Jerry of the Circus - Night Check

Summary

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Podcast Summary: “Jerry of the Circus – Night Check”

Podcast: Harold’s Old Time Radio
Host: Harold’s Old Time Radio
Episode: Jerry of the Circus – Night Check
Date: May 15, 2026

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Overview

This episode transports listeners back to the classic world of the traveling circus, centering on Jerry and his friends as they unravel the mystery behind a missing costume. The episode blends detective intrigue, the warmth of found family, and the eccentric camaraderie among circus performers—all set in the evocative atmosphere of a bygone era.

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Key Discussion & Story Points

1. The Mysterious Visitor in the Night

• [01:38 - 05:10]
  • Jerry and Charlie, accompanied by Bumps, patrol the circus grounds after dark.
  • Jerry suspects something unusual after seeing a shadowy figure in Clara’s tent:

    “We just saw something go into Clara’s tent.” (Jerry, 02:00)

  • Investigating, they notice Patsy’s white rhinestone dress has gone missing and find animal footprints—possibly a chimpanzee’s—raising suspicion about Aga, the circus chimp.

2. Investigation at the Monkey Cages

• [03:45 - 04:46]
  • The group checks the monkey cages, but the chimps are secure and there’s no immediate evidence, apart from a banana skin.
  • Charlie reflects on the intelligence of circus monkeys:

    “You try to teach a monkey a trick and before you know it, he’s got it perfectly... but he’ll tease you by pretending he’s not interested.” (Charlie, 04:02)

3. Circus Life—Friendships, Rivalries, and Goodbyes

• [06:04 - 07:14]
  • Jerry and Bumps discuss the challenges faced by Jerry’s uncle, who is recovering and may not travel with the circus.
  • They witness a colorful spat between Major Might and the bearded lady, illustrating the close-knit, if sometimes combative, relationships among circus people:

    “They’ve been going at it five years now.” (Bumps, 06:40)
    “He’s downright temperamental... a disposition like a powder magazine but a heart of gold underneath.” (Bumps, 06:55)

4. The Mystery of the Stolen Dress Solved?

• [08:00 - 08:43]
  • Bearded Lady confronts Major Might, having found Patsy’s missing dress hidden in his tent. Both are affronted by the implication that one might be framing the other.
  • Bumps and Charlie intervene, suggesting that returning the dress is all that matters.

5. Reunion and Farewells with Uncle Dan

• [10:08 - 11:42]
  • Jerry and Bumps visit Uncle Dan in the hospital. The visit is filled with warmth, gratitude, and assurances of circus solidarity:

    “I feel like a million dollars.” (Uncle Dan, 10:36)
    “If you don’t think I’d have gone through this whole experience just for the sake of finding you again, you’re very much mistaken. Jerry was worth it.” (Uncle Dan, 10:39)

  • The scene emphasizes the importance of family—by blood and by choice.

6. Jerry’s Inspired Plan

• [12:09 - 12:20]
  • As the episode closes, Jerry concocts a clever plan to catch the mystery thief using a camera and a flashbulb:

    “Gee, why didn’t I think of it before? We can set up a camera with a flash bulb attached... the light will go off and take a picture of the thief.” (Jerry, 12:19)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Jerry’s determination:

  “Oh, not so good. We gotta think of something for tomorrow night. Some way of catching sight of that thief.” (Jerry, 12:09)

• On circus personae:

  “We all think the bearded lady is really mighty fond of the little Major... it’s like waving a red flag in his face to even mention her name.” (Bumps, 06:44)
  “That little fella has a disposition like a powder magazine but with a heart of gold underneath.” (Bumps, 06:55)

• Family ties:

  “You’re the only family I got, aren’t you, Uncle Dan?” (Jerry, 10:47)
  “Circus people are the grandest people in the world. They sure know how to help when it’s needed.” (Uncle Dan, 11:52)

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Timestamps for Major Segments

• 01:38: Jerry and Charlie begin night patrol, spot movement
• 03:29: Animal footprints discovered in Clara’s tent
• 03:56: Visit to the circus monkey cages
• 06:06: Bumps reassures Jerry about his uncle’s recovery
• 06:32: Major Might and bearded lady’s comedic quarrel
• 08:00: Discovery of Patsy’s dress in Major Might’s tent
• 10:08: Touching reunion scene with Uncle Dan
• 12:19: Jerry unveils his plan to catch the thief

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Tone and Atmosphere

The episode has a nostalgic, light-hearted, and heartwarming tone, peppered with gentle humor and a sense of communal loyalty—perfectly capturing the magic and camaraderie of old circus troupes.

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Transcript

[Bumps]

Jerry of the circus.

