
Jerry of the Circus - Night Check - 07/19/1937
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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.
Podcast: Harold’s Old Time Radio
Host: Harold’s Old Time Radio
Episode: Jerry of the Circus – Night Check
Date: May 15, 2026
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.
“We just saw something go into Clara’s tent.” (Jerry, 02:00)
“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)
“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)
“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)
“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)
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)
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.