Jerry of the Circus - Johnny Will Leave

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio – Jerry of the Circus: Johnny Will Leave

Podcast: Harold’s Old Time Radio
Episode Title: Jerry of the Circus – Johnny Will Leave
Date: May 22, 2026
Host: Harolds Old Time Radio

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Episode Overview

This episode of Jerry of the Circus centers on a poignant moment in the ongoing tale of circus life: Johnny Bradley, a beloved circus member, receives news that will change his life's course. The story unfolds as Johnny learns his son is getting married and wants Johnny to come live with him, prompting Johnny’s emotional farewell to the circus and his friends, who have been his surrogate family for years.

The episode, replete with the warm camaraderie, gentle humor, and sentimental moments characteristic of 1930s radio, explores themes of change, the passage of time, and the bittersweet nature of goodbyes.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Mail Brings Big News

• [02:06–03:24]

  • Jerry receives a special delivery letter for Mr. Johnny Bradley.
  • The letter is from Johnny's son, bringing unexpected but joyous news.

  "Jerry, he's getting married tomorrow. Tomorrow? Jerry, this letter has been delayed. They didn't forward it right on to me." — Johnny Bradley ([04:26])

  • The letter also includes a heartfelt invitation for Johnny to attend the wedding and move in with the newlyweds.

2. Johnny’s Sudden Illness

• [04:59–05:50]

  • Johnny is so overwhelmed by the news that he suffers another one of his “heart spells,” fainting in front of Jerry and Mr. Randall.
  • The group rallies around Johnny, providing care and concern.

  "Oh, just another one of his heart spells." — Mr. Randall, reassuring the group after Johnny faints ([05:33])

3. Reflections on the Circus Life

• [07:11–07:48]

  • Mr. Randall gently encourages Johnny to seize this new opportunity and join his son.
  • Johnny is deeply torn, feeling a sense of loss about leaving the circus behind.

  "It's meant so much to me, Mr. Randall. I mean, the circus. Oh, I can't bear the thought of leaving it and all my fine friends." — Johnny Bradley ([07:17])

• Johnny is reassured that his time with the circus has been meaningful and that he deserves this new stage in his life.

4. Arrangements and Goodbyes

• [07:49–08:49]

  • Mr. Randall shares that Johnny has a “bonus” coming—enough to pay for a plane ticket to the wedding.
  • Plans are made for Johnny to perform one last show and then leave at midnight.

  "Tonight you do your final performance and go on to a better life. You'll see, you'll be happy, Johnny. Tonight at midnight you take that plane for Jackson City." — Mr. Randall ([08:27])

5. A Final Performance and Farewell at the Airport

• [08:49–12:04]

  • Friends reminisce and express their admiration for Johnny’s last performance, noting how unforgettable it was.
  • Emotional farewells underscore the tight-knit bonds of the circus family.
  • Johnny expresses his own complicated emotions—pride, excitement, and sorrow.

  "I was saving the best for the last. Maybe I did try a little harder tonight." — Johnny Bradley ([09:13])
  "Even Lulu was more lively than usual." — Jerry ([09:18])
  "Why Johnny Bradley, you big baby. You’re crying." — Patsy ([09:30])

6. A Parting Gift: The Parachute Keepsake

• [12:06–13:11]
  • As Johnny’s plane takes off, he throws a small parachute with a box out the window for Jerry.
  • Inside is a simple note:

    "For Jerry. So you’ll always remember Johnny Bradley." ([12:58])

  • The gesture epitomizes the touching, personal nature of their friendship.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "Well, your boy says he's doing fine and he wants you to come and live with him." — Mr. Randall ([06:41])
• "It’s better to say I’ll be seeing you." — Jerry ([11:48])
• "And watch my window, Jerry." — Johnny Bradley’s final words as he boards the plane ([12:04])
• The drop of the keepsake parachute for Jerry — a moving and symbolic farewell. ([12:27])

---

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [02:06] – Jerry learns of the mail delivery.
• [04:00] – Jerry delivers letter to Johnny Bradley.
• [04:59] – Johnny suffers a heart spell after reading letter.
• [07:11] – Mr. Randall and Johnny discuss the idea of leaving.
• [08:27] – Mr. Randall provides Johnny with his bonus and plans his travel.
• [09:04] – Farewells begin as the circus family gathers.
• [12:04] – Johnny boards the plane, tells Jerry to watch his window.
• [12:27] – Johnny drops the memento for Jerry.
• [12:58] – Jerry reads Johnny’s note.

