Jerry of the Circus - Johnny Visits His Son In His Office

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Jerry of the Circus - Johnny Visits His Son In His Office"

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Date: May 16, 2026

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Episode Overview

This episode of "Jerry of the Circus" captures an emotional reunion between Dick Grayson and his father, Johnny Bradley. The drama unfolds in Dick's office as Johnny pays a surprise visit while passing through town with the circus. Their heartfelt conversation touches on family, work, pride, and change, before shifting to a lively discussion about circus life with Jerry Dugan and Bumps. The episode is a window into generational ties and the intricacies of circus tradition.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Johnny Bradley’s Surprise Visit

• Johnny arrives unexpectedly: Johnny Bradley, Dick's father, visits Dick at his office, surprising him after a long absence.

  • Timestamps: [02:12]–[03:20]
  • Notable quote:

    "Sort of gave you a surprise, eh?" - Johnny Bradley [02:53]

• Reflections on their relationship: They reflect lovingly on their past, with Dick expressing pride and affection for his father.

  • Timestamps: [03:23]–[03:43]
  • Notable quote:

    "You have your mother's gift of blarney, Dick." - Johnny Bradley [03:41]

• Johnny’s limited time: Johnny admits he only has a few minutes, as he must catch a train with a young actor he's coaching.

  • Timestamps: [03:46]–[04:12]

2. Family News & Financial Support

• Dick’s engagement: Dick excitedly tells his father about his upcoming marriage to Sally.

  • Timestamps: [04:45]–[04:59]
  • Notable quote:

    "The girl I'm going to marry." - Dick Grayson [04:49]

• A father’s gift: Johnny tries to give Dick $100, despite his own modest circumstances. Dick hesitates, but Johnny insists.

  • Timestamps: [05:01]–[05:40]
  • Notable quotes:

    "Since when have you been giving orders to me, sir?" - Johnny Bradley [05:13]
    "It's all right to lend a hand now and then, but let young people work for their place in the world. That's the old school of breeding successful men." - Johnny Bradley [05:30]

3. The Truth about Johnny’s Circumstances

• Dick’s silent sacrifice: After Johnny departs, Jerry and Bumps join Dick, who confides that he knows his father isn’t as wealthy as he pretends to be.

  • Timestamps: [07:14]–[08:23]
  • Notable quotes:

    "It just about killed me to sit here and pretend I thought he was a successful man making lots of money." - Dick Grayson [07:50]
    "He'd feel lots worse if he thought you knew." - Jerry Dugan [08:23]

• Jerry and Bumps’ support: Both circus folk reassure Dick they’ll look after his father and keep him informed.

  • Timestamps: [08:31]–[09:12]
  • Notable quote:

    "I'll drop you a card every week and tell you how Mr. Bradley's doing." - Jerry Dugan [08:55]

4. The Life of the Circus

• Running like clockwork: A discussion unfolds about the strict order and routines the circus follows to ensure shows run smoothly.

  • Timestamps: [10:06]–[11:13]
  • Notable quotes:

    "Everything with the show goes just like clockwork." - Bumps [10:15]
    "Every minute of the day and night, everything and everybody connected with the circus can be accounted for." - Jerry Dugan [10:20]

• Behind the spectacle: Details about parade preparation, music cues, and stage management illustrate the complexity and teamwork required in circus operations.

  • Timestamps: [11:13]–[12:40]
  • Notable quotes:

    "A whistle is blown ahead of time for all the performers." - Bumps [11:48]
    "All that special music help to build up the big moments and make them seem more exciting." - Bumps [12:29]
    "Sure. When a guy falls, if there's a lot of excitement in the music or with a drum, well, you get more excited." - Jerry Dugan [12:34]

5. Friendship & Unwritten Bonds

• Mutual support: Jerry and Dick agree to keep up correspondence about each other’s families and cases, showing the tight community the circus fosters.
  • Timestamps: [09:04]–[09:12]
  • Notable quote:

    "When I finally get it settled, I'll send you a telegram." - Dick Grayson [09:08]

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Notable Quotes & Moments (attributed & timestamped)

• Johnny Bradley on fatherhood and pride:

  "I'm proud of you, son. Keep your standards high." - Johnny Bradley [06:27]

• Dick on parental support:

  "With you as an example, how could I fail?" - Dick Grayson [06:32]

• Jerry on the sense of family in the circus:

  "I just love to kind of pretend he's mine and do things for him like I used to do for my own dad." - Jerry Dugan [08:38]

