Jerry of the Circus - Johnny Decides to Visit His Son

Summary

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Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: Jerry of the Circus – Johnny Decides to Visit His Son

Date: May 16, 2026

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Episode Overview

This episode of Harold's Old Time Radio revisits "Jerry of the Circus," a classic radio serial from the golden age of family radio entertainment. The central theme revolves around connection, loyalty, and the bittersweet realities of circus life. Jerry recounts a lively party, learns more about his fellow performers, and, most emotionally, Johnny Bradley faces his conflicting feelings about reconnecting with his son while concealing his true profession as a clown. The episode delivers warmth, wisdom, and touches of humor through charming interactions among circus friends.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Jerry Recounts the Party (02:09–06:18)

• Jerry trains his dog, Rags, practicing circus tricks, demonstrating their strong bond and shared skills.

  • Notable quote:

    "I'm just putting Rags through some of his stunts to see if he could do them with me as well as he does with Bumps."
    – Jerry, 03:35

• Jerry visits Johnny Bradley to share news about the party, emphasizing the warmth and camaraderie among the circus family.

  • Detailed party highlights: food (spaghetti, sandwiches, ice cream, and cake), stories from Mr. Grayson about wild animal training, and his journey through law school.

• Jerry admires the respect Mr. Grayson has for his father.

  • Notable quote:

    "He said he owed everything to his father. He's trying awful hard to make good for his sake."
    – Jerry, 05:15

  • Johnny reflects warmly on this father-son admiration.

• Small touches of circus life, such as Johnny repairing Lulu the duck’s hat, highlight the resourcefulness and close relationships among circus folk.

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2. Reflections on Friendship Between People and Their Animal Companions (06:18–07:31)

• Johnny and Jerry discuss the importance of their animal friends, Lulu and Rags.

  • Notable quote:

    "She is my pal and a very understanding friend, too. Just like a dog, she seems to sense my moods, and I appreciate that."
    – Johnny Bradley, 07:11

• The depth of comfort pets provide is underlined, especially when Jerry notes how Rags helped him through loneliness.

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3. Bumps Joins the Conversation: Circus Tricks & Showmanship (07:38–09:41)

• Bumps enters, recalling the party and bantering about spaghetti-eating feats.

• The troupe discusses teaching Rags new tricks and circus performance ideas, including:

  • Why not teach a dog to jump through fire? Bumps and Johnny point out it's not novel after the leopard’s dramatic performance.
  • Respect for Jason’s skills with wild animals, marking him as a standout trainer.
  • Notable quote:

    "Fire is an animal's worst enemy. There's no doubt about that."
    – Johnny Bradley, 09:22

• Jerry and Bumps prepare to work on new stunts before lunch, reinforcing the teamwork and lively routine of circus performers.

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4. Johnny’s Dilemma: Reconnecting with His Son (10:14–13:17)

• Mr. Randall seeks out Johnny Bradley, gently urging him to visit his son, Richard, while the circus is in town.

  • Johnny resists, fearing his son would be ashamed to learn his father is a mere clown rather than the celebrated stage actor Johnny depicted in letters.
  • Mr. Randall proposes a discreet visit, suggesting Johnny mention he is just “passing through on business” and bring the $100 he planned to mail.
  • Strategy for the visit: Johnny should direct the conversation with questions about Richard’s life to avoid suspicion.

• Emotional support:

  • Mr. Randall offers his diamond ring for Johnny to wear, so he appears prosperous, bolstering his confidence for the meeting.
  • Notable quote:

    "Your whole life is wrapped up in that son of yours. And to pass through Jackson City without seeing him would be a crime."
    – Mr. Randall, 13:06

• Johnny is moved and resolves to visit his son that very afternoon, marking a milestone in his otherwise humble life.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Animal Companions:

  "She is my pal and a very understanding friend, too. Just like a dog, she seems to sense my moods, and I appreciate that."
  – Johnny Bradley, 07:11

• On Parental Pride and Sacrifice:

  "I've missed a lot all through life. Ah, but alas, there is never a loss without a gain."
  – Johnny Bradley, 06:02

• On Honesty and Hope:

