Jerry of the Circus - Patsy Loans the Circus Twenty Thousand Dollars

Summary

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Podcast Summary

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: Jerry of the Circus - Patsy Loans the Circus Twenty Thousand Dollars
Date: May 17, 2026
Main Theme:
This episode from the classic radio series "Jerry of the Circus" centers around the circus’s urgent financial trouble and the generous offer by Patsy to loan $20,000 to keep the show afloat. It also introduces a subplot involving a telegram about Jerry’s recently inherited Montana property—a development that hints at future intrigue for the circus family.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

Patsy's Generous Offer to Save the Circus

• [02:08] Bumps Bailey and Patsy discuss Sam Randall's financial trouble and express doubts about Sam accepting help.

  • Memorable Quote:
    • Bumps Bailey: “You’ll find old Sam Randall hard to deal with.”
  • Patsy is determined to help, noting her check is "just laying in your seat...doing no good" ([04:28]).

• [03:04 – 05:00] Patsy confronts Sam Randall in his office, offering the loan.

  • At first, Sam is hesitant:
    • Sam Randall: “I wouldn’t want you to take any chances with your money.” ([04:31])
  • Patsy insists, arguing that she doesn’t need the money right now and trusts Sam to pay it back.
    • Patsy: “Can’t a friend help a friend without thinking of making money?” ([05:37])

• [05:49] Sam finally gives in, underscoring his appreciation and hinting he’ll repay Patsy in kind.

  • Sam Randall: “But you mark my words, young lady. I’ll make it up to you for this somehow.”
  • Patsy: “Is that a threat, Mr. Randall?”
  • Sam Randall: “A threat and a promise.” ([05:54])

• [06:08 – 06:40] They formalize the loan, with Sam arranging a 90-day promissory note, and Patsy expressing genuine happiness to help:

  • Patsy: “You’re making me very happy, Mr. Randall. It’s a real pleasure to help you out like this.” ([05:59])

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Aftermath: An Unexpected Double Solution

• [06:54] Jim Bennett arrives with news he’s cut a great deal to borrow money from Boris Rousseff, another circus member, at a much more favorable rate.

• [07:30] Sam surprises Jim with the news that Patsy’s loan has already solved the crisis.

  • Sam Randall: “I’ve already got the money. $20,000, and a better deal than that. We won’t have to pay any interest.” ([07:33])
  • Jim Bennett: “Wow, are you a businessman?... That’s swell. She’s a trooper.” ([07:39], [07:51])

• [08:00 – 08:10] Sam ensures Patsy is protected by putting up “the whole circus as security” for the note.

  • Sam Randall: “I wouldn’t want her to lose out just in case something should happen to me.” ([08:00])

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Subplot: Jerry’s Montana Property Telegram

• [10:02] Jerry receives a telegram urging him to “make deal on Montana property immediately.”
  • Jerry (reading): “Please inform us itinerary stop. Urgent. Make deal on Montana property immediately. Stop. We will have nearest authorized agent call on you.” ([10:16])
• [10:30] The telegram sparks speculation about the property's value and purpose.
  • Bumps Bailey: “They want to send someone to call on you and talk business in one of the towns we’ll be playing.” ([10:41])
• Jerry wonders if the property could have hidden value—“Maybe it’s got gold or silver or, well, even oil on it. It might be worth a whole lot more than they want to pay me.” ([11:04])

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Continuing Concerns & Next Steps

• [11:16 – 13:01] Jerry and Bumps discuss what the railroad could want with the property and what Uncle Dan’s interest could be.
  • Sam Randall: “I think it’s a safe guess they want to run some of their track over the property as a rule.”
• [12:00+] Uncle Dan is involved in new business and wants to talk to Sam about Jerry, adding to the building intrigue.

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Notable Quotes

• Bumps Bailey [02:30]: “You’ll find old Sam Randall hard to deal with.”
• Patsy [04:15]: “I want to loan you my $20,000 so you won’t have to borrow more money and pay more interest.”
• Sam Randall [05:49]: “But you mark my words, young lady. I’ll make it up to you for this somehow.”
• Patsy [05:59]: “You’re making me very happy, Mr. Randall. It’s a real pleasure to help you out like this.”
• Jim Bennett [07:51]: “The money she got from her godmother...and she's letting you have it for 90 days. Say, that's all right. That's swell. She's a trooper.”
• Jerry [11:04]: “Maybe it’s got gold or silver or, well, even oil on it. It might be worth a whole lot more than they want to pay me.”