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Important Timestamps

• [02:12] – Johnny arrives at Dick’s office
• [03:46] – Johnny reveals his short visit
• [04:49] – Dick shares engagement news
• [05:19] – Johnny gives Dick $100
• [07:14] – Jerry and Bumps discuss Johnny’s wellbeing
• [09:08] – Dick promises to keep in touch with Jerry
• [10:15] – The routine and discipline of circus life described
• [11:48] – The importance of the whistle in the circus
• [13:00] – Jerry signs paperwork for his case
• [13:14] – Anticipation for opening the bank box

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Tone and Style

The episode is heartfelt, with an undercurrent of nostalgia, gentle humor, and respect for family and tradition. The candid conversation between father and son is tinged with longing and unspoken worry, offset by the camaraderie and lively stories shared by the circus folk. The language and delivery carry the sincerity and warmth typical of classic radio drama.

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Summary:
This episode offers a moving snapshot of love and loyalty in the itinerant world of circus life. At its heart is the bond between a father nearing the end of his career and his devoted son, with friends rallying to support the old-timer as he presses on. The blend of family drama and behind-the-scenes circus lore makes for a rich, engrossing tale—one that cherishes both tradition and the quiet heroism of everyday life.

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?

[Dick Grayson]

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'@libertymutual.com or with your local agent.

[Comedy Show Host]

Liberty.

[Johnny Bradley (Dick's Father)]

Liberty.

[Comedy Show Host]

Liberty. Liberty.

[Dick Grayson]

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

[Johnny Bradley (Dick's Father)]

Good morning, miss.

[Ms. James (Secretary)]

Good morning.

[Johnny Bradley (Dick's Father)]

Is Mr. Grayson in?

[Ms. James (Secretary)]

Whom shall I say is calling?

[Johnny Bradley (Dick's Father)]

Well, don't say just.

[Ms. James (Secretary)]

I beg your pardon?

[Johnny Bradley (Dick's Father)]

Well, you see, miss, I'm Mr. Grayson's father and.

[Ms. James (Secretary)]

Oh, Mr. Grayson. I beg your pardon.

[Jerry Dugan]

Pardon.

[Johnny Bradley (Dick's Father)]

Please, not so loud. I was just passing through town on a quick business trip and thought I'd surprise him, you know.

[Ms. James (Secretary)]

Why, of course, Mr. Grace.

[Johnny Bradley (Dick's Father)]

So if he's in, I'd like to just walk in on him. Providing he's alone, of course.

[Ms. James (Secretary)]

Certainly. Just a minute. If you'll go. Go through this door.

[Johnny Bradley (Dick's Father)]

Dick, my boy. Dad.

[Dick Grayson]

I can't believe my eyes. Where did you come from?

[Johnny Bradley (Dick's Father)]

Sort of gave you a surprise, eh?

[Dick Grayson]

Surprise?

[Johnny Bradley (Dick's Father)]

I'll say.

[Dick Grayson]

So. Aren't you supposed to be in New York or something?

[Johnny Bradley (Dick's Father)]

Well, it's a long story, my boy.

[Dick Grayson]

Dad, I'm forgetting my manners. Sit down in this chair. It's the most comfortable.

[Johnny Bradley (Dick's Father)]

I should say it is. Well, well, well. So this is your office, eh?

[Dick Grayson]

Our office. After all, you helped me get it.

[Johnny Bradley (Dick's Father)]

Oh, forget it, my boy. Any dare to do the same?

[Dick Grayson]

I'm not so sure.

[Johnny Bradley (Dick's Father)]

Looking pretty.

[Dick Grayson]

Well, son, I can hardly talk. I'm so glad to see you and have a chance to really visit with you.

[Johnny Bradley (Dick's Father)]

It's been a long time, hasn't it, Dick?

[Dick Grayson]

I should say it has. Gee, you're looking fine, dad.

[Johnny Bradley (Dick's Father)]

Years not showing too much?

[Dick Grayson]

I should say not. You look as spry as the days we all used to troop together.

[Johnny Bradley (Dick's Father)]

You have your mother's gift of blarney, Dick.

[Dick Grayson]

But how long are you going to stay? What are you going to where you stay?

[Johnny Bradley (Dick's Father)]

Well, son, I'm afraid I only have a few minutes to spend with you.

[Dick Grayson]

What?

[Johnny Bradley (Dick's Father)]

Yes, you see, I'm on business. Just passing through Jackson City.

[Dick Grayson]

Oh, now, dad, you've got to stay. You can't just barge right off again.

[Johnny Bradley (Dick's Father)]

Sorry, but I've got to take the next train out of here, you see. Well, I'm going through with a young actor. I'M coaching. But dad, so when I found we came through this town, I. Well, I just had to drop in and see you for a minute.

