
Jerry of the Circus - Patsy Wins Twenty-Five Thousand Dollars - 11/26/1937
Loading summary
SpinQuest Announcer
Whether it's slots or live dealers, Spinquest.com has the fun and action you're looking for with Spinquest exclusives. Blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and even live dice. With craps and bubble craps, the games never stop so you don't have to. And right now, new users get $30 coin packs for just 10 bucks. Play now@Spinquest.com SpinQuest is a free to
Bumps
play social casino void where prohibited. Visit spinquest.com for more details. Gary of the circus. Now for Jerry of the circus.
Jerry
Hey, have you seen Jason this morning, Bumps?
Bumps
No, I haven't, Jerry.
Jerry
That fight he and Boris had last night sure got me scared.
Bumps
Scared?
Jerry
I mean. Well, they were really fighting like they meant it.
Bumps
It's a bad thing to lose your temper, Jerry.
Jerry
But did you notice, though, when Mr. Randall broke him up, he didn't lose his temper.
Bumps
As a rule, you can count on old Sam Randall to keep a cool head on his shoulders.
Jerry
He sure told Jason and Boris what he thought, though.
Bumps
Yes, sir. And he meant every word of it. Both Jason and Boris are mighty important to the circus. But he'll fire them on a minute's notice if he finds out they've been fighting again.
Jerry
But what would he do without a lion tamer in a big circus like this?
Bumps
I don't know. He probably doesn't either. But he'd fire them first and then worry about how he'd replace them afterwards.
Jerry
I believe you're right.
Bumps
I know I am.
Jason
Yep.
Bumps
He won't stand for any fighting among any of the people that are working for us.
Jerry
And he's right too.
Patsy
It.
Jerry
Well, it makes it uncomfortable for everybody.
Bumps
Yes, you bet it does. The flag's up. Let's get going.
Jerry
Okay.
Bumps
Well, what do you think of the new mess top, Jerry?
Jerry
Oh, it sure looks skiing, doesn't it, Bumps?
Bumps
That's not so bad for an old top.
Jerry
What do you mean old?
Bumps
Why, that's one of the old tops that was back at winter quarters.
Jerry
It sure looks new to me.
Bumps
Well, that's cause it's been bleached and repaired.
Patsy
Yeah.
Jerry
Did everything get here?
Bumps
Yep, Everything's about set.
Jerry
I'm sure glad.
Bumps
It's gonna feel good to be back at work again, huh, Jerry?
Jerry
I'll see you. If we didn't go to work pretty soon, I'd forget my tricks with El Mundo.
Bumps
Oh, well, that never do. You can't forget your routine. Hey, smell that bacon.
Patsy
Mmm.
Jerry
Boy, it does smell good.
Bumps
Ah, you bet it does. There's nothing like that grand smell you get as you walk to the mess top.
Jerry
Gives you an appetite.
Bumps
Yep.
Jerry
Hey, look, Bumps, there's Fancy.
Bumps
Well, sure enough. Right at her usual place at our table.
Jerry
Hi, you, Fancy.
Bumps
Morning, Patsy.
Patsy
Goodness, it's nice to see you.
Jerry
You're the first one at our table.
Patsy
You bet I am. I got so tired of eating by myself I just couldn't wait to be back here in the mess.
Bumps
Oh, then you like good company, huh, Patsy?
Patsy
You just bet I do. Come on, sit down.
Jerry
Okay, now tell me all about yourself. There's nothing to tell. Say, you'd think you hadn't seen us in an awful long time.
Patsy
I guess I am a little excited. The does seem like a long time to me. I felt well alone with all my circus friends around me.
Bumps
Here comes Boris. Good morning, Boris.
Boris
Good morning, boss.
Patsy
Patsy, Patsy.
Boris
Oh, I'm so happy to see you. And you look so nice.
Patsy
Thank you, Boris. Won't you sit down?
Boris
Yes, yes, beside you, if you don't mind. Morning, folks.
Bumps
Well, good morning, dear sir. Say, look here. Nice new dishes.
Jerry
Say, they are new.
Boris
Yes sir, Everything about this whole top is new. Serving this first meal after the cyclone. Just like starting the season over again.
