Jerry of the Circus - Lights Go Off

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Jerry of the Circus - Lights Go Off

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Date: May 22, 2026
Episode: Jerry of the Circus – Lights Go Off
Host: Harolds Old Time Radio

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Episode Overview

This episode presents a classic installment of Jerry of the Circus, a serialized drama from the Golden Age of Radio. The story centers on Jerry and his companions as they face both practical and mysterious threats behind the scenes at the circus. Notably, the troupe contends with malfunctions in the lighting generator—heightening nerves as daring acts depend on stable illumination. Additionally, there's unsettling intrigue: performer Carmen is receiving sinister, anonymous threats urging her to leave the circus. The episode delivers a mixture of light-hearted camaraderie, suspense, and the ever-present danger of live circus life.

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Key Discussion Points & Highlights

1. Dinner Table Camaraderie and Practical Jokes

Segment: [02:07–05:24]

• The scene opens with the circus family enjoying a meal, teasing Jerry about his appetite and joking about becoming a strongman.
• A practical joke unfolds: Jerry and friends orchestrate a “bouquet” of vegetables delivered to Carmen instead of flowers, sparking embarrassment and irritation.
  • Carmen is visibly upset, believing the Major is behind the joke and threatens, “I will not allow to be made a fool of.” – Carmen [03:43]
  • The Major pleads innocence and tries to reassure Carmen: “Please believe me, Carmen. I like you ever so much. And I wouldn't humiliate you this way in front of everybody.” – Major [04:36]
• Carmen demands a resolution: “You'll find out who does this thing. And then you and I together, we fix him. Whoever it is.” – Carmen [05:12]

2. The Flickering Lights & Backstage Tension

Segment: [05:24–07:43]

• During dinner, the circus tent lights flicker due to generator troubles, worrying the performers, especially those with demanding and dangerous acts.
  • “I hope I have plenty of lights and I'm up high during my turn.” – Patsy [05:38]
• Technicians are mentioned as working to fix the generator, but parts are unavailable, increasing anxiety about upcoming performances in the semi-darkness.
  • “It's dangerous business working without lights. And that goes for any of the acts.” – Patsy [07:27]
• After dinner, the signs persist, with the lights flickering on and off as the evening show approaches.

3. Threatening Notes & Danger for Carmen

Segment: [07:44–09:47]

• A more serious subplot emerges: Carmen has been receiving anonymous threats instructing her to leave the circus or face harm.
  • Patsy confides in Jerry: “Carmen has been getting notes telling her to leave the circus and threatening her with all sorts of terrible things.” – Patsy [07:48]
  • One note threatens sabotage with acid on Carmen’s tightwire: “One of them warned her to get out of the circus or there would be acid put on their tight wire.” – Patsy [08:11]
• The performers speculate on possible motives, but no one can identify a likely enemy—concern increases for Carmen’s safety.
• Bumps tries to reassure everyone: “I don't think anyone will get very far making trouble for Carmen with her two able bodied brothers around.” – Bumps [09:14]

4. Main Event: Performance Risks Escalate

Segment: [09:49–14:57]

• As the show proceeds, the flickering lights become more severe.
  • “They're more than flickering. They're blinking on and off.” – Jerry [09:52]
• Acts continue despite poor lighting; concern peaks with Jason's wild animal act under impaired visibility.
  • “There's no telling what those lines will do if the lights go out and the audience starts screaming.” – Patsy [11:07]
• Jason enters the steel enclosure with his jungle cats as the group anxiously watches—lights go out again mid-act.
  • The tension is palpable: “I wonder if Jason is all right.” – Carmen [12:53]
• The audience and performers scramble for lanterns, heightening suspense and drama as the episode ends unresolved with Jason and the crowd plunged into darkness.

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Notable Quotes

• Carmen: “I will not allow to be made a fool of.” [03:43]
• The Major: “I like you ever so much. And I wouldn't humiliate you this way in front of everybody.” [04:36]
• Patsy: “It's dangerous business working without lights. And that goes for any of the acts.” [07:27]
• Patsy: “Carmen has been getting notes telling her to leave the circus and threatening her with all sorts of terrible things.” [07:48]
• Patsy: “One of them warned her to get out of the circus or there would be acid put on their tight wire.” [08:11]
• Bumps: “I don't think anyone will get very far making trouble for Carmen with her two able bodied brothers around.” [09:14]
• Jerry: “They're more than flickering. They're blinking on and off.” [09:52]
• Patsy: “There's no telling what those lines will do if the lights go out and the audience starts screaming.” [11:07]
• Carmen: “I wonder if Jason is all right.” [12:53]

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Key Timestamps for Important Segments

• [02:07–05:24] – Dinner table and practical joke on Carmen, scolding the Major, promise to find the prankster.
• [05:24–07:43] – Technical troubles with circus lights, concerns about safety during performances.
• [07:44–09:47] – Revelation of threatening notes to Carmen, raising the stakes and deepening the central mystery.
• [09:49–14:57] – Showtime; lights continue to fail, suspense climaxes as Jason performs with wild animals in the dark.