  "If I give thanks for the little things, I'd soon be given thanks for bigger things."
  – Jerry quoting his father, 06:18

• On Father-Son Bonds:

  "He said he owed everything to his father. He's trying awful hard to make good for his sake."
  – Jerry, 05:15

• On the Importance of Seeing Loved Ones:

  "Your whole life is wrapped up in that son of yours. And to pass through Jackson City without seeing him would be a crime."
  – Mr. Randall, 13:06

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• [02:09] Jerry and Rags practice tricks; Jerry recalls party plans.
• [03:31] Johnny arrives, conversation about tricks and Rags' abilities.
• [04:11] Jerry shares details about the party, Mr. Grayson’s stories, and respect for fathers.
• [06:18] Reflections on gratefulness, pet friendships, and circus know-how.
• [07:38] Bumps joins; lively chat on circus stunts and team spirit.
• [10:14] Goodbye scene—introduction of Mr. Randall’s proposal.
• [11:08] Johnny’s conflict about seeing his son as a clown.
• [12:22] Detailed plan for Johnny’s visit to his son; Mr. Randall’s support.
• [13:17] Johnny’s resolution to visit his son—hopeful close.

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Tone & Language

The tone is warm, earnest, and tinged with nostalgia and loyalty. The language remains true to golden age radio tradition, filled with old-fashioned wisdom, gentle humor, and the enduring optimism of circus performers facing life’s challenges together.

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Summary

This episode artfully combines simple joys, circus camaraderie, and the poignant dilemma of a father wishing to reconnect with his son while hiding his humble reality. Listeners are immersed in the close-knit, resourceful world of the circus and left with an uplifting message about the power of kindness, friendship, and the importance of family—no matter what path one’s life may take.

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Transcript

[Liberty Mutual Agent]

And, Doug, there's nowhere I wouldn't go to help someone customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual. Even if it means sitting front row at a comedy show.

[Comedy Show Host]

Hey, everyone, check out this guy and his bird. What is this, your first date?

[Audience Member]

Oh, no.

[Liberty Mutual Agent]

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

[Comedy Show Host]

Yeah, the bird looks out of your league.

[Liberty Mutual Agent]

Anyways, get a [e-mail] or with your local agent.

[Comedy Show Host]

Liberty.

[Johnny Bradley]

Liberty.

[Comedy Show Host]

Liberty. Liberty.

[Audience Member]

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

[Jerry]

Here, Rags. Here, boy, you quit running around so much in this backyard. Stay right by me. I'm not going over to our wagon. I'm going over to Johnny Bradley's wagon. I'm going to tell him about the party last night. Come here. Now, just because your leg is well, you can't have to show off and run so fast. Now, you wait right here, Mr. Bradley. Oh, Mr. Bradley. Guess he's not here yet. Well, we'll just wait around for him. What do you say? Hey, how about some tricks? Think he can jump up on my shoulder like you do with bumps? Okay, let's try it. 1, 2, 3, up. Good boy. Good for you. Now let's see if you can jump down to my foot and somersault back up to my shoulder again. Ready? Go. Hurray for you, Rag. You're all right. You know, I bet you and I could do bumps act without any trouble. I'm glad to know that, too, because Mr. Randall said I was the understudy and I have to be able to do all of the clowns act. Now, let's try that double somersault now. No. Get in back of me like you do with bumps. That's the fella. Now, ready? One, two, three, go. Up. Golly, you did it. Oh, Johnny. I mean, Mr. Bradley, I didn't see.

[Johnny Bradley]

Well, I just got here, Jerry, just in time to see that last trick.

[Jerry]

I was just putting Rags through some of his stunts to see if he could do them with me as well as he does with Bumps.

[Johnny Bradley]

I should say there's little doubt about that after witnessing your demonstration.

[Jerry]

Yeah, he does the tricks just as easy with me as he does them with bunce. I'll bet he'd even work with you if you'd give him the right cues.

[Johnny Bradley]

Yes, I believe he would. I've said before, but it bears repeating. That dog is a mighty fine trooper.

[Jerry]

Yes, you sure are, Rag.

[Johnny Bradley]

Want to come into the wagon, Jerry? I've got A few things I have to do.

[Jerry]

Uh huh. I came over here looking for you.