Jerry
Hey, are these prunes new too?
Boris
You bet they are. Even if they do look old and wrinkle.
Jerry
I was going to pull it, Joe.
Boris
Yeah, I'll beat you to it, Jerry.
Jerry
Oh, hi, Jason. Come on over here, Jason.
Patsy
Hello.
Jason
Good morning.
Bumps
Oh, good morning, Jason.
Jason
Hello, bumps.
Boris
Jerry.
Jason
Oh, Patsy, I see you're with us again.
Patsy
You bet I am, and glad of it. Sit down, Jason.
Boris
Here come the good part. I guess Leo kind of outdid himself to bacon, eggs, hotcakes, cornbread, preserves and all.
Bumps
Dig in, Jerry.
Jerry
Ah, don't worry, I'm not going to waste any time.
Boris
Here's a little package for you, Ms. Patsy.
Patsy
Oh, oh, thank you, Bismarck.
Boris
It's not from me, Ms. Patsy. I'm only delivering it.
Jerry
Open it up, Patsy.
Patsy
Give me time, Jerry.
Bumps
Why so quiet, Jason?
Jason
Just tired, Bunce. I've been Violet.
Patsy
Oh, aren't they pretty?
Boris
Free the little cart, Patsy.
Patsy
Welcome back to the circus, Boris. Oh, Boris, they're lovely. Thank you so much.
Boris
Oh, it's nothing, Patsy.
Patsy
Oh, they're so pretty.
Boris
Oh, not half as pretty as you.
Patsy
Boris, Stop it, you'll make me blush. Aren't they nice, Jerry?
Jerry
Uh huh.
Bumps
Yes, they're very pretty.
Jason
They are nice.
Jerry
Hey, I forgot all about it.
Bumps
What's the matter, Jerry?
Jerry
Well, we forgot to ask Patsy about that. About her inheritance.
Bumps
By golly, that's right. Come on, Patsy, what's The news.
Patsy
I'm glad you asked me. I. I wasn't going to volunteer my good news if none of you were interested.
Jason
But we are.
Bumps
You bet we are.
Boris
You know, my dear Patsy, I have your best interest at heart, but it
Patsy
took Jerry to think of asking.
Bumps
Oh, come on, now, we're all ears. Don't keep it waiting. Did you get it?
Jerry
How much was it?
Patsy
No, wait a minute. I'll tell you all about it.
Bumps
Well, shoot.
Patsy
Well, I did get it. $25,000. Of course, it won't be that much after the taxes are taken out.
Bumps
Yeah, that's right. And quite a bit of that'll go for taxes.
Jerry
Well, what else?
Patsy
It isn't an inheritance. It's a gift.
Jason
A gift?
Patsy
Yes. You see, my godmother took a ticket on a charity sweepstakes in Ireland and in my name.
Bumps
Well, now, that's all right.
Patsy
Funny part is, I don't even remember her. But she remembered me.
Jerry
All right, I'll say she did.
Patsy
I'm to get the money on one provision.
Boris
Yes, what's that, Patsy?
Patsy
I have to use part of it to take a trip to Ireland to see my godmother when the season ends.
Boris
Oh, well, that's not so bad.
Patsy
Bad? I think it's wonderful. I'm so thrilled.
Jerry
When will you get the money?
Patsy
Oh, I should have it in about a month. I signed all the papers and everything, and all that has to do is go back to Ireland and then I'll get the money.
Jason
Well, I'm certainly glad for you, Patsy. It's just great.
Boris
More milk or coffee at this table?
Bumps
Oh, no, thanks, Ms. Mark. I think we have enough of everything.
Jerry
What you gonna do with all that money, Patsy?
Patsy
Oh, I haven't given that much thought, Jerry. The attorneys seem to think I'd be smart if I took out an annuity.
Jason
That would be the smart thing to do.
Bumps
All right, you bet it would. Then you'd be sure to have it.
Boris
No, I don't know.
Patsy
I'll know better when I get it, so I'm not gonna worry about it now. Well, that's my story.
Bumps
And a mighty fine story with a happy ending, too.
Jerry
See? I guess you're just about the luckiest
Boris
girl in the whole world.