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• [02:08] Patsy discusses her plan to help and Bumps warns of Sam’s probable refusal.
• [03:04 – 05:50] Patsy’s conversation with Sam Randall and the negotiation of the loan.
• [06:54] Jim Bennett arrives with alternative loan news.
• [07:30] Sam reveals solution via Patsy’s loan.
• [08:00] Arrangements made to secure the loan and protect Patsy.
• [10:02] Jerry receives the telegram about the Montana property.
• [11:04] Jerry speculates about the property’s hidden value.
• [12:00+] Uncle Dan’s new animal order and hints at discussions about Jerry.

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Tone and Style Notes

The episode maintains the wholesome, cooperative, and earnest tone characteristic of mid-20th-century radio family dramas. Patsy’s unwavering goodwill, Sam’s pride yet gratitude, and the camaraderie among the circus folk highlight themes of trust, community, and mutual support.

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Conclusion & Takeaways

Patsy’s unselfish offer rescues the circus from financial ruin, underscoring the show’s central values of friendship and loyalty. Meanwhile, the telegram about Jerry’s property plants a seed for future adventure and perhaps more challenges—and opportunities—for the circus. The episode balances crisis resolution with the promise of new plot developments, keeping listeners both reassured and curious for what’s next in "Jerry of the Circus."

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Transcript

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[Sam Randall]

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[Bumps Bailey]

Jerry of the circus.

[Patsy]

Sa. Sam.

[Sam Randall]

Now for Jerry of the Circus.

[Bumps Bailey]

You know, Patsy, I think it's mighty nice of you to offer to loan Mr. Randall your money to meet that note.

[Patsy]

I'm only sorry I didn't think of it sooner. Bum.

[Bumps Bailey]

You got your argument all set?

[Patsy]

I don't believe I understand, Bump.

[Bumps Bailey]

Well, don't you think you might have to argue to put the deal over?

[Patsy]

That's two points for you, Bumps. I still don't understand.

[Bumps Bailey]

Well, now, you'll find old Sam Randall hard to deal with.

[Patsy]

Do you mean to tell me that I'm going to have to talk him into taking the money from me?

[Bumps Bailey]

Exactly. Unless I miss my guess, he'll just thank you for your kind offer and then turn you down. That's what he did with me.

[Patsy]

But why? I want him to have the money, and I don't want any interest on it either.

[Bumps Bailey]

Well, you're a good little talker. Maybe you can convince him.

[Patsy]

That's the funniest thing I ever heard tell of having to give a sales talk to get someone to take money from you.

[Bumps Bailey]

You'll find out.

[Patsy]

Well, here's the office right here.

[Bumps Bailey]

Go ahead in, Patsy, and good luck. I'm going over across the street and do a little shopping. I'll see you after a while.

[Patsy]

All right. Bump.

[Sam Randall]

Yeah?

[Patsy]

It's me, Mr. Randall, Patsy.

[Sam Randall]

Oh, come in, Patsy.

[Jerry]

Come in.

[Patsy]

Are you busy?

[Sam Randall]

Oh, no, no, not too busy. Well, what brings you to the office wagon to see the boss this hour?

[Patsy]

Business, Mr. Randall, business.

[Sam Randall]

Well, have a chair.

[Jerry]

Thank you.

[Sam Randall]

Now then, what's the big problem on your mind?

[Patsy]

Well, I'm afraid it's just the opposite. There's nothing worrying me, but.

[Sam Randall]

Well, come on, come on, out with it.

[Patsy]

Well, I just don't know how to begin, but it's about that note you have to meet tomorrow for that $25,000 loan.

[Sam Randall]

Oh, well, how did you know that was due tomorrow?

[Patsy]

Oh, things like that get around. And the news is getting around that you're not going to be able to meet it.

[Sam Randall]

Well, now, what do you know about that?

[Patsy]

Well, if it's true, isn't it, Mr. Randall?

[Sam Randall]

Yeah. Yes, Patsy, it is true. With that strike a while back, the days we lost after the cyclone and the bad business because of rain and. Yeah, I'm quite a few thousand dollars short.

[Patsy]

Well, that's what I've come to see you about.

[Sam Randall]

I'm not thinking fast today, Patsy. You'll have to explain more fully.

[Patsy]

Well, I want to help you out.

[Sam Randall]

You want to help me out?

[Patsy]

I want to loan you my $20,000 so you won't have to borrow more money and pay more interest.

