever and brave.

[Jerry]

Looks kind of little out there all by herself.

[Mr. Randall]

I beg my Mrs. Over.

[Jerry]

Well, she's taken off her robe. Gee, the audience sure likes her.

[Mr. Randall]

Yeah, of course they do.

[Jerry]

Yeah. I wonder what she thinks about when she lets go of those trapezes and turns in the air before catching on to the other rod.

[Mr. Randall]

I asked her that once, Jerry.

[Patsy]

Oh?

[Jerry]

What did she say?

[Mr. Randall]

She says she always wonders if she left the trapeze swinging straight.

[Jerry]

That's funny.

[Mr. Randall]

Not a bit. It's the natural thing for her to think about.

[Jerry]

Well, why?

[Mr. Randall]

Well, if she's left it perfectly straight, it'll surely be right for her return trip as she flies across that great empty space.

[Jerry]

Oh, of course. And if it's twisted, I suppose it might swing kind of uneven, and she'd probably miss. Golly. Must be an awful lot to remember up there. And look, she does it so easy, just like flying.

[Mr. Randall]

That's why she's the greatest little aerialist in the business. But she's been training at it since she Was a baby.

[Jerry]

It must be nice of that new trip.

[Mr. Randall]

Yep.

[Jerry]

Mr. Randall?

[Mr. Randall]

Yes, Jerry?

[Jerry]

The wind's coming up again. Look at those trappings.

[Johnny Bradley]

I know.

[Jerry]

She's ready.

[Mr. Randall]

Yeah.

[Jerry]

What's wrong? Why is she waiting?

[Mr. Randall]

Oh, nothing. She. She's just waiting for that trapeze to right itself.

[Jerry]

Golly. There she goes. Mr. Randall, she slipped. Oh, gee, she fell. Dolly, you look at her bottom. That net.

[Mr. Randall]

I was afraid of that.

[Jerry]

Yeah, but why? Why, even in rehearsal, she never slipped. She took her fall nice anyhow.

[Mr. Randall]

I bet she did.

[Jerry]

She sure climbs up there fast.

[Mr. Randall]

You know, you can't keep the audience waiting too long.

[Jerry]

She's gonna try it again. Honest, I'm as scared as if I had to jump off that platform.

[Mr. Randall]

I'm sort of nervous myself.

[Jerry]

There she goes. Gee, whizz. A somersault and a half turn and another somersault. Oh, God, what a shame. I bet she feels terrible.

[Mr. Randall]

She couldn't help it that time, Jerry. That canvas top blew her trapeze off at an angle.

[Jerry]

Gee, Mr. Randall, don't you think she ought to stop trying?

[Mr. Randall]

No, she can't now. It's too late.

[Jerry]

What do you mean?

[Mr. Randall]

Well, when you once start a trick in front of your audience, you have to keep on until you get it right.

[Jerry]

But when there's a win.

[Mr. Randall]

No, it doesn't matter. Either you mustn't attempt a trick, or else you must keep at it until you do it right.

[Jerry]

But that seems awful.

[Johnny Bradley]

Oh, Mr. Randall's right, Jerry.

[Jerry]

Oh, hello there, Mr. Bradley. I didn't see you. Patsy's having an awful time.

[Mr. Randall]

Yeah, she's ready. Good.

[Johnny Bradley]

Two somersaults and two half turns. Oh, what a.

[Mr. Randall]

Quiet, Quiet, Jerry. Quiet, quiet. Don't you.

[Jerry]

I'm sorry. Be quiet. Rags on. Jiminy willikers, that was so. Aren't you proud of her, Mr. Randall?

[Mr. Randall]

Yeah, she's a grand little trooper. Fine performer. Of course I'm proud of her, Gary.

[Johnny Bradley]

A gifted little lady. Oh, youth, youth. How wonderful it is to be young with the whole world at your feet.

[Jerry]

Here she comes now. Ah, Betty, you were wonderful.

[Mr. Randall]

Nice work, Patsy.

[Patsy]

Oh, Mr. Vandal, I'm so sorry. I missed it twice. Well, I haven't done a thing like that since.