[Johnny Bradley]

Well, fine. Come in then. Did you have something special special on your mind?

[Jerry]

Just about the party last night. I wanted to tell you about it.

[Johnny Bradley]

Good. Sit down, Jerry. Make yourself comfortable.

[Jerry]

Thanks. Lie down here, Rag. You sure missed out on a good time, Mr. Bradley.

[Johnny Bradley]

You had a nice time, did you?

[Jerry]

Oh, it was a keen party. Mr. Grayson. Sure made us feel at home. We had spaghetti, all kinds of sandwiches and even ice cream and cake.

[Johnny Bradley]

Well, that sounds good.

[Jerry]

It was. And Jason told us a lot of stories about wild animals and told us how he started to be a trainer when he was real young. And then Mr. Grayson told us about law school and all about the hard things he had to study to become a lawyer.

[Johnny Bradley]

He seems to be a nice sort of person.

[Jerry]

Oh, Mr. Grayson's nice all right. And is he smart?

[Johnny Bradley]

He is.

[Jerry]

Uh huh. He says he gets his smartness from his father.

[Johnny Bradley]

He said that?

[Jerry]

He sure did. He thinks a lot of his father.

[Johnny Bradley]

What did he say about him, Jerry?

[Jerry]

Well, his father is an actor. A pretty big one, I guess.

[Johnny Bradley]

Is that so?

[Jerry]

Yeah, and it was his father who sent him through law school.

[Johnny Bradley]

What else did he say about his father though, Jerry?

[Jerry]

He said he owed everything to his father. He's trying awful hard to make good for his sake.

[Johnny Bradley]

My, that's a nice thought.

[Jerry]

Yeah, he sure is a real nice man all right.

[Johnny Bradley]

Or what else did you do at the party, Jerry?

[Jerry]

Oh, we played some games and then Mr. Grayson did some tricks for.

[Johnny Bradley]

Did he do the one where he puts a coin on the back of each finger and then throws them up and catches them all with the same hand?

[Jerry]

Yeah. How did you know?

[Johnny Bradley]

Why I. Well. Oh, I thought he'd do that. You see, that's an old trick. I mean he probably learned that at school.

[Jerry]

Oh, uh huh. And then we played the radio and Patsy and Jason danced together. I sure wish you could have been there with us. I know you'd a had had a nice time too because Bumpshear enjoyed himself.

[Johnny Bradley]

Yes, I guess I did miss quite a lot, Jerry. And not only last night. I've missed a lot all through life. Ah, but alas, there is never a loss without a gain. So I must be grateful for the good fortune that has come my way.

[Jerry]

That's what my father always told me. He said if I give thanks for the little things, I. I'd soon be given thanks for bigger things.

[Johnny Bradley]

Truer words were never spoken. Spoken, Jerry, that's a sound bit of advice. Now let me see what Was it? I had to do. Oh, yes, yes. I must fix Lulu's hat. Here we are.

[Jerry]

What are you gonna do with it?

[Johnny Bradley]

Oh, I fear the elastic has had its day. I must replace it with a new piece.

[Jerry]

Yeah, I noticed that the hat keeps slipping off Lulu's head.

[Johnny Bradley]

And Lulu's not the kind of a duck that likes to be untidy. She's very fussy about her costume, such as it is.

[Jerry]

She sure is a smart duck, all right. How did he ever train her?

[Johnny Bradley]

It wasn't difficult, Jerry. You see, ducks are timid. But once you gain their confidence and make a pet of them, they become very manageable. It may surprise you to know that I think an awful lot of Lulu.

[Jerry]

No, that doesn't surprise me. Lulu is your pal, just like rag. Rags as mine.

[Johnny Bradley]

That's it exactly. She is my pal and a very understanding friend, too. Just like a dog, she seems to sense my moods, and I appreciate that.

[Jerry]

They sure do understand a lot. Golly, I don't know what I'd have done without Rags when I was left all alone.

[Johnny Bradley]

Yeah, that's finished. Now that hat should fit properly.

[Jerry]

It didn't take you long. You know how to sew, all right.

[Johnny Bradley]

Necessity teaches us to do a lot of things around the circus, Jerry.