[Sam Randall]

Oh, well, now, that's awfully nice of you, Patsy, and I appreciate the offer, but I, I, I couldn't take their money.

[Patsy]

My check is just laying in your seat. That's doing no good.

[Sam Randall]

No, no, Patsy, I, I wouldn't want you to take any chances with your money. No, no, it just can't be done.

[Patsy]

Bumps, Warning.

[Sam Randall]

What's that?

[Patsy]

Oh, nothing. I was just talking to myself. But, but now I'm going to talk to you. I'm going to give you an argument. Well, now, you're a good businessman, Mr. Randall.

[Sam Randall]

There's no reason that's the way to start a sales doc. A little flattery first.

[Patsy]

I'm not kidding. I want you to listen to what I have to say. And when I finish, if you don't

[Sam Randall]

think it's good reasoning, well, all right, Patsy, go ahead. I'll listen.

[Patsy]

Good.

[Sam Randall]

Now.

[Patsy]

Now then, in the first place, you need the money.

[Sam Randall]

That's right.

[Patsy]

And I don't. And it doesn't matter whether I buy that annuity today or next month or at the end of the season. And if you can use the money, there's no reason why you shouldn't. I know it's safe. Why, I'm positive you'll be able to

[Jerry]

pay it back by the time we

[Patsy]

get back to winter quarters.

[Sam Randall]

If I didn't think so, I'd fold the show up now and head for winter quarters tomorrow.

[Patsy]

Then what statue said about risk? Well, well, come on now, Mr. Randall. Let me endorse the check over to you. Just think of all the money you'll save in interest.

[Sam Randall]

Oh, no. Now, wait. Now, wait. That's out. I'd have to pay you interest the same as I'd pay it to anyone else.

[Patsy]

Can't a friend help a friend without thinking of making money?

[Sam Randall]

Patsy, you're. You're hard to deal with, aren't you?

[Patsy]

Come on, Mr. Randall, get the check and let me sign it over to you.

[Sam Randall]

Well, all right, I will.

[Patsy]

Good.

[Sam Randall]

But you mark my words, young lady. I'll make it up to you for this somehow.

[Patsy]

Is that a threat, Mr. Randall?

[Sam Randall]

A threat and a promise. Excuse me.

[Patsy]

You're making me very happy, Mr. Randall. It's a real pleasure to help you out like this.

[Sam Randall]

You've got a heart of gold, Patsy. Here we are.

[Patsy]

Oh, good.

[Sam Randall]

Well, I'll have Jim Bennett draw up a regular note on this loan. Then I'll sign it and give it to you.

[Patsy]

Uh huh.

[Sam Randall]

How long do you want to let me have this money?

[Patsy]

Oh, it doesn't matter, just as long as you need it.

[Sam Randall]

Well, suppose we make it for 90 days. Then I'll surely be able to pay you back by then.

[Patsy]

You're sure that's kind enough?

[Sam Randall]

Oh, plenty.

[Patsy]

Your fountain pen, sir.

[Sam Randall]

All right. Here you are.

[Jerry]

Thank you.

[Patsy]

There we are, all set.

[Sam Randall]

You don't know how much this means to me.

[Patsy]

I have a rough idea.

[Sam Randall]

Well, thank you a lot, Patsy. And don't you worry for one minute you'll get your money back.

[Patsy]

Oh, I'm not at all worried.

[Sam Randall]

Oh, excuse me. Yes, Jim?

[Bumps Bailey]

Mr. Adam.

[Sam Randall]

Oh, come in, Jim.

[Patsy]

Well, I'll be running along now. Hello, Jim.

[Bumps Bailey]

Oh, hello, Patsy.

[Jim Bennett]

I got some news for you, boss.

[Sam Randall]

Okay, I'll be right with you. Well, I'll drop by your wagon, Patsy, with that.

[Patsy]

Okay, don't worry. Goodbye.

[Sam Randall]

Bye.

[Jim Bennett]

I just fixed up a swell deal, boss. We'll have that dough for the loan in the morning. And I got the interest rate cut in half. Oh, yeah, Listen to the setup.

[Sam Randall]

All right, go ahead.

[Jim Bennett]

Now, we put up all the animals for security, get $15,000 for 30 days, and the interest is exactly half of what we've been paying.

[Sam Randall]

Well, now, who's so generous that they're willing to loan that much money with such a low interest rate?

[Jim Bennett]

One of our own troop boss, Boris Rousseff.

[Sam Randall]

Well, say, that's nice of Boris to want to help me out.

[Jim Bennett]

That sure is, boss.