[Mr. Randall]

Ah, my dear child, it was all right. That wind blowing all those trappings around. It's beyond me how you made the performance at all, let alone new turn.

[Patsy]

Oh, but first of all, I feel terrible.

[Johnny Bradley]

Let me be the first to congratulate you, Ms. Patsy, for a truly great performance. Why, in the face of great adversity, you never for a moment lost faith.

[Jerry]

Mr. Bradley. Mr. Bradley, you go on.

[Mr. Randall]

Here.

[Johnny Bradley]

What? What's that? Oh, yes, yes, yes, of course, Jerry. Oh, you see, even my faithful friend Lulu is at my heels. Ready? Alas, I fear the years attend taking their toll.

[Mr. Randall]

He's a dear, but I'm afraid he's getting pretty old for this kind of life. If it weren't for.

[Patsy]

Oh, well, for what, Mr. Randall?

[Mr. Randall]

I'm afraid I can't tell you. It's personal regarding only Mr. Bradley and his son. And I'm afraid this will be the last season I'll be able to let him stay.

[Jerry]

Oh, Mr. Randall. But Mr. Bradley.

[Mr. Randall]

I know, my boy, but remember what I told you about the public. They are the first to be considered.

[Patsy]

Oh, but they love him, see. Listen to them.

[Mr. Randall]

Ah, you're right, Patsy. He's a grand old trooper and I'm proud to have him with us.

[Jerry]

Jerry. Jerry. Yeah, what is it?

[Johnny Bradley]

Whitey's calling for you. He needs some help.

[Mr. Randall]

The wind's doing some damage and the horses are nervous.

[Jerry]

He will. I'll be right there. Say goodbye, Mr. Randall. I got some work to do.

[Mr. Randall]

All right. Goodbye, Jerry. Great little kid, that Jerry.

[Patsy]

Oh, he surely is. And thrilled to death when there's something he can do.

[Mr. Randall]

Patsy.

[Patsy]

Yes, Mr. Randall?

[Mr. Randall]

I want to thank you for your nice performance. Performance? This afternoon. Oh, but you didn't let me down and you didn't let the audience down.

[Patsy]

Oh, but Mr. Randall, I know you

[Mr. Randall]

think you didn't give a finished performance that wasn't your fault.

[Patsy]

I know that, but still.

[Mr. Randall]

Matter of fact, you know this business well enough to know the advantage of falling now and then.

[Patsy]

Well, you mean it makes the audience think the trick is harder and when you finally do it, they think they've seen something more difficult than it really is.

[Mr. Randall]

That's it. Now, I've never gone in for fooling the public that way. Lots of show folks do it as a matter of routine. Yes, I know, but when it happens because of things we can't help.

[Jerry]

You mean that it made it even

[Patsy]

more exciting for the folks?

[Mr. Randall]

Exactly.

[Patsy]

I was too upset to think about that, I guess.

[Mr. Randall]

Yeah, so you see. Now you just stop worrying. Get to your dressing wagon and rest.

[Patsy]

Thanks, Mr. Randall. You know, I think you're one of the nicest people in the world.

[Mr. Randall]

Well, that's.

[Patsy]

And I'm proud to be working for you. Goodbye.

[Mr. Randall]

Well, I'll be.

[Johnny Bradley]

Mr. Randall. Mr. Randall.

[Mr. Randall]

Oh, why, Johnny, what's the matter?

[Johnny Bradley]

Her catastrophe has just appeared.

[Jerry]

Occurred.

[Mr. Randall]

I. Well, not take it Easy, old man, if it can't be as bad as all that.

[Johnny Bradley]

Oh, but it is the worst. What I have always feared has befallen me.

[Mr. Randall]

Oh, now, now, Johnny, please. What's this all about?

[Johnny Bradley]

You remember my telling you all about my son?

[Mr. Randall]

Why, yeah. Yes, of course. Funny and crossed my mind a little while ago.

[Johnny Bradley]

He's here today. What do you mean? He lives here in Jackson City and he's.