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Tone & Style

The episode maintains the wholesome, earnest tone of 1930s radio, with simple language, warm humor, and heartfelt emotion. There’s a strong sense of nostalgia, camaraderie, and the difficult, yet hopeful acceptance of change.

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Takeaways

• This episode is a bittersweet tribute to friendship, legacy, and moving on.
• Listeners are left with a sense of gratitude for the bonds we form and the memories we keep—embodied beautifully in Johnny's final gesture to Jerry.

If you missed this episode, you’ll come away appreciating both the unique spirit of circus life and the timeless emotions of parting and new beginnings.

Transcript

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[Mr. Randall]

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

[Bumps]

Oh, Jerry.

[Jerry]

Yeah, Bumps?

[Bumps]

What are you doing?

[Jerry]

Just playing with Rags. Why?

[Bumps]

I just saw Bennett walk over to his wagon with a mailbag. Why don't you run over there and see if we got any mail?

[Jerry]

All right. You keep Rags here with you. No, you can't go. You stay here and keep Bumps company.

[Bumps]

Here, here, Rags, you just sit right here for a minute. Jerry will be right back.

[Jerry]

I'll be back in one minute.

[Bumps]

No, no, no. Take it easy, Rags, easy. Just going over to the office wagon. Oh, it's you. Golly, you had not a sneak up on an old man like that.

[Patsy]

Oh, I'm sorry, Bumps. Where's Jerry?

[Bumps]

Oh, we just went over to see if Jim had any mail for us.

[Patsy]

Oh, that's right, it is time for the mail.

[Bumps]

Yeah, I just saw him come across the lot with the mail bag.

[Patsy]

I was kind of expecting a lot of from mother today.

[Bumps]

Well, that so?

[Patsy]

Oh, look, bums, here comes Jerry now.

[Jerry]

Just look at that boy.

[Mr. Randall]

Right.

[Bumps]

I guess he's getting in practice so he can challenge you again. Say, he's got up a lot of steam all right.

[Jerry]

Come on, Jerry. Come on, we're betting on you. Am I winning?

[Bumps]

Say, you won.

[Jerry]

I got going so fast I couldn't stop you Pretty near got ahead of

[Patsy]

your shadow that time.

[Bumps]

Well, any mail for us, Jerry?

[Jerry]

We didn't get anything. But I got a letter from Mr. Bradley.

[Bumps]

Oh, then the trip wasn't wasted, eh?

[Patsy]

You don't know if there was a letter for me, do you, Jerry?

[Jerry]

I didn't ask. I don't know, Patsy.

[Patsy]

I'll take a walk over there in a minute.

[Bumps]

Is that Johnny's letter?

[Jerry]

Yeah.

[Bumps]

What kind of a stamp is that on?

[Jerry]

Let's see. Oh, it's a special delivery. I didn't notice that.

[Bumps]

Well, you'd best take that right over to him, Jerry. It might be something important.

[Jerry]

Okay. Come on, Rags. Just. See you in a little while, Patsy.

[Patsy]

All right, Jerry.

[Jerry]

Come on, Ray, run. Well, Hurry up, then. Is he there? Wait a minute, I'll see.

[Johnny Bradley]

Hello?

[Jerry]

It's Jerry, Mr. Bradley.

[Johnny Bradley]

Oh, come in, Jerry.

[Jerry]

I've got a letter for you. It's a special delivery.

[Johnny Bradley]

Thank you, Jerry.

[Patsy]

Should I close the door?

[Johnny Bradley]

What? Oh, no, no, no, never mind. Just leave it open. Say, what is it? Why, this is from my boy.

[Jerry]

Did he get the money already?

[Johnny Bradley]

Wait until I glance over this, Jerry.