[Sam Randall]

Yeah, but I'm going to turn down his offer.

[Jim Bennett]

What?

[Sam Randall]

Yeah, I've already got the money. $20,000. And a better deal than that. We won't have to pay any interest.

[Jim Bennett]

Wow, are you a businessman? Oh, wait a minute. Are you kidding?

[Sam Randall]

I should say I'm not. Here's the check. 20,000.

[Jerry]

Patsy's check.

[Jim Bennett]

The money she got from her godmother.

[Sam Randall]

That's right.

[Jim Bennett]

And she's letting you have it for 90 days. Say, that's all right. That's swell. She's a trooper.

[Sam Randall]

You bet she is. Now I'll Tell you what I want you to do.

[Jim Bennett]

Yeah?

[Sam Randall]

Draw up a note in her favor, 90 days and put up. Oh, put up the whole circus of security. I wouldn't want her to lose out just in case something should happen to me.

[Jim Bennett]

Okay, boss.

[Sam Randall]

If you see Boris, thank him for me. Tell him I appreciate his offer, but we've already taken care of the loan.

[Jim Bennett]

Yes, sir, I'll do that.

[Sam Randall]

Well, I'm going to take a walk out to the backyard. Get that note made out as soon as you can.

[Jim Bennett]

Right away.

[Sam Randall]

I'll be back in a little while.

[Jim Bennett]

Okay, boss. If I'm not here, I'll be in a ticket wagon.

[Sam Randall]

All right.

[Patsy]

I'm Mr. Randall.

[Sam Randall]

Wait a minute.

[Jim Bennett]

Yeah, Yeah, I forgot all about it. I was so interested in that deal. Here's a telegram that just came for Jerry.

[Sam Randall]

Oh, all right. I'll take it back to him. Thanks, Jim.

[Bumps Bailey]

All right, boss. Hello, Mr. Randall.

[Sam Randall]

Oh, how's tricks, Bailey?

[Bumps Bailey]

Okay, Mr. Randall.

[Sam Randall]

Well, good, Sam. Hey, Sam. Oh, Bump. Wait a minute, old boy.

[Bumps Bailey]

If you're going out in the back lot, I'll just walk along with you.

[Sam Randall]

Okay, bum.

[Bumps Bailey]

Oh, that dog's all right, Sam. I was over across the street at that little store, you know. When I got back on the lot, there was rags waiting for me.

[Sam Randall]

He thinks as much of you now as he does of Jerry. Oh, say, Sam, did you get that

[Bumps Bailey]

loan taken care of? You said your note was due tomorrow.

[Sam Randall]

Yes, Bumps, I'm all set. Everything's taken care of. Well, good.

[Bumps Bailey]

Good, Sam. I'm glad to hear it. Oh, say, have you seen Dan today?

[Sam Randall]

Dan Dugan? No. Why?

[Bumps Bailey]

I was talking to him an hour or so ago, and he was anxious to see you.

[Sam Randall]

Oh, now, what's up?

[Bumps Bailey]

Well, he's got another order for animals. Quite a big one. He's all up in the air about it.

[Sam Randall]

Well, good.

[Bumps Bailey]

He's sure now that he can get an expedition together and start off for after.

[Sam Randall]

Well, that's fine, Bumps. I'm glad to hear that.

[Bumps Bailey]

He figures he'll be able to leave, oh, in about a month. Oh, the reason he wanted to see you. He wants to talk to you about Jerry.

[Sam Randall]

About Jerry, huh? I wonder what's on his mind.

[Bumps Bailey]

I don't know.

[Sam Randall]

Oh, there he is now.

[Bumps Bailey]

Who? Dan?

[Sam Randall]

Oh, no, no. Jerry.

[Bumps Bailey]

Look at that dog go.

[Sam Randall]

I'm looking for you, Jerry. I've got a telegram for him, boss. Oh, good.

[Bumps Bailey]

About that property I saw.

[Sam Randall]

Yeah, I guess that's what it is.

[Jerry]

Hi. You are?

[Sam Randall]

Well, I've got something for you, Jerry.

[Jerry]

Yeah? What is it?

[Sam Randall]

The telegram.

[Jerry]

Gee, that's. Well, where is it?

[Sam Randall]

Here you are.

[Jerry]

Thanks.

[Bumps Bailey]

You gonna let us in on it, Jerry?

[Jerry]

Sure. Wait. Hey, this is important.

[Sam Randall]

What is it, Jerry?