[Dick Grayson]

Gee, I'm glad. You're looking fine and prosperous too. You always were the well dressed man about town, dad, even in the old days.

[Johnny Bradley (Dick's Father)]

Yes, those were the days.

[Dick Grayson]

You have no idea how much it means to me to really see you and talk to you.

[Johnny Bradley (Dick's Father)]

Don't be so sure. I don't know. You have no idea how much it means to me to see you and talk to you the same old dad.

[Dick Grayson]

Oh, now listen, you've got to stay to lunch. I've got a surprise for you.

[Johnny Bradley (Dick's Father)]

Wish I could, my boy, but I've got to leave here in a few minutes and, well, the young chap's waiting for me.

[Dick Grayson]

Dad, I haven't told you yet about. I wanted you to meet Sally.

[Johnny Bradley (Dick's Father)]

Sally?

[Dick Grayson]

The girl I'm going to marry.

[Johnny Bradley (Dick's Father)]

Oh, yes, I. I see.

[Dick Grayson]

And I wanted her to meet you. She knows all about you already.

[Johnny Bradley (Dick's Father)]

So you're going to get married?

[Dick Grayson]

Yes, sir. Just as soon as I can get this office running smoothly.

[Johnny Bradley (Dick's Father)]

And oh, that reminds me. I've got a little gift here for you. Oh, it's not much, but I've had unexpected heavy expenses this summer and I.

[Dick Grayson]

No, sir. You put that right back in your pocket. Dan. What?

[Johnny Bradley (Dick's Father)]

Since when have you been giving orders to me, sir?

[Dick Grayson]

Oh, oh, I. I don't mean it that way.

[Johnny Bradley (Dick's Father)]

Then here you are.

[Dick Grayson]

$100. But that's so much.

[Johnny Bradley (Dick's Father)]

Be a bagatelle should be more. Oh, but I don't believe in letting a young fella get dependent.

[Dick Grayson]

Dad, you're a brick.

[Johnny Bradley (Dick's Father)]

It's all right to lend a hand now and then, but let young people work for their place in the world. That's the old school of breeding successful men.

[Dick Grayson]

Dad, I. I don't know what to say.

[Johnny Bradley (Dick's Father)]

Enough. We'll discuss it no more.

[Ms. James (Secretary)]

Pardon me, Mr. Grayson, but that young man from the circus is here.

[Dick Grayson]

Ask him to wait, Ms. James.

[Ms. James (Secretary)]

He has an older man with him, calls him Bumps.

[Dick Grayson]

Tell him to wait.

[Ms. James (Secretary)]

Yes, sir.

[Johnny Bradley (Dick's Father)]

I must go anyway.

[Dick Grayson]

Now, don't worry about them, dad. They can wait. They're nice folks trooping with the circus that's playing the town.

[Johnny Bradley (Dick's Father)]

Yes, yes, to be sure. They mustn't be seen, though.

[Dick Grayson]

Oh, they're all right. However, I usually get my clients out this door into the hall.

[Johnny Bradley (Dick's Father)]

To be sure.

[Bumps (Older Man with Jerry)]

To be sure.

[Johnny Bradley (Dick's Father)]

Well, son, I must be going.

[Dick Grayson]

Not yet.

[Johnny Bradley (Dick's Father)]

I'm sorry, my boy. My blessings to the little lady.

[Dick Grayson]

Dad, you've got to come for the wedding. I don't know when it'll be, but you've got to come.

[Johnny Bradley (Dick's Father)]

Well, we'll see when the time comes. And now time flies and I must depart.

[Dick Grayson]

Oh, gee, dad.

[Johnny Bradley (Dick's Father)]

I'm proud of you, son. Keep your standards high.

[Dick Grayson]

With you as an example, how could I fail?

[Johnny Bradley (Dick's Father)]

Is. Is this the door out into the hall?

[Dick Grayson]

Yes, dad.

[Johnny Bradley (Dick's Father)]

Goodbye, son, and God bless you.

[Dick Grayson]

I can never thank you enough for coming up here, dad.

[Johnny Bradley (Dick's Father)]

Well, I could hardly pass through town and not stop by.

[Dick Grayson]

I should hope not.

[Johnny Bradley (Dick's Father)]

Till we meet again, Dick.

[Dick Grayson]

By then, An old trooper to the end. Ms. James.

[Ms. James (Secretary)]

Yes, Mr. Grayson.

[Dick Grayson]

You may show them in now.

[Jerry Dugan]

Yes, sir.

[Ms. James (Secretary)]

Will you step right in this way, please?