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Episode Tone and Style

The tone is a distinctive mix of light banter, camaraderie, and mounting tension. The playful teasing among circus members gives way to serious concerns over threats and safety, maintaining the authentic flavor of old-time radio drama—engaging both nostalgia and suspense.

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Summary Takeaway

Lights Go Off blends humor, suspense, and drama, capturing the heart of Jerry of the Circus. With the threat of darkness looming over dangerous circus acts and an ominous mystery targeting Carmen, the episode leaves listeners anxious for resolution—will the show go on safely, and who is behind the threats? Listeners are left eager for the next installment in this classic radio serial.

Transcript

[A]

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[B]

Jerry of the circus.

[C]

Now for Jerry of the Circus.

[B]

Patsy, you mind sliding that butter up this way, please?

[D]

Surely. Bumps here, Jason. Hand us the bumps.

[C]

Here you are.

[E]

Help yourself.

[B]

Thanks.

[F]

How are the potatoes holding out?

[G]

There is no down at this end. I bought them along to you, Jerry.

[F]

Oh, thanks, Carmen.

[B]

How many potatoes have you had, Jerry?

[F]

Only two.

[D]

Only two?

[F]

But they were little ones.

[C]

Jerry's trying to build himself up so he can become a strong man with the circus.

[F]

Quit always kidding me about how much I eat.

[B]

We've got to have our laugh with our meals, Jerry.

[E]

Is it AIDS digestion?

[H]

Yeah, but why pick on me?

[D]

Well, you're not exactly on a diet, you know, Jerry.

[F]

Then never mind the potato.

[B]

Oh, dog. Jerry. You can stand little kitten. Come on, have one of these nice brown potatoes. They're all for good.

[D]

You'll tell me your friend Tom is quite a waiter, Jerry. He serves very well.

[F]

Sure, he can do most anything.

[B]

Well, how you making out, Carmen? You got enough of everything down there on your end of the table?

[G]

Oh, yes. And you want? I have plenty, Jason.

[C]

Yeah?

[F]

Look it. Here comes Tom with that box with a bouquet of vegetables for Carmen. Now the fun's gonna start.

[C]

Not a word, Jerry. We don't want anybody to know we

[B]

had anything to do with this.

[G]

Thank you.

[B]

Well, who's your admirer?

[E]

Carmen.

[B]

That's sure a pretty box of flowers.

[G]

I have a idea who this is from.

[F]

Look, she's opening that cherry.

[D]

Hello.

[G]

What is this? Someone is played joke on Carmen on vegetables. This has gone far enough. I will not stand for such thing as this.

[B]

I haven't seen a vegetable bouquet since I was a boy.

[G]

Isn't that cute?

[C]

Carmen doesn't think so.

[D]

I have never been so.

[G]

How do you call it? My face is red. I will not allow to be made a fool of.

[F]

Here comes the Major now. Boy, is he in for it.

[B]

Watch the fur fly, Jerry.

[G]

Good evening, everybody. Come here, please.

[H]

Certainly, Carmen. What can I do for you?

[G]

What you can do for me? Listen, Major, I will not be making fool of the idea of sending the onions in a pretty box. And all the people in the circus, they laugh at me. Carmen Bendini no stand for this kind of joke.

[H]

What's that you say?

[G]

Onions? Oh, you make like you don't know, huh? You cannot fool me. I know who sent this box to me.

[H]

Now, Carmen, correct yourself and let me say something.

[G]

There is no use for you to say something, Major. If you open your mouth, you only put your feet inside.

[H]

Now please listen to me, Carmen.

[G]

You try to tell me you no send these vegetables exactly.

[H]

I had nothing whatsoever to do with it. Please believe me, Carmen. I like you. I like you ever so much. And I wouldn't humiliate you this way in front of everybody.

[G]

Then you make somebody else to send this stuff to me. No, I didn't. Then if you please, Mr. Major. Mike, tell me who sent this.

[H]

Oh, I don't know. But I'll tell you this. I'm just as anxious to find out as you are. The idea of anyone putting me on a spot like this, and especially with you.