[Uncle Dan]

Now for Jerry of the circus.

[Charlie]

Who's there? Who's there, I say?

[Jerry]

It's me, Jerry. I was looking for you, Charlie.

[Charlie]

Oh, there you are, Jerry. Mr. Dark. I couldn't see. He wasn't sure who it was. I've been following you.

[Jerry]

That's funny, Greggs and I've been prowling all over to get you.

[Charlie]

Well, what you doing back here so soon? I thought you went to eat.

[Jerry]

I'll tell you later. But we just saw something go into Clara's tent.

[Charlie]

How long ago?

[Jerry]

Oh, just a little while. We'd only just come back on a lot. It was so far away, I couldn't see very well.

[Charlie]

Come on. We'll go on over and see.

[Jerry]

Got a flashlight?

[Charlie]

Sure.

[Jerry]

See? Why didn't you flash it on us instead of following us?

[Charlie]

Well, I wanted to be sure who you were. If you'd had a gun and I turned the light on you, you'd known where I was.

[Jerry]

I never thought of that.

[Bumps]

Shh.

[Jerry]

You better keep quiet now that we're so close.

[Bumps]

Look. Where?

[Jerry]

Right back at the wardrobe top. Did you see that? Looks like it got away. It went fast, like a big shadow.

[Charlie]

You got better eyes than I have, kid. I. I didn't see it.

[Jerry]

Come on, let's look inside.

[Charlie]

Now, take it easy, Jerry. Someone may still be here. Wait a minute. I'll flash my light around to be sure.

[Jerry]

Not a soul. It got here just too late. Aw, gee. Someone sure been here, though. Look how those things are all over the floor. Hey, don't go inside.

[Charlie]

Yes, why not? Did you see something?

[Jerry]

No, but. But we had Clara sweep the sawdust off the ground so we could see if there were any footprints. Say, put the light down there, will you?

[Charlie]

I don't see any footprints.

[Jerry]

That's funny. Golly, I know someone's been here. Look at mess and. Oh, it's gone.

[Charlie]

What?

[Jerry]

Patsy's dress. It was right here on the table. I put it there myself.

[Charlie]

You mean the white one she wears in the axe?

[Jerry]

Yeah, with all the rhinestones.

[Bumps]

See?

[Jerry]

That's terrible. What'll she do tomorrow?

[Charlie]

Oh, this is getting serious.

[Jerry]

Here, give me that flashlight. Let me just look on the ground once more. Say, Golly, that's funny.

[Charlie]

You can see our footsteps plain enough.

[Jerry]

Say, look here.

[Charlie]

What is it? What did you find?

[Jerry]

Say, see these prints?

[Charlie]

That's not a shoe. It's a foot.

[Jerry]

It's an animal. A big animal.

[Charlie]

Darling kid, I believe you're right. Let's see. Why, it looks like a chimpanzee. Of course. It's Aga, the chimp. Come on, let's get down to those monkey cages, quick.

[Jerry]

You bet. Come on, Rags. Why on earth didn't I think of a monkey before?

[Charlie]

This way, Jerry. The cages are in this wagon back here.

[Jerry]

That's right. I was getting mixed. I haven't gotten much acquainted with the monkeys yet.

[Charlie]

Don't you like em?

[Jerry]

Oh, sure. I just been busy, I guess. Monkeys are awful smart, aren't they?

[Charlie]

They're a little too smart for my comfort. You try to teach a monkey a trick and before you know it, he's got it perfectly. But he'll tease you by pretending he's not interested or don't understand.

[Jerry]

I like that little monkey that works with Beppo, the little Italian clown.

[Major Might]

Rags, come back here.

[Jerry]

Rags.

[Charlie]

Oh, let him go. What's he after?

[Jerry]

Rags, come here.

[Charlie]

Whatever he saw must have been right there by that chimp's cage. Here, let me take a look around.

[Jerry]

Rags, aren't you ashamed of yourself, running ahead like that? See anything?

[Charlie]

Nope, not a thing. Funny. Here's the chimp, all safe and sound.

[Jerry]

Yeah, and her cage is bolted on the outside. Gee, that's funny. Have they got another chimpanzee as big as this one?

[Bumps]

No. Bird.

[Charlie]

Oh.

[Jerry]

Well, it's a cinch it's not Ag's footprints down there in Claire's tent. You think somebody could be going around barefoot?

[Charlie]

Well, I don't know. My golly, it's a mystery to me.

[Jerry]

If Ag had been there, she. She'd have some of the stuff she stole in her cage, wouldn't she?

[Charlie]

Seems like she would. It beats me what that dog was barking at.

