Jerry of the Circus - Learns Location Of Important Bank

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Jerry of the Circus – Learns Location Of Important Bank

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

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Episode Overview

This episode of "Jerry of the Circus" dives into the daily happenings under the big top, weaving together moments of animal training, camaraderie among circus friends, and Jerry's ongoing quest to uncover his father's secret bank deposit. The story smoothly blends lighthearted circus moments with the intrigue of Jerry’s investigation, culminating in a revelation about a bank in Jackson City that could hold the key to his father’s mystery.

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Key Discussion Points & Narrative Highlights

Training and Interactions with the Animals

• 00:20–06:03

  • Jerry watches Barkis train seals. (01:54) A light and engaging conversation about how seals are trained, their fondness for fish, and adjusting to humans after coming from the Pacific.

  • Challenges in training: Hubert the seal acts stubborn, prompting Barkis to keep him for extra practice.

    • "You see that fellow over there with the whiskers? ... for no reason at all, Hubert suddenly decided not to do his single." – Barkis (02:34)
    • Training technique: Rewarding the seal with fish regardless of performance to set expectations for later. (03:23–03:35)

  • Jerry expresses interest in helping:

    • "Gee, Wilkins, I'd sure like to see you working with a new one." – Jerry (05:02)
      Barkis promises Jerry can help train new seals in the future.

Rehearsals and Circus Friendships

• 06:07–08:10

  • Rags the dog returns to rehearsal: Jerry and Bump discuss bringing Rags back into the act and his impressive new tricks.
    • "I love the way he talks back. Boy. Say, that was a kick. Look at that somersault... Pretty good." – Jerry (06:55–07:04)
    • Plans are made for both Rags and Patsy to premiere new acts the next day in Jackson City.

• Dinner Preparations and Banter

  • Circus friends gather for supper:
    Affectionate teasing about appetites and nicknames for eating more than one’s share.
    • "That's one thing. There's no F.H.B. in the circus." – Jerry (10:20)
    • "F.H.B.? Is that some kind of a club?" – Johnny Bradley (10:25)
    • Jerry explains: “Family Hold Back” means to eat less when there’s company.

Key Plot Development – The Bank Connection

• 11:11–12:43

  • Patsy receives an important letter from the Brenner Lock Company:
    The company lists banks that used a discontinued lock pattern significant to Jerry’s quest.

    • "This letter's from the Brenner Lock Company... they have a list of the different banks that used this lock and key." – Patsy (11:26–11:39)
    • Several banks are mentioned, notably Jackson City – where the circus will perform next.
    • "Hey, that's where we play tomorrow. If it's the same one. Of course we do." – Jerry (11:52)
    • Patsy agrees to check with the bank in Jackson City the next day.

  • The group manages expectations:

    • "Now, don't count on it too much, though, Jerry." – Bump (12:09)
    • Jerry expresses hope but remains pragmatic:
      • "And after all, if it's not the place, we'll write to all those other banks till we find the right one." – Jerry (12:26)
    • Patsy provides encouragement:
      • "We'll find that safety deposit box of your dad's if it takes the rest of the season." – Patsy (12:32)

Subtle Tension – Johnny Bradley’s Reaction

• 12:43–12:54
  • Notable moment: Johnny Bradley appears momentarily troubled when Jackson City is mentioned.
    • "All of a sudden you look so kind of... well, just since we started talking about the bank at Jackson City. Is there anything wrong?" – Patsy (12:47)
    • "Oh, no, no, my dear. I'm all right. And I hope Jackson City will hold something very happy for you..." – Johnny Bradley (12:54)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On animal training:
  • "They'd nip our legs to pieces if we didn't... We get to talking to them soft like and calling them by name. Finally, we pat their necks." – Barkis (04:43–04:50)
• On circus camaraderie:
  • "You don't need any training. Somehow, you're grown and growing boys can always eat more for their size than anything else I know of." – Bump (08:40)
• On determination:
  • "We'll find that safety deposit box of your dad's if it takes the rest of the season." – Patsy (12:32)

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Important Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment | |-----------|----------------------------------------------| | 01:54 | Jerry watches Barkis train the seals | | 06:07 | Rags rehearses his act | | 08:10 | Friends gather for dinner, discuss appetite | | 11:11 | Patsy reads the crucial letter | | 11:52 | Realize the circus plays Jackson City next | | 12:47 | Johnny Bradley’s reaction to Jackson City |

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Tone & Atmosphere

The conversation remains warm, familial, and filled with the easy banter typical of circus life. Despite the playful tone, there is an undercurrent of determination and resolve as Jerry and his friends support his quest. The episode closes with a slight air of suspense, hinting that the forthcoming trip to Jackson City may reveal crucial answers – and perhaps, hidden stories of its own.