[Jerry]

Oh, I don't see how you could get an an if it had to go all the way to New York first.

[Johnny Bradley]

Jerry, he's getting married tomorrow. Tomorrow? Jerry, this letter has been delayed. They didn't forward it right on to me. And listen to this. And we would love to have you present at the wedding. I've just made a wonderful connection and my practice is doing fine.

[Jerry]

Oh, that's keen.

[Johnny Bradley]

And then he says, we are moving into a big house and have reserved a room just for you. Please try to be here for the wedding and plan on staying with us. Please, dad.

[Jerry]

Mr. Bradley. What's the matter? Mr. Bradley? Now what do I do? Bumps. Patsy. Where did he go? Mr. Randall. Oh, Mr. Randall.

[Bumps]

Here's Jerry.

[Jerry]

Come here quick.

[Mr. Randall]

What's the trouble?

[Jerry]

It's Mr. Bradley. Something's happened to him.

[Mr. Randall]

What have you said, Jerry?

[Jerry]

Something's happened to Mr. Bradley.

[Mr. Randall]

Why, Johnny. Johnny.

[Jerry]

All of a sudden he fell over.

[Mr. Randall]

You got some water there in that pitcher?

[Jerry]

Jerry.

[Mr. Randall]

Johnny. Hey, what's the trouble, old boy?

[Jerry]

Here you are.

[Mr. Randall]

All right, slip that pillow under his head. Here, Johnny, drink this.

[Jerry]

What's the matter with him?

[Mr. Randall]

Oh, just another one of his heart spells.

[Johnny Bradley]

Jerry.

[Mr. Randall]

I guess he's sort of fainted. He'll come around. All right. All right, Johnny, you'll be all right. Now, take it easy. Most of us just be quiet. Here, here, take another drink.

[Johnny Bradley]

Oh, I'm sorry, Mr. Randall. All right.

[Mr. Randall]

Now, what happened, Johnny? What brought this on?

[Jerry]

He just got a letter from his son.

[Johnny Bradley]

Oh.

[Mr. Randall]

Something wrong?

[Johnny Bradley]

No, no, he's getting married tomorrow.

[Mr. Randall]

Well, that's not so bad, is it?

[Johnny Bradley]

No, of course not. I really don't know what made me. I'm very sorry.

[Mr. Randall]

Oh, there's nothing to be sorry about, Johnny. You just can't get excited, you know that.

[Johnny Bradley]

Here, read this, Mr. Randall.

[Jerry]

I didn't know what happened to you, Mr. Bradley. You started to shake and then you got real light and you fell over on the cot.

[Johnny Bradley]

Well, this is one of Rose's predictions come true.

[Jerry]

What do you mean?

[Johnny Bradley]

Remember, she told me I'd have a surprise and warned me not to get excited.

[Mr. Randall]

That's right, she did this is wonderful news, Johnny. Why, this is a marvelous opportunity for you.

[Johnny Bradley]

What's that?

[Mr. Randall]

Why, your boy says he's doing fine and he wants you to come and live with him.

[Johnny Bradley]

Oh, no, Mr. Randall. I. I don't think that's the exact place for an old man.

[Mr. Randall]

Now, wait a minute, Johnny.

[Jerry]

Can I do anything?

[Mr. Randall]

No. No, thanks, Jerry.

[Jerry]

I'd better be getting over the horse top and get to work. I hope you'll feel better, Mr. Bradley.

[Johnny Bradley]

Thank you, Jerry. Thank you.

[Jerry]

Well, bye, then. See you later.

[Mr. Randall]

Goodbye, Jerry. Now, listen, Johnny. Some time ago you told me you wanted to stay with the circus just long enough to see your boy established in business.

[Johnny Bradley]

Yes, yes, I remember.

[Mr. Randall]

Well, he's doing fine now and he wants you to come and live with him. Why don't you go, Johnny?

[Johnny Bradley]

It's meant so much to me, Mr. Randall. I mean, the circus. Oh, I can't bear the thought of leaving it and all my fine friends.