[Jerry]

Lookie. Say, flash that light down here by my feet. Well, I'll be.

[Charlie]

Well, what do you know about that? A banana skin. Well, someone's been feeding these monkeys all right.

[Jerry]

Gee, I sure wish we didn't move tomorrow night.

[Doctor Randall]

Why?

[Jerry]

One more night and I think we could clear up this mystery, miss.

[Charlie]

How?

[Jerry]

Oh, I don't know. I'd have to figure it out. Say, do we stay in the next town overnight?

[Charlie]

Let's see. Yes, come to think of it, I guess we do.

[Jerry]

Good. By that times, Rags and me'll get an idea. Gee, bumps, you're swell to take us down to the hospital this morning.

[Bumps]

Well, seeing it's the last day in town, I guess I'd kind of like to see your Uncle Dan, too.

[Jerry]

I hate to leave him behind. Rags, come here. That pup sure like to sniff around all these concession stamps.

[Bumps]

He's got to get acquainted with this circus. After all, he's got to keep a nose out for what's going on.

[Jerry]

He doesn't miss much.

[Bumps]

Jerry, don't you worry about leaving your uncle behind. And it'll take him a while to get good and strong. And when he does, then you two can decide what's best for the both of you.

[Doctor Randall]

Hi, Bumps. Going to town?

[Bumps]

Oh, hello there, Jake Sheffield. Just for a little while, though.

[Jerry]

Gee, it'll seem funny having an honest to goodness family again. What's that? Something wrong?

[Bumps]

I don't know. Seems to come from those dressing tents.

[Jerry]

Yeah, the tents used by the sideshow folks. I'll go have it, I tell you.

[Major Might]

Oh, well, get out of my vest and I'm.

[Jerry]

Dennis, what's going on?

[Bumps]

It sounds like Major Might and the bearded lady are at it again.

[Jerry]

Do they often fight like that?

[Bumps]

They've been going at it five years now.

[Bearded Lady]

No.

[Jerry]

What's wrong?

[Bumps]

Well, we all think the bearded lady is really mighty fond of the little Major. But everyone has kidded him so about her. It's like waving a red flag in his face to even mention a name.

[Jerry]

He's kind of excitable, isn't he?

[Bumps]

He's downright temperamental. Say, that little fella has a disposition like a powder magazine, but with a heart of gold underneath. If he happens to take a liking to you.

[Jerry]

I suppose he's just sensitive about being little.

[Bumps]

You hit the nail right on the head, Jerry. Get away, dog.

[Major Might]

Beat it.

[Jerry]

Get out.

[Bearded Lady]

Get out, little dog. Go on. Leave a Major alone.

[Jerry]

Rags. Rags, come here this minute.

[Bumps]

You see? You see how the bearded lady is trying to protect the Major?

[Jerry]

Rags, what's gotten into you lately?

[Major Might]

That dog in the cage with the

[Jerry]

rest of the animals.

[Bumps]

Well, good morning there, Major. You having some trouble?

[Major Might]

Oh, morning, Bumps. I certainly am. I always like you, Bumps. But I can't say as much for that dog you work with.

[Jerry]

I'm sorry, Major. I don't know what's gotten into him. He.

[Major Might]

He's usually good. Oh, it's a fine how do you do when dogs start picking on you, too?

[Bearded Lady]

You come right back here. Major, don't think you can get away as easy as that. Going out to talk to some friends. Oh, it's you, Bumps. Now, what do you think?

[Major Might]

You'll eat Bumps out of this. We're friends, and I don't want him annoyed with any of your friends.

[Bearded Lady]

I guess he's my friend, too. I won't have it, I tell you. I just won't have it. What do you think, Bumps?

[Bumps]

Well, I'm sure I don't know.

[Bearded Lady]

To go into the Major's tent for something.

[Jerry]

That's just it.

[Major Might]

What business have you in my tent? I'd like to know.

[Bearded Lady]

That's beside the point.

[Major Might]

It is not. It's just exactly the point.

[Bearded Lady]

What do you suppose I found tucked in the wastebank?

[Bumps]

Well, I'm sure I don't know.

[Major Might]

It's a trick. Somebody's trying to get me in trouble. As a matter of fact, I wouldn't be surprised if you did it yourself. Me?

[Bearded Lady]

It's an insult. Why should I steal Patsy's dress and then put it in your dressing room? Why should I? Tell me that.

[Jerry]

Patsy's dress. The white one with rhinestone.

[Bearded Lady]

Exactly. Why should he have anything belonging to her in his room?

[Major Might]

It's a joke. Somebody's trying to get me in trouble. I never knew it was there and I had to.