[Mr. Randall]

You.

[Carvana Customer]

You.

[Mr. Randall]

You mean he's out in the audience?

[Johnny Bradley]

Yes, yes, out there. It's the first time he's ever. It's ever happened. Oh, but why would he be here in this. The afternoon?

[Mr. Randall]

That's right. And you say he's a lawyer. Perhaps he had a day off.

[Johnny Bradley]

But he takes his work so seriously. Oh, but that's all quite beside the point. What am I to do?

[Mr. Randall]

What do you mean?

[Johnny Bradley]

Well, I can't. No, I. I just can't go on again, Mr. Randy.

[Mr. Randall]

Why, nonsense, Johnny. You'll never recognize you. Not in that crazy costume and that face painted on you.

[Johnny Bradley]

No, no, of course not.

[Mr. Randall]

Not.

[Johnny Bradley]

But the Shakespearean act, That I cannot do.

[Mr. Randall]

I don't see how he could possibly recognize.

[Johnny Bradley]

Oh, but he will. Oh, you don't understand, Mr. Randall. Dick was brought up in the theater. His whole boyhood was backstage. He knows my old Shakespearean roles almost as well as I do.

[Mr. Randall]

Oh, I think hearing in those lines would.

[Johnny Bradley]

I assure you, Mr. Randall, he couldn't fail to recognize me. He knows how I read every line I've ever played. He was brought up hearing me rehearse from the moment he woke up till he fell asleep in my dressing room at night.

[Mr. Randall]

I only know what to say.

[Johnny Bradley]

Could you. Would you let the boy go on? Oh, please. He knows enough of the lines. And after all, it's a matinee.

[Mr. Randall]

I know, and mostly children. They wouldn't appreciate the act as much as the adult audience anyhow.

[Johnny Bradley]

May heaven shower you with blessings, Mr. Randall.

[Mr. Randall]

Jack, run over to the horse tent and tell Jerry to come here as quick as possible.

[Johnny Bradley]

Yes, Mr. Randall. Oh, thank you, Mr. Randall. I'll never forget this as long as I live.

[Mr. Randall]

That's all right, Johnny. Now, you don't think there's any danger of this happening again?

[Johnny Bradley]

Oh, no, no, I'm sure there isn't. You see, now that he's caught the show, he won't come again. And of course, once we leave Jackson

[Mr. Randall]

City behind, there's no danger of his recognizing her name in the program.

[Johnny Bradley]

No, no, Mr. Randall. You see, I. I didn't give you my true name. It's It's John B. Grayson.

[Mr. Randall]

Not the great Grayson.

[Johnny Bradley]

Bradley was my mother's name, sir.

[Mr. Randall]

Well, I can hardly believe my ears. The Great Grayson. A clown in my circus.

[Johnny Bradley]

But you'll never breathe a word of

[Mr. Randall]

this on my word of honor.

[Johnny Bradley]

He's gone, Mr. Randall.

[Mr. Randall]

Jerry left the horse tent a few minutes ago. Well, find him. Get all the men to search the grounds at once. Jerry must be found. He's got to go on in Johnny Bradley's place in 15 minutes.

[Carvana Customer]

I sold my car in Carvana last night.

[Jerry]

Well, that's cool.

[Carvana Customer]

No, you don't understand. It went perfectly. Real offer down to the penny. They're picking it up tomorrow. Nothing went wrong.

[Jerry]

So what's the problem?

[Carvana Customer]

That is the problem. Nothing in my life goes as smoothly. I'm waiting for the catch.

[Jerry]

Maybe there's no catch.

[Carvana Customer]

That's exactly what a catch would want me to think.

[Jerry]

Wow. You need to relax.

[Carvana Customer]

I need to knock on wood. Do we have. What is this? Table wood?

[Jerry]

I think it's laminate.

[Carvana Customer]

Okay. Yeah, that's good. That's close enough.

[Jerry]

Car selling without a catch Sell your

[Mr. Randall]

car today on Carvana. Pick up fees may apply.

[Narrator/Announcer]

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