[Jerry]

Say, look. Look who's out there.

[Johnny Bradley]

Well, who is it? Oh, it's Bumps. Hello, Bumps.

[Jerry]

Looking for me?

[Bumps]

Oh, there you are, Jerry.

[Johnny Bradley]

Come on in.

[Bumps]

I'm coming.

[Johnny Bradley]

Jerry and I were just visiting.

[Jerry]

I was telling Mr. Bradley about the party last night.

[Bumps]

Oh, and that was a party. You missed something, Johnny.

[Johnny Bradley]

So Jerry tells me.

[Bumps]

Did you tell Johnny about all the spaghetti I ate?

[Johnny Bradley]

No, he didn't mention a word of it.

[Jerry]

Golly, I forgot all about that.

[Bumps]

Well, don't see how you could let that slip your mind, Jerry. You had a couple of plates full

[Jerry]

yourself, and it sure was good. Sally's a wonderful cook. She's going to marry Mr. Grayson pretty soon.

[Johnny Bradley]

So he told me. Tell me about her, Jerry.

[Jerry]

When he introduced her to us, he. He said they're waiting until he's doing better in his law office, and then they're going to get married.

[Johnny Bradley]

Oh, and she's real nice, is she?

[Bumps]

Oh, she's a mighty fine girl, Johnny.

[Johnny Bradley]

Well, I'm glad. I mean, it's nice to see a young man like Richard Grayson find a good life's palm.

[Bumps]

Yes, it is.

[Jerry]

Did you want me for something, Bumps?

[Bumps]

Oh, no, no, nothing special, Jerry. I think I'll take Rags and put him through some stunts.

[Jerry]

I just had him doing some of the tricks you do with him?

[Johnny Bradley]

Yes, and Jerry finds that Rags works just as well with him as it does with you, Bumps.

[Bumps]

Oh, is that so? Does he do the shoulder jumps and somersaults too?

[Jerry]

Sure he does. He does every one of the tricks with me.

[Bumps]

Well, I was just thinking maybe I'd try a few new ones.

[Jerry]

What kind?

[Johnny Bradley]

Oh, I don't know.

[Bumps]

I'll figure something out.

[Johnny Bradley]

You just leave it to Bumps to figure out something new to do.

[Jerry]

Why don't you teach him to jump through a hoop of fire?

[Bumps]

Oh, no, Jerry. I don't think that'd be so good. You see, after Jason has that leopard jump through the ring of flame, well, to see Rags do it wouldn't be any novelty at all.

[Jerry]

You know what? I don't see how Jason ever got that leopard to jump through fire like that.

[Johnny Bradley]

Fire is an animal's worst enemy. There's no doubt about that.

[Bumps]

But Jason's clever. If anyone in the world can get one of those big cats to do an astounding trick, well, he can.

[Jerry]

Yeah, he's sure a good wild animal trainer.

[Bumps]

Well, I think I better get at those tricks. I'm gonna do it before lunch. Well, now, where's my partner, Rags?

[Jerry]

There he is, Bumps, laying down there by that trunk. I guess he's asleep.

[Johnny Bradley]

Oh, Rags.

[Bumps]

Rags.

[Jerry]

He's sleeping all right.

[Bumps]

Come on, fella.

[Johnny Bradley]

Wake up, Rags.

[Jerry]

We're calling you.

[Bumps]

Well, Rags, I'm gonna teach you a few new tricks.

[Jerry]

Can I go with you and watch?

[Bumps]

I don't see why not. Rags is still your dog, even if he is my partner in the show.

[Jerry]

Well, I'll see you later, Mr. Brady.

[Johnny Bradley]

All right, Jerry. And thank you for the visit. It was nice of you to come over and tell me about the party.

[Bumps]

Goodbye, Johnny. Come on.

[Johnny Bradley]

Goodbye. Goodbye, Johnny.

[Bumps]

Oh, hello there, Mr. Randall.

[Jerry]

Morning, Mr. Randall.

[Audience Member]

Oh, hello, Bumps.

[Johnny Bradley]

And Jerry. Where are you heading?

[Jerry]

We were just in Mr. Bradley's wagon visiting him. And now we're going over the big top to rehearse Rags and some new tricks.