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For listeners:
This episode is essential for progressing the search for Jerry’s father’s bank deposit box. It paints a vivid picture of circus life while threading in the central mystery, making it both entertaining and pivotal to the story arc.

Transcript

[A]

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[B]

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

[C]

I think I'll stay and watch these seals for a while, Bob.

[B]

Okay, Jerry, Rags and I'll be down at the other end of the tent rehearsing.

[C]

You better be good, Rags. I'll be down to see how you're doing pretty soon.

[B]

Oh, don't you worry about Rags. It's all we've been able to do is to keep them out of the ring.

[C]

So you think you're ready to go back to work again, huh? Okay, run along and do your stuff. I'll be with you pretty soon. I want to watch Barkis and that seal for a while.

[B]

All right, Jerry. Come along, Rags. We've got work for you.

[C]

Hey, Barkus.

[B]

Yeah?

[C]

You work the seals every day?

[D]

No, only when they fall down. I get lazy in the act.

[C]

Well, what was the matter today?

[D]

You see that fellow over there with the whiskers?

[C]

Yeah.

[D]

Well, for no reason at all, Hubert suddenly decided not to do his single.

[C]

Mean the stunt he does all by himself?

[D]

The stunt he always has done until this afternoon when I threw him the stick. He balanced it on his nose all right. But when I threw that big rubber ball, he acted as if he'd never seen it before.

[C]

You mean he didn't catch it like always?

[D]

That's exactly what I mean. He wandered off balancing the pole on his snout as if his job was finished.

[C]

So that's why you're keeping him after school.

[D]

Exactly. I don't dare let him get away with it or might take me weeks to get him back doing that particular trick. Now, you watch here, Hubert.

[C]

Good. He caught the pool all right. See? It's great the way he balances it.

[D]

Now, here goes the ball.

[B]

Now you.

[D]

No, just a bad humbry, that's all.

[C]

Hey, why'd you give him the fish? I thought that was to reward him.

[D]

Well, that's just what it is for.

[C]

But he didn't do the trick.

[D]

No, but I want him to know what to expect. And I'll give him more when he does do the trick.

[C]

Right.

[D]

Now we'll try again.

[C]

Well, he sure catches a stick all right.

[D]

All right. Now steady, Hubert. Easy here.

[C]

He did it. Good boy.

[D]

Fine, Hubert. I'm proud of you. Here's some extra fish.

[C]

Look at him clap his slippers just as if he was applauding himself.

[D]

Sure, he knows he's been good. You want to reward him? Give him his wish.

[C]

Oh, gee whiz. Can I say thanks?

[D]

That's right. Throw it on him. He'll catch it.

[C]

Look at him weave around. He's sure excited.

[D]

Yeah, these seals sure like their fish now.

[C]

What do you mean, now? Don't they always?

[B]

Oh, sure.

[D]

But I was just thinking about when they first come to us from the ocean. They like live fish. You know, most of these seals are from the Pacific.

[C]

Oh, so that's why I've heard some of the Menadri men call them Pacific water dogs.

[D]

Yeah, that's it.

[C]

Are they scared at first?

[D]

Well, they're kind of wild. You know, you have to get them used to you before you can do any training.

[C]

How do you do that?

[D]

Well, when they're in the tank, I put on high tin boots and wade in with them till they get used to me.

[C]

But why thin?

[D]

They'd nip our legs to pieces if we didn't.

[C]

Oh, so they bite.

[D]

I'll say they do.

[C]

Oh, then what?

[D]

Well, we get to talking to em soft like and calling them by name. Finally, we pat their necks. And by then they're so used to us, they don't even try to nip out at us.