[G]

If you can prove to me you no send this off, I forget.

[H]

All right, Carmen, you just leave it to the Major. I'll find out who pulled this stunt if it's the last thing I do.

[G]

All right, Major. You'll find out who does this thing. And then you and I together, we fix him. Whoever it is.

[H]

I pledge my word common. I'll get to the bottom of this. And I'll get to the bottom of it quick too.

[B]

Oh, oh, oh, the lights. What seems to be the trouble?

[F]

They flickered, didn't they?

[C]

Yeah. I guess the boys are still working on that generator.

[D]

Is the generator acting up?

[C]

Yeah, Patsy, they're having a little trouble with it. The men are trying to get it to hold out until they can get some new parts for it sent to us.

[D]

I hope I have plenty of lights and I'm up high during my turn.

[C]

Don't we all?

[B]

Well Jerry, you had enough to eat?

[F]

Uh huh. I'm finished and full.

[B]

Ah, good. Then let's get on over to the wagon, huh? Gotta start getting ready for the show pretty soon. Well, see you later folks. And I hope those lights are all right when you're working tonight.

[D]

Thanks, Bundle too.

[F]

All right, you'll be going on in a minute.

[G]

Hey Bumps.

[B]

Yes, Jerry?

[F]

Should I put Rags's collar on him?

[B]

Yeah, go ahead and fix him up.

[F]

You know, Rags, I think you're stage strong. I never in my life saw anybody who was as anxious to act as you are. Hold still, now. Gotta make you look pretty with your big ribbon collar.

[B]

All set, Rags?

[F]

All set and ready to go.

[E]

Well, here we go.

[B]

We're on. Come on, Ray.

[E]

Come on, boy.

[F]

Do a good show now.

[D]

What, are you telling me to do good too, Jerry?

[F]

Oh, hello, Patsy. I just stole rags to do his best.

[D]

Well, doesn't he always give a good performance?

[F]

Oh, sure, but I always say that.

[D]

Say, how are the lights holding out?

[F]

Okay, I guess. They must have the generator fixed all right.

[D]

I'm surely glad they were working when I did my turn. All the time I was up there, Matt cut these. Kept thinking how awful it would be if the lights went out and there I was in midair.

[F]

You just fall into the net. You've done that before.

[D]

That's true, Jerry, but I wouldn't be able to see how far the net was. And I might not be able to turn my body so as to land on my back. You know, I told you a long time ago how important it was to land just right in that net, see?

[F]

That's right.

[D]

It's dangerous business working without lights. And that goes for any of the acts.

[F]

Well, the Mendinis are through, so they can't get hurt.

[D]

Now all we have to worry about is Jason's turn.

[F]

Oh, there's nothing to worry about. The generator's been fixed now. The lights haven't flickered since we were having dinner in the mess stand.

[D]

I hope you're right, Jerry.

[F]

Anything new about Major and Carmen, or are they still angry?

[D]

There's plenty new, Jerry. I was just talking with Carmen a while ago and I found out some things that really scare me.

[F]

Oh, what's the matter?

[D]

Well, it's not about the Major, but Carmen has been getting notes telling her to leave the circus and threatening her with all sorts of terrible things.

[F]

Well, who's sending them to her?

[D]

She doesn't know. She hasn't told anybody about it except Carlos and Alfredo. They're trying to find out what it's all about.

[F]

What do the notes say?

[D]

Well, one of them warned her to get out of the circus or there would be acid put on their tight wire. Are you fooling now, Jerry? I wouldn't fool about a thing like that. I'm telling you the truth. I saw the note myself. Carmen showed it to me.

[F]

But who'd want to do a thing like that? Why, acid would eat the wire. They'd get hurt or maybe killed if it broke when they were up there working on it.

[D]

That's just it. It's serious. And Carlos and Alfredo were very much upset about it.

[F]

Well don't they have any idea who could be sending those notes?

[D]

No, they can't think of anyone who might be an enemy. And then the funny part is the notes are just to Carmen and not to her brothers. Somebody just has it in for her.

[B]

Hello there Patsy. You're watching the star turn of this object.

[D]

Oh, I'm sorry Bumps. Jerry and I were talking too much. We forgot to watch.

[B]

Well you see there Rags, we're being sliding.

[F]

Patsy was just telling me. Oh, is it all right to tell Bumps, Patsy?

[D]

Oh, I don't see why not.

[B]

What's up? Sure, go ahead, tell me.

[F]

Well, Carna's been getting threatening notes telling her to leave the show or she'd get hurt or something.