[Audience Member]

Johnny in there?

[Bumps]

Yeah, sure, Sam.

[Audience Member]

I want to have a little talk with him. Well, I'll see you after a while. Can I come in, Johnny?

[Johnny Bradley]

Well, Mr. Randall, surely. Come in. Come in. When the doors open, I'm always receiving visitors.

[Audience Member]

There's something I'd like to take up with it. Johnny.

[Johnny Bradley]

Yes, Mr. Randall?

[Audience Member]

It's about you and your son. You know, Johnny, I. I think you should go see him while we're playing here. I really do.

[Johnny Bradley]

Oh, no, Mr. Randall. That would never do. Never would I have my boy know that his father is a clown. He knows my histrionic ability and it would hurt him.

[Audience Member]

I know. I know. You've been telling him in your letters that you've been doing big things on the stage.

[Johnny Bradley]

Not because I want him to think his father is a great man or anything like that, but I know the boy, and I feel I'm doing the right thing, sir.

[Audience Member]

Now, wait a minute. You'd like to see him, wouldn't you? Have a nice, long talk.

[Johnny Bradley]

Oh, indeed I would. Yes, sir.

[Audience Member]

Well, then why not go see him and not let him know that you're with the circus?

[Johnny Bradley]

How could that be done?

[Audience Member]

Well, isn't there some excuse for you to pay him a visit?

[Johnny Bradley]

Well, yes, there is. I've saved up a hundred dollars that I was going to mail to him,

[Audience Member]

so you can take it to him instead. Take him? You were just passing through town on business.

[Johnny Bradley]

Yes, I could do that.

[Audience Member]

Of course you could. You'd make that boy of yours very happy. And there's little question about how much pleasure you'd get in seeing him.

[Johnny Bradley]

Perhaps I could tell him that I'm passing through with someone and that they're waiting for me at the railroad station.

[Audience Member]

Yes, that's all right.

[Johnny Bradley]

I'll make my visit very brief so he won't gather anything from my conversation.

[Audience Member]

You let your boy do most of the talking. After all, you want to find out as much as you about how he's getting along. You just keep asking him questions about himself, and he'll be so busy answering them, he won't have time to ask you any.

[Johnny Bradley]

The very thought of seeing him and having a talk makes. Makes my old heart skip a beat or two. I'll do it.

[Bumps]

Good.

[Audience Member]

Go to his office today. We're leaving tonight. You know, you'll feel like a new man after you see him.

[Johnny Bradley]

But my. My clothes are none too good, Mr. Randall.

[Audience Member]

Don't let that stop you. Your son will think you're doing very well when he sees this on your finger, Mr. Randall.

[Johnny Bradley]

Your diamond ring. Oh, it's beautiful, but. Oh, I couldn't wear it.

[Audience Member]

Oh, yes, you can. Go ahead, put it on. I think you look prosperous enough.

[Johnny Bradley]

I'll do it. Oh, but how can I ever thank you, sir?

[Audience Member]

You don't have to thank me. I feel that you should see your boy and have a talk with him. You'll both enjoy it.

[Johnny Bradley]

I know we will.

[Audience Member]

Your whole life is wrapped up in that son of yours. And to pass through Jackson City without seeing him would be a crime.

[Johnny Bradley]

You have a heart of gold, mister.

[Audience Member]

Oh, not at all, not at all, Johnny. I, I, I'm just human.

[Johnny Bradley]

I'll go to Richard's office this afternoon, Mr. Randall. Oh, this will be a milestone in my life.

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[Liberty Mutual Agent]

And, Doug, there's nowhere I wouldn't go to help someone customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual. Even if it means sitting front row at a comedy show.

[Comedy Show Host]

Hey, everyone, check out this guy and his bird. What is this, your first date?

[Audience Member]

Oh, no.

[Liberty Mutual Agent]

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

[Comedy Show Host]

Yeah, the bird looks out of your league.

[Liberty Mutual Agent]

Anyways, get a [e-mail] or with your local agent.

[Comedy Show Host]

Liberty.

[Johnny Bradley]

Liberty.

[Comedy Show Host]

Liberty. Liberty.