[C]

Gee, Wilkins, I'd sure like to see you working with a new one.

[D]

Well, the next time we get some new ones in come around, I'll let you help train them.

[C]

Say, you're swell.

[D]

Say, listen, son, I'm forgetting all about Hubert here talking to you. Come on, Hubert. Once more and we'll call it a day. Up you go. Now the pole.

[B]

That's right.

[D]

Hold it steady.

[C]

It's marvelous the way he walks along with it.

[D]

Now the ball play.

[B]

Good boy. Fine.

[D]

Okay, Gilbert. Well, you're through for today. Now, no monkey shines tonight. Okay. Come up on this plank into your wagon.

[C]

Look at him go.

[D]

Oh, yeah. He wants to get back to that tank. Well, son, we gotta be going. Thanks for helping.

[C]

Oh, thanks for letting me. Well, guess I'd better get down to the other end of the tent and see how Rags is doing. So long.

[D]

So long, kid.

[B]

Hi, Jerry.

[C]

Oh, fine. What you doing with Patty's extra pieces?

[B]

I'm checking them over.

[E]

She's coming in to practice her New act.

[C]

Yeah. Well, I'll be back and watch her.

[B]

There you go.

[C]

Hey, that was great. He's better. Never.

[B]

Yep, he's as good as new. I think you've had enough now, Rags.

[C]

Oh, say, I just come up. He wants to do it once more for me.

[B]

Well, okay, but only once. After all, he hasn't been working and I don't want him to get too tired the first rehearsal.

[C]

When are you going to let him back in the act?

[B]

I think tomorrow when we open in Jackson City.

[C]

Did you hear that? Right. That's swell.

[B]

Okay, Rags, now if you want to show off, we'll do it again. Now on my foot.

[C]

I love the way he talks back. Boy. Say, that was a kick. Look at that somersault. And right on your shoulder. Pretty good.

[B]

Now, here we go. Now. Easy, boy.

[A]

Whoops.

[C]

Hey, you didn't do that before. Hey, that's great.

[B]

I got the idea that day we worked Rags and his leg was so sore. Now, now, see, as I turn a somersault, he catapults right off my shoulder and turns his own somersault.

[C]

I'll say he does two of them. Then his turning tail and coming up through your legs is a swell finish.

[B]

Sure.

[C]

I'm proud of you. That's a grand trick.

[B]

I thought you'd like it. Oh, no, no. Now, that's enough for today.

[C]

Three bumps. One of the men was fixing Patsy's trappings. She's going to rehearse her new act. You want to stay and watch?

[B]

Sure. May as well. It's a while before dinner. Oh, say, she's down there already.

[F]

Sure.

[C]

Hey, Patsy. Yeah? Say, that was great. When you gonna put it in your act? Tomorrow in Jackson City? Yes, I'm breaking it in there. Gee, Willikins, did you hear that bump? She and Rags will open the same day.

[B]

Well, good work, Patsy. We'll be watching you. The flag's up. Well, that sounds like dinner. The flag's up. Patsy, you coming to eat with us?

[F]

You go right ahead, bum.

[C]

I'll be with you in a jiffy. Hurry up. We'll go along slow. I don't mind killing you. I'm starving.

[B]

Now, you don't think that's anything new, do you? Well, I've never seen you when you didn't put away enough food for one of the stakers.

[C]

Oh, you're kidding. I couldn't eat that much. Come on, Rags, quit sniffing. Say, I've seen him eat three steaks for breakfast.

[B]

Well, you can get outside a pretty near that much for dinner.

[C]

Maybe If I worked up to it and gotten training.

[B]

You don't need any training. Well, however, you're grown. And grown boys can always eat more for this size than anything else I know of. Oh, hi, Johnny.

[E]

Greetings, friends. Good evening. And how is my understudy doing tonight, eh?

[C]

Very well, thank you, Mr. Bradley. Say, you know, I think I ought to learn some of that Shakespeare stuff right if I'm going to be an honest to goodness understudy.

[E]

You're a fine lad. Wouldn't hurt you to learn some of the Bard's famous plays, even if you never used them. Poetry is good for the imagination, my boy.

[C]

Will you teach me?