[B]

What's that?

[D]

Yes, bums. Someone is out to make trouble for Carmen.

[B]

Well no, I don't think anyone will get very far making trouble for Carmen with her two able bodied brothers around.

[D]

It's not so good though. Carlos Nofata were pretty much concerned about it.

[F]

They're trying to find out who's sending the notes to Carmen.

[B]

Now keep out of the way now. That Rusoff troop will be out in that track in any minute. Stay right where.

[D]

You don't have any idea who it might be, do you Bumps?

[B]

Why no, Patsy. Just can't imagine anyone doing a thing like that. Especially to Carmen. Boy, she's such a nice little person.

[F]

I wonder why they. I mean I wonder why whoever it is wants her to leave the circus.

[B]

Well now see, that's something to work on right there.

[D]

Goodness Bumps, look at the way those lights are flickering again.

[F]

They're more than flickering. They're blinking on and off.

[B]

Gee, this is gonna be bad. All those horses running around there. Terrific speed and the lights going on and off.

[F]

Here they go, on stage, steady again. Gee, I hope they stay on.

[D]

I wonder what the trouble can be. I've never seen the lights act this way before.

[B]

Come to think of it, it's the first time I've ever seen them out of order. The men that run that generator usually keep it in tip top shape. They care for that thing like it was a baby.

[F]

JC said some certain part is worn out and they can't get a new one here. So they have to wait until they can get the part sent on and

[B]

they go off again.

[D]

Oh, this is awful. I wouldn't, wouldn't want to be on those horses now, Bumps. Jerry, are you still here?

[E]

Yes, passenger.

[B]

We haven't moved. We better stay put until the lights go on. Again.

[F]

Now they're coming on again. They were sure out a long time.

[B]

And those Cossacks didn't even stop riding. I guess those horses are so used to doing their turn, they just keep right on going, whether it's light or dark.

[D]

This makes me feel awfully uneasy, Bumps. It's so risky. Look at that.

[B]

There they go blinking again.

[F]

Well, isn't there some way we can get electricity to run the light?

[B]

I suppose so, Jerry, but I guess it's take time to get some lines rigged up to the city current.

[C]

Hello there. Looks like we're having some excitement. Those lights acting up?

[B]

Yeah, it's bad, Jason.

[D]

It's almost time for your act, Jason. What are you going to do?

[B]

I'm beginning to think that Patsy's worried about you, Jason.

[D]

Well, I'll admit it, Bumps, I am. There's no telling what those lines will do if the lights go out and the audience starts screaming. They may get so excited that you won't be able to control them, Jason.

[C]

Now, don't you worry about that, Patsy. I'll be able to take care of myself.

[F]

You?

[D]

Oh, I hope so.

[F]

Well, how are you gonna do that?

[C]

Excuse me, folks, I'm on. Wish me luck.

[D]

Oh, we do wish you luck, Jason. And we'll keep our fingers crossed for you.

[E]

Allow me to call to your attention this vast steel enclosure which will soon be filled with wild beasts of the jungle. Introducing at this time, Jason, unquestionably the greatest wild animal trainer of all time. In an exhibition of man's skill and daring over priveted jungle beasts. Your attention, ladies and gentlemen. We now present the great Jason.

[B]

Well, there he goes. And here come the cats down the chute.

[F]

No matter how many times I see Jason do his act, I still get a big thrill out of it. He sure is brave.

[B]

Yeah, there's no doubt about that, Jerry.

[D]

Oh, I just hope he isn't foolish.

[B]

No, no, Patsy.

[D]

Well, I don't care, Bumps. Sometimes I think he takes unnecessary chances.

[B]

Let me ask you a question, Patsy. Your act is a pretty risky one too, isn't it?

[D]

Oh, I don't know.

[F]

Oh, no.

[B]

Well, it is. You don't have any fears about it? Flying around the top of that tent like a bird. You do a dangerous turn there, Patsy.

[F]

You sure do.

[H]

Come on, you beat the lights.

[F]

They went off again.

[B]

Did they go on again?

[F]

That was a close call. Oh, there they go out again.

[D]

What in the world is wrong with those lines?

[B]

It doesn't look like they're coming back on this time.

[F]

They gotta come back on.

[B]

Get some ladders, somebody. Yeah, yeah, get some lanterns.

[G]

Yeah, hurry up with them.

[F]

Listen to how mean those lions are getting.

[G]

Bumps. Oh, bumps. I wonder if Jason is all right.

[B]

He won't be if those lights don't come on soon.

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