[Bumps (Older Man with Jerry)]

Thank you, miss.

[Jerry Dugan]

Hi there, Mr. Grayson.

[Dick Grayson]

Good morning.

[Jerry Dugan]

Why, what's the matter? You look as if you'd just seen a ghost.

[Dick Grayson]

I have. What? My father. What, you mean Johnny Bradley came up here? Exactly.

[Jerry Dugan]

But. But I thought he didn't want you to know he was here.

[Dick Grayson]

He didn't. Why?

[Bumps (Older Man with Jerry)]

It doesn't seem to make much sense.

[Dick Grayson]

Mr. Grayson pretended he was going through town on some business. Just seeing me between trains. It. It broke my heart.

[Jerry Dugan]

Golly.

[Dick Grayson]

Then insisted on giving me this money.

[Jerry Dugan]

Gee willikers. Must be almost a hundred dollars there.

[Dick Grayson]

It's exactly that much.

[Bumps (Older Man with Jerry)]

Pretty. Nearly every cent he's got.

[Dick Grayson]

I tell you, it just about killed me to sit here and pretend I thought he was a successful man making lots of money.

[Jerry Dugan]

Well, he. He makes a lot with his circus.

[Bumps (Older Man with Jerry)]

Yes, we make pretty good money, Jerry. But you see, he has to live on all that the year around. And we only work during the summer.

[Jerry Dugan]

Gee, I never thought of that.

[Dick Grayson]

You see, Dad's a pretty old man. It's harder for the old timers. Their type of acting is not used much anymore.

[Jerry Dugan]

I see. And. And then his not being so strong.

[Dick Grayson]

That's just it. It nearly drives me crazy to think of dad working so hard and not even being able to. To tell him I know all about it.

[Jerry Dugan]

He'd feel lots worse if he thought you knew.

[Dick Grayson]

That's the only reason I kept quiet.

[Bumps (Older Man with Jerry)]

Well, you mustn't worry about that father of yours, Grayson. He's in good hands.

[Dick Grayson]

Oh, I know he is. I had quite a talk with Mr. Randall. He promised to see that dad doesn't overwork.

[Bumps (Older Man with Jerry)]

Well, you can count on us, too.

[Jerry Dugan]

You bet. I'll do everything I can to help. You see, I haven't got it, Dad. I just love to kind of pretend he's mine and do things for him like I used to do for my own dad.

[Dick Grayson]

You're a grandkid, Jerry.

[Jerry Dugan]

Well, gee, that's nothing. I think your dad swell.

[Bumps (Older Man with Jerry)]

We all do.

[Jerry Dugan]

I'll tell you what I'll do. I'll drop you a card every week and tell you how Mr. Bradley's doing.

[Dick Grayson]

Now, I think that's a pretty friendly thing for you to do, Jerry. And I'll tell you what I'll do.

[Jerry Dugan]

What?

[Dick Grayson]

I'll drop you a card once in a while telling you how your case is coming along.

[Jerry Dugan]

You will?

[Dick Grayson]

Sure. And when I finally get it settled, I'll send you a telegram.

[Jerry Dugan]

Golly, I never gotten a telegram.

[Bumps (Older Man with Jerry)]

Well, it looks like you two are going to be pretty good correspondence.

[Jerry Dugan]

If you mean letter writer, I'm not so hot. But I will be prompt.

[Dick Grayson]

Fine. And now I suppose you've come to sign that paper I told you about last night.

[Jerry Dugan]

Yeah. And to tell you what a swell time we had at your party.

[Dick Grayson]

Didn't have any more fun than Sally and I had giving it. If only dad could have come, too. It would have been perfect.

[Bumps (Older Man with Jerry)]

A mighty nice young woman, that Ms. Gray.

[Dick Grayson]

I know it. But it sure sounds good to have a person like you agree with me, Bumps. Let's see where that paper is.

[Jerry Dugan]

Tell me you lost it.

[Dick Grayson]

Oh, no danger of that. Everything's filed carefully in this office. Oh, I remember. Ms. James took that this morning. Just a minute, Ms. James. Ms. James, will you please bring me that paper regarding the Dugan case?

[Ms. James (Secretary)]

Yes, Mr. Grayson.

[Bumps (Older Man with Jerry)]

Well, I suppose you lawyers have to be almost as orderly as circus folk.

[Dick Grayson]

Circus folk? Orderly? What do you mean?

[Ms. James (Secretary)]

Here you are, Mr. Grayson.

[Dick Grayson]

Thank you. That'll be all. I don't see how you can be very orderly in an outfit that moves almost every night.