[E]

Oh, with pleasure, Jerry, with pleasure. Come into my wagon anytime and we'll delve into some of the great works of the world's greatest playwright.

[C]

Say, that'd be great.

[B]

Well, you couldn't have a better teacher, Jerry. Johnny may be a clown in the ring, but he used to work with some of the most famous actors in the country. He was one himself.

[E]

I suspect in my day it was a great art. The spoken word, the power of the voice and the slightest bit of pantomime.

[B]

Well, well, here we are.

[E]

Oh, to be sure, we seem to be tardy. Good evening, friends. Good evening. I apologize for my late.

[C]

How are you? Fancy the latest? She'll be here in a minute, I guess. Golly, that soup sure looks good.

[E]

Oh, here comes the little lady now. All out of bread.

[F]

Hi, everybody. I am windy.

[B]

Well, you're needing to run like that, Patsy.

[F]

I know, Bumpus, but I dropped by the wagon and found out I'd gotten some mail.

[C]

And after all, you're rehearsing, too. You'll be too tired to eat. Hey, may I have some more crackers? Thanks.

[F]

I suppose you think if I don't eat, there'll be more for you, huh, Jerry?

[B]

Oh, you see, Jerry, you've already got a reputation.

[C]

That's one thing. There's no FHB in the circus.

[E]

Fhb? Is that some kind of a club?

[C]

No, that. That's just short for family hold back.

[E]

That's the first time my old ears ever heard that. Is that a very common expression?

[F]

Oh, I'll say it is. We often had to use it when there was company. You can bet we were glad when Mother say, am I gay?

[C]

You bet.

[E]

And what, may I ask, does M I K Standard Morning Kitchen.

[C]

May I have some more meat and potatoes and. And a little more bread, Jerry, I

[F]

don't know where you put it. He just asked for one thing after another since he Sat down.

[C]

I'm sorry.

[B]

Oh, don't let it kid you, Jerry. You go right ahead and eat.

[F]

Oh, say, would you folks mind if I look through my letters?

[B]

Oh, well, go ahead.

[C]

Of course not. Say, bumps, how about some butter?

[E]

I can remember the day when we were stranded in the little town.

[F]

Oh, I'm sorry, Mr. Bradley.

[E]

All right, little lady. What I had to say was of no importance.

[C]

You go right ahead, Jerry.

[F]

This letter's from the Brunner Lock Company.

[C]

No, I say that. Well, what did they say? Let me see.

[F]

They say they used to make this type of lock, but have long since discontinued this particular pattern.

[C]

Oh, golly, that's tough.

[F]

Then down here at the bottom, they have a list of the different banks that use this lock and key when they were manufacturing it.

[C]

Are there many? Yes.

[F]

Let's see. There's Twin Falls and Huntsburg and Jackson City and.

[C]

Hey, that's where we play tomorrow. If it's the same one. Of course we do.

[F]

We've got a couple of things there.

[B]

Well, while you're there, might as well check with that bank. You know, they might still have some of those old locks in use.

[C]

You think so?

[B]

No harm in trying to find out.

[F]

That's just what we will do. We'll look up that bank when we get there tomorrow.

[C]

Golly.

[B]

Now, don't count on it too much, though, Jerry.

[C]

I want.

[F]

Besides, Jerry, you see, this letter lists about eight different banks all over the country that use that pattern at one time or another.

[C]

Guess we got just good a chance to hit it right off in Jackson City as any other city. Of course we have.

[F]

We just don't want you to be disappointed if it is the wrong bank, that's all.

[C]

Well, I won't. And after all, if it's not the place, we'll write to all those other banks till we find the right one.

[F]

You bet we will. We'll find that safety deposit box of your dad's if it takes the rest of the season.

[C]

I sure hope we hit it first thing, though. I'm awful anxious to find out what dad had that was important enough to lock up in a bank.

[F]

Mr. Bradley. Mr. Bradley.

[E]

Yes, yes.

[F]

All of a sudden you look so kind of. Well, just since we started talking about the bank of Jackson City. Is there anything wrong?

[E]

Oh, no, no, my dear. I'm all right. I hope Jackson City will hold something very happy for you. Jackson City. Jackson City.

[A]

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