Patsy
That's the way I feel about it.
Bumps
Say, Jason, what's the matter with you? You haven't hardly eaten a thing. Don't the food taste good to you?
Jason
Oh, sure, the food's fine. Just not hungry.
Boris
He looks twice his age, boss.
Bumps
Oh, now, that's not nice, Bo.
Jason
What's that?
Bumps
Oh, Nothing, Jason. You were just remarking you looked all worn out.
Jason
I am. Been up with that panther of mine all night again.
Patsy
You have to take better care of yourself, Jason.
Jerry
Who else would take care of the panther if Jason didn't?
Bumps
Not who else would, Jerry. It's who else could.
Jerry
Yeah, I guess that's right too.
Boris
Does anyone want more cornbread?
Bumps
No. No thanks, Boris. You got enough, Jerry?
Patsy
Oh, say, Jerry, I meant to ask you something. Yeah? I thought you were going to see me off the other night when I took the train. How come you didn't show up like you promised?
Jerry
Why, I.
Boris
Well, Betsy, I. Jerry was too busy. He always has so much to do. He can't attend to his social activities. Isn't that right, Jerry?
Jerry
Why, you said that I didn't have.
Boris
But you're all right, Jerry? Yes, sir.
Bumps
Well raised. Looks like Jerry hasn't lost any of his showmanship. He went through his act without a hit.
Jerry
You were all right, Jerry, but I sure had to keep my wits about me.
Bumps
Oh, you didn't miss a trick.
Jerry
I know it. El Mundo was a big help. He seemed to know just what trick was coming next.
Bumps
Are you trying to tell me that El Mundo knows the routine better than you do?
Jerry
I guess I'll have to admit it. For a second I didn't know what was coming next. But when El Mundo got down on his knees, I remembered it was a swing.
Patsy
How'd your echo, Jerry?
Bumps
I'll answer that question, Patsy. He never worked better with that elephant.
Patsy
Oh, good, I'm glad to hear that. I wish I could have seen it. And how did Mr. Rags work? Did he remember his. Answer that question yourself.
Bumps
He had a right to do a little yelping. He was just about perfect too.
Patsy
I hope I haven't grown stale. Gonna feel funny until I get through my first drink.
Bumps
Oh, now don't tell me a trooper like you could be affected by a two day layoff.
Patsy
Of course not, Bumps, but I do feel a little. Well, I'll be glad to get up there and get the feel of the crappies and get through with my first wing across.
Jerry
You're on next.
Patsy
Raring to go.
Bumps
That's the way to talk.
Patsy
Oh, have you seen Jason R. He's
Jerry
over talking the street. The Black Panther.
Bumps
He talks to that panther till the last minute. I guess it is a problem working with a cat that's out of sorts.
Patsy
Well, here I go. Wish me luck.
Bumps
We do, Patsy.
Jerry
Lots of luck.
Bumps
That's right. Put your two cents in, Rags. Hey, don't you think you Ought to go change out of that costume, Jerry.
Jerry
Yeah, I guess I should, but. Oh, I don't want to miss Jason's act. I want to see him work with a pant. Please, I won't get my costume dirty just standing around here in the pad room.
Bumps
Well, all right, Jerry, but as soon as Jason finishes, you get right over to the wagon. Put your other clothes on.
Jerry
Hey, look, Bumps, Fancy's doing a triple somersault now.
Bumps
Yeah, yeah, yeah, there she goes. Oh, man, that was pretty.
Jerry
I'll say it was.
Bumps
I guess if she was even the least bit nervous, she's over it now after that trick.
Jerry
Never mind now, Rags. Oh, Jason.
Jason
Hello, Jerry. And Bumps.
Jerry
Hey, what's the idea of calling my
Bumps
dog our dog, Jerry? Our dog. Oh, all right.
Jason
Though it does any good to call him, you know he wouldn't leave you.
Bumps
How's the panther, Jason?
Jason
Not so good, Bumps. He's just as mean as he can be. I can't seem to make up to him at all.
Jerry
You gonna work him?
Jason
Sure thing. The show's got to go on, Jerry. You know that.
Jerry
I know, but. Well, maybe it's dangerous if he's so mean.