[Bumps (Older Man with Jerry)]

Well, we couldn't move at all if we weren't. Everything with the show goes just like clockwork.

[Jerry Dugan]

I'll say it does. Every minute of the day and night, everything and everybody connected with the circus can be accounted for.

[Dick Grayson]

That's amazing.

[Jerry Dugan]

I'll never forget the first time I was out in the backyard just before the show began.

[Dick Grayson]

Why? What happened?

[Jerry Dugan]

Oh, nothing. That's why it seems so funny.

[Dick Grayson]

What do you mean?

[Jerry Dugan]

Well, you see, I was wandering around and people were going back and forth, nobody thinking much about the show. Then all of a sudden, I noticed a couple of guards dressing some of the elephants.

[Dick Grayson]

How do you mean, dressing?

[Jerry Dugan]

Oh, you know the. How does they put on their backs and the spangled banners and things like that?

[Dick Grayson]

Oh, I see.

[Jerry Dugan]

Well, the next thing I knew, the animals and people started going into the big top. Exactly on time, too.

[Bumps (Older Man with Jerry)]

That's one show that begins on time. Unless, of course, there's an accident.

[Jerry Dugan]

People were wandering around in costumes and things. You know, the clowns were fooling around and the keepers. But no one seemed to be paying much attention to the show. But gradually, the folks were breaking away and going into the tent.

[Dick Grayson]

This was for the opening parade?

[Jerry Dugan]

Yeah, they call it the grand entry. Suddenly, animals would appear and go on into the main top. Before you know it, the first part of the grand entry was coming out again.

[Bumps (Older Man with Jerry)]

You know, it is amazing even to show people the casualness with which the circus starts his performance.

[Dick Grayson]

I suppose it's so much a part of the day's life that it doesn't seem to be of greater importance than any other part of the day.

[Bumps (Older Man with Jerry)]

To a certain extent, that's true. And yet the entire day, all the moving, the putting up and taking down of tents and is all for the one purpose of giving the show.

[Jerry Dugan]

What got me that first time was that no one made a fuss or seemed to be paying any special attention.

[Bumps (Older Man with Jerry)]

And yet no one was a minute late.

[Jerry Dugan]

Yeah.

[Bumps (Older Man with Jerry)]

You see, Mr. Grayson, a whistle is blown ahead of time for all the performers.

[Jerry Dugan]

I didn't hear it when I was there the first time.

[Bumps (Older Man with Jerry)]

No, because you weren't listening for it. We heard it.

[Jerry Dugan]

Guess that's it. I always hear it now and know exactly what. Axon?

[Dick Grayson]

How?

[Jerry Dugan]

Oh, by listening to the music the band's playing, certain pieces go with certain

[Bumps (Older Man with Jerry)]

acts, and in the course, the ringmaster whistles for certain acts. You get to know pretty much how near through even the acts are by listening to the drum.

[Dick Grayson]

How do the drums help?

[Bumps (Older Man with Jerry)]

Well, you see, for all the falls, the drummer has to roll the drum.

[Jerry Dugan]

And for the entrances of the stars.

[Bumps (Older Man with Jerry)]

And when the animals do some special tricks, the drum is rolled to accent it.

[Dick Grayson]

That's funny. I saw that circus twice and I didn't particularly notice all that.

[Bumps (Older Man with Jerry)]

No, but all that special music help to build up the big moments and make them seem more exciting.

[Jerry Dugan]

Sure. When a guy falls, if there's a lot of excitement in the music or with a drum, well, you get more excited.

[Dick Grayson]

That's true. There's certainly lots of tricks to the circus business, aren't there?

[Jerry Dugan]

I'll say so.

[Dick Grayson]

Well, there are a lot of tricks to the law business, too. And if I don't get these papers signed, I'll never get on with your case.

[Jerry Dugan]

Golly. Guess I was talking too much. Where do I sign?

[Dick Grayson]

Right here, Jerry. Where this is dotted line is okay.

[Jerry Dugan]

Jerry Dugan. There you are. That's done.

[Dick Grayson]

All right, Jerry. And now I hope it won't be long before opening that box of your dad's in the bank downstairs.

[Jerry Dugan]

So do I. Gee, Mr. Grayson, I can. I can hardly wait to see what's in that box.

[Johnny Bradley (Dick's Father)]

Get that Amex Gold Card ready.

[Dick Grayson]

I'm too tired to cook.

[American Express Narrator]

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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?

[Dick Grayson]

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 quote at libertymutual. Com or with your local agent.

[Comedy Show Host]

Liberty.

[Johnny Bradley (Dick's Father)]

Liberty.

[Comedy Show Host]

Liberty. Liberty.