[Jerry]

Listen to this. Please inform us. Itinerary stop. Urgent. Make deal on Montana property immediately. Stop. We'll have nearest authorized agent call on you.

[Patsy]

H.W.

[Jerry]

mcNear, M.O.

[Jim Bennett]

railroad.

[Sam Randall]

Say, that sounds like they mean business.

[Jerry]

But what's that? They want the itinerary, Jerry.

[Sam Randall]

That means they want to know our route where. Where we'll be playing from now on.

[Bumps Bailey]

They want to send someone to call on you and talk business in one of the towns we'll be playing.

[Jerry]

Then. They want to buy the property, huh?

[Sam Randall]

Buy it or lease it? Yeah. Looks like they're anxious.

[Bumps Bailey]

A lot of good fortune is coming your way, Jerry.

[Jerry]

Yeah, but maybe I don't want to sell it.

[Sam Randall]

Well, of course, that's up to you. It's yours, and you can do what you like about it.

[Jerry]

Would you sell it if you were me?

[Sam Randall]

Well, I don't know, Jerry.

[Bumps Bailey]

Why not? The property isn't doing you any good.

[Jerry]

But I haven't even seen it. Like I said once before. Maybe it's got gold or silver or, well, even oil on it. It might be worth a whole lot more than they want to pay me.

[Sam Randall]

Why don't you wait and see what the deal is that they have to offer?

[Bumps Bailey]

Yeah, that's right, Jerry. You don't have to sell it. Wait and see what they have to say.

[Sam Randall]

It might be that they only want a part of it.

[Jerry]

I wonder what they want it for in the first place.

[Sam Randall]

Well, I. I think it's a safe guess that they want to run some of their track over the property as a rule. That's what railroads buy property for.

[Jerry]

Say, will you answer that telegram, Mr. Anderson?

[Sam Randall]

Oh, sure thing, Jerry. I'll send them a list of the towns we play for the next few weeks.

[Bumps Bailey]

I take it they'll catch up with Jerry before a week rolls around. From that wire, it sounds like they're in a hurry.

[Sam Randall]

Yes, does. Well, I've got to get back to my office and see that that money gets off to pay up the loan.

[Jerry]

Hey, did you get the money, Mr. Randall?

[Sam Randall]

You bet.

[Jerry]

Aw, gee, that's keen.

[Sam Randall]

Yeah. Well, see you after a while. Tell Dan I'll be in my office. Wagon bombs.

[Jim Bennett]

All right.

[Bumps Bailey]

I'll do that, Sam.

[Jerry]

Hey, does Mr. Randall want to see Uncle Dan?

[Bumps Bailey]

No, but your Uncle Dan wants to see Mr. Randall.

[Jerry]

I wonder what about.

[Bumps Bailey]

Haven't you seen your uncle today? Today?

[Jerry]

Gosh, I've Hardly seen him for the last three days. He sure must be busy on something.

[Bumps Bailey]

He is, Jerry. He got another order for animals and he's as busy as old. Get out. He's getting wires off and arranging things.

[Jerry]

Another order, huh?

[Bumps Bailey]

Yeah, and a big one. He figures to leave on an expedition pretty soon.

[Jerry]

It's a wonder he wouldn't let me in on the good news.

[Bumps Bailey]

August. He's just been too busy.

[Jerry]

Yeah, I suppose.

[Bumps Bailey]

He told me that he wants to have a talk with Mr. Randall about you, Jerry.

[Jerry]

About me? Maybe it's something about the property in Montana.

[Bumps Bailey]

No, no, I don't think that's it.

[Jerry]

And what is it?

[Bumps Bailey]

I don't know, but I wouldn't worry about it if I were you.

[Jerry]

Oh, I'm not worried.

[Bumps Bailey]

Oh, you're just curious, huh?

[Jerry]

Yeah, I guess so.

[Bumps Bailey]

Well, come on, let's walk over to the wagon.

[Jerry]

Okay.

[Jim Bennett]

Come on.

[Jerry]

Rags. A bounce. Jerry, I wonder why the railroad company wants to buy my property.

[Bumps Bailey]

Well, probably for a right away like Mr. Randall said.

[Jerry]

You don't think that they know it's worth a lot of money and they're gonna try to get get it from me?

[Bumps Bailey]

Oh, no, no, I wouldn't think that.

[Jerry]

Oh, sure is funny. Just get the property, then right away they want to buy it. I wonder what Uncle Dan wants to see Mr. Randall about me for.

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[Sam Randall]

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