[Bumps]

Of course.

[Charlie]

Of course.

[Bumps]

Now, Major, I shouldn't worry about it so much. Just see that it gets back to its owner. That's all that's necessary.

[Bearded Lady]

Yeah.

[Jerry]

She was worried about not having it for her act this afternoon.

[Bumps]

Well, I'm sorry, Major, but we're late. We're going into town. There's a streetcar and we gotta make it back in time for the show. Well, come along, Harry. Jerry. Bye.

[Major Might]

Bye. And I'll see that Patsy gets her dress.

[Jerry]

We'll have to run to make it. Think we can?

[Bumps]

Why, sure thing. You don't think I'm too old to run after a trolley car, do you?

[Jerry]

Of course not.

[Bumps]

Must say, I'm glad it had to stop, though, for some other passengers.

[Jerry]

Well, we made it. Hey, Bump, let's sit way up in front.

[Bumps]

Oh, sure, sure, if you want to lead the way.

[Jerry]

Here we are. You want to sit by the window?

[Bumps]

Oh, no, no. You climb in first. Windows always belong to boys.

[Jerry]

Thanks. Say, Bumps.

[Bumps]

Yes, Jerry?

[Jerry]

Don't you think it's kind of funny, the bearded lady finding Patsy's dress in the Major's wagon?

[Bumps]

Well, it's certainly not usual. And still it isn't usual for her dress to disappear either.

[Jerry]

Yeah, that's true, too. But don't you think that.

[Bumps]

What, Jerry?

[Jerry]

Oh, nothing. I. I was just thinking. Just wondering about the.

[Uncle Dan]

Come in,

[Jerry]

Uncle Dan. Gee, I'm glad to see you.

[Uncle Dan]

Hello, son. And Bumps. Nice of you two to bother to come and see an old, sick man.

[Jerry]

You're not old. And look, you can't be so sick. You're sitting up. Doesn't he look swell, Bumps?

[Bumps]

Oh, he certainly does. Say, you'll soon be back in those jungles bagging wild animals again.

[Uncle Dan]

Dan, I'm afraid it'll be quite a while before I do anything as strenuous as. However, for the condition I'm in. I feel like a million dollars.

[Jerry]

I'd rather have you than the million dollars any day.

[Uncle Dan]

Well, if you don't think I'd have gone through this whole experience just for the sake of finding you again, you're very much mistaken. Jerry was worth it.

[Jerry]

Gee, you're the only family I got, aren't you, Uncle Dan?

[Uncle Dan]

Yes, I am. And a happy family, now that Mr. Randall has told me all about everything.

[Jerry]

Pretty lucky finding Lorenz.

[Uncle Dan]

I'll say so. I'd have been in a fine spot. Of course, the doctor could tell them that I'd lost my memory. But they might have believed I was really Decker and that I only thought I was Danny Dugan.

[Jerry]

Golly, that have been terrible.

[Bumps]

Hello there.

[Doctor Randall]

Got visited?

[Uncle Dan]

Oh, come in, Doctor, this is my nephew, Jerry. Oh, we've met before.

[Doctor Randall]

Sorry, but I'm afraid I'm going to have to break up this Liberal Party.

[Jerry]

Oh, no, not yet. We just got here and it's my last visit.

[Doctor Randall]

Sorry, son, but I've got a specialist here from out of town who wants to look over your uncle. It's his only chance to do it. I guess if it'll help your uncle. You'd rather go, wouldn't you?

[Jerry]

Oh, gee, sure.

[Bearded Lady]

But.

[Jerry]

Oh, golly, I hate to say goodbye.

[Uncle Dan]

Don't, Ben. We'll just say be seeing you soon.

[Jerry]

Sure, you bet. Be seeing you soon. And be seeing you.

[Uncle Dan]

Well, that's the ticket, son. Bye, Bumps. Take care of that boy for me.

[Bumps]

Well, I certainly will. Oh, and Randall's promised to look after you until you can pay him back.

[Uncle Dan]

I know. I tell you, Doc, circus people are the grandest people in the world. They sure know how to help when it's needed. Bye.

[Jerry]

She.

[Bumps]

Say, Jerry, what about Clara? How you coming on with your detective work?

[Jerry]

Oh, not so good. We gotta think of something for tomorrow night. Some way of catching sight of that thief.

[Bumps]

Well, it's pretty hard at night when it's dark.

[Jerry]

Bombs. I got it.

[Uncle Dan]

What?

[Jerry]

Gee, why didn't I think of it before? We can set up a camera with a flash bulb attached. Then if someone comes in and touches a wire or something, the light will go off and take a picture of the thief.