[Mr. Randall]

Oh, I understand how you feel, but this is something fine for you. Not only for you, but for your boy as well. Don't you see it that way, Johnny?

[Johnny Bradley]

Well, sir, I. I suppose I have outlived my usefulness around a circus.

[Mr. Randall]

Why, nonsense. Why, that isn't it at all is that you're not well and you need a rest. Now, I'll tell you what I'll do. You'd like to be at that boy's wedding, wouldn't you?

[Johnny Bradley]

Oh, I would, Mr. Randall. But that can't be. He's getting married tomorrow.

[Mr. Randall]

Now, now, wait a minute. There's a plane out of here tonight at midnight. It'll get you in Jackson City before noon tomorrow.

[Johnny Bradley]

I couldn't afford an aeroplane trip.

[Mr. Randall]

Listen to this, Johnny. Listen, you've got a bonus coming.

[Johnny Bradley]

A bonus? What for?

[Mr. Randall]

Well, I thought of giving you a raise in salary a while back, but then I decided to save up that difference in your pay and give it to you in one lump. Su. You'll have enough for the trip by plane and a tidy little amount left.

[Johnny Bradley]

Mr. Randall, this. This is all happening so quickly.

[Mr. Randall]

Now, take it easy. Take it easy, Johnny.

[Johnny Bradley]

Then this is my last day with the circus.

[Mr. Randall]

Yes, Johnny, it's best that way. Tonight you do your final performance and go on to a better life. You'll see, you'll be happy, Johnny. Tonight at midnight you take that plane for Jackson City.

[Patsy]

See those lights up ahead, Bumps?

[Bumps]

I guess that's the airport, Patsy.

[Jerry]

Already?

[Johnny Bradley]

Only too soon, Jerry.

[Jerry]

No, that's not it.

[Bumps]

Oh, say, Johnny.

[Johnny Bradley]

Yes, Bumps?

[Bumps]

I want to tell you that tonight's performance was the finest I've ever seen. You turn in. Say, you were great, Johnny.

[Patsy]

And did you hear that applause? Oh Johnny, the audience simply went wild.

[Johnny Bradley]

That's nice of you to say that.

[Jerry]

Well it's true. Everybody was talking about your act.

[Johnny Bradley]

I was saving the best for the last. Maybe I did try a little harder tonight.

[Jerry]

Even Lulu was more lively than usual.

[Bumps]

By the way, Johnny, what did you do with that duck of yours?

[Johnny Bradley]

I gave her two hooligan Bumps. He always liked her so. And he'll be good to her.

[Bumps]

Oh sure he will.

[Patsy]

Why Johnny Bradley, you big baby. You're crying.

[Johnny Bradley]

No, I'm. I'm.

[Bumps]

Oh no. Buck up, Johnny. I know it's tough leaving all the folks and things that have been so dear to you for so long. But everything's just going to work out fine for you.

[Johnny Bradley]

I know, I know Bumps, I. I guess I'm just over sentimental.

[Jerry]

I should think you'd be all excited riding an airplane. I wish I could go up in one.

[Johnny Bradley]

I am leaving in grand style. And it's awfully nice you to come out here with me and see me off.

[Patsy]

It just couldn't be any other way.

[Johnny Bradley]

I'll never forget you folks and your kindness to me.

[Bumps]

We won't be forgetting Johnny Bradley either.

[Jerry]

I'll say we won't. When we get on the train tonight, we'll miss you. And tomorrow when we set up in our next stand, it'll. It'll seem funny if you're not around the backyard.

[Johnny Bradley]

And it's going to seem funny to me not having to put on a makeup tomorrow. I haven't missed a day in many years.

[Patsy]

Your face will appreciate the rest, Johnny.

[Jerry]

Hey look, that's the airport now. See the big light in that tower?

[Johnny Bradley]

Yeah.

[Bumps]

Yeah, that's it all right.

[Patsy]

What time is it?

[Bumps]

Yeah, wait a minute, let me see. It's just a few minutes to 12. We'll just about make it.

[Johnny Bradley]

What time does your train pull out?

[Patsy]

We leave at 1:15, don't we bump?

[Johnny Bradley]

Yeah, that's right.

[Bumps]

And we'll have plenty of time to make it back.

[Jerry]

That's a nice looking airport.

[Patsy]

It's like a railroad station, isn't it?

[Bumps]

Yeah. Well here we are at the. Come on, hop out, Jerry.

[Jerry]

Okay.

[Patsy]

Here Jerry, you take one of these grips for Johnny.

[Bumps]

Yeah, and I'll get the others.

[Johnny Bradley]

Well, have you got everything now? Uh huh.

[Jerry]

Come on, there's a plane out there now.

[Johnny Bradley]

I'll go over here and pick up my ticket. Excuse me please.

[Bumps]

Oh, he's taking it pretty hard Patsy,

[Patsy]

I guess the circus has meant an awful lot to him.

[Jerry]

I should think he'd be glad to get a rest after working all of his life.

[Bumps]

Show folks. Don't look at it that way, Jerry. They all want to live and die in harness.

[Patsy]

Oh, they're loading the plane now. I. I guess that's the one.

[Jerry]

Golly, isn't it big.

[Bumps]

You have 14 passengers.

[Mr. Randall]

Here you are, Porter.

[Johnny Bradley]

Those two brown bags. I'll take that little black one in the seat with me. Yeah, I'll give you a check to distributor, sir. All set. Come on, now.

[Patsy]

It's exciting, isn't it, Johnny?

[Johnny Bradley]

I guess it's a. A sort of thrill for me, at that.

[Bumps]

Your ticket, sir.

[Johnny Bradley]

Here you are, sir. Thank you. Seat 7.

[Bumps]

Well, Johnny, I guess this is goodbye.

[Jerry]

It's better to say I'll be seeing you.

[Johnny Bradley]

Yes, Jerry, much better.

[Bumps]

Well, have a nice trip, Johnny.

[Patsy]

So wrong, Johnny. And drop us a note and tell us all about the wedding.

[Johnny Bradley]

You bet I will. Well, I'll be seeing you all.

[Jerry]

So long.

[Johnny Bradley]

And watch my window, Jerry.

[Jerry]

What did he say?

[Patsy]

He wants you to watch his window. I guess he's going to wait.

[Bumps]

Oh, there he is now, see? You see him in that third window there?

[Patsy]

There he goes.

[Bumps]

I'd kind of like to be going up in the air myself. This is kind of getting me.

[Patsy]

I think Johnny's enjoying it too. He seemed a little brighter the minute he saw the plane.

[Jerry]

Here it comes now. It's off the ground.

[Patsy]

Look, Jerry, Johnny's opening his window.

[Bumps]

What's he got in his hand?

[Jerry]

Hey, he's throwing something out.

[Patsy]

Look, it.

[Jerry]

It's a little parachute.

[Patsy]

And it's got something hanging onto it.

[Bumps]

It's. That's what Johnny meant when he told you to watch his window, Jerry. It's something for you.

[Jerry]

I'm gonna run out and get it. Wait.

[Patsy]

It's good to land right over there. It's a little box, Jerry.

[Jerry]

I'm gonna get it.

[Patsy]

Now, isn't that just like Johnny?

[Mr. Randall]

Yeah.

[Bumps]

Well, what is it, Jerry?

[Jerry]

I don't know.

[Patsy]

What does it look like?

[Jerry]

He made a little parachute out of a handkerchief and here's a box tied to it.

[Patsy]

Well, what's it say there on that little card?

[Jerry]

Let's see. For Jerry. So you'll always remember Johnny Bradley.

[Patsy]

Now, isn't that nice?

[Mr. Randall]

Yeah.

[Bumps]

See, we'd best be getting back. We gotta catch our train. Come on.

[Patsy]

Well, aren't you gonna open the box, Jerry?

[Jerry]

Well, I'll open it on the way back to town. Golly, I wonder what's in it.

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[Jerry]

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

[Mr. Randall]

Oh no.

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[Mr. Randall]

Yeah, the bird looks out of your league.

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[Johnny Bradley]

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[Mr. Randall]

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[Johnny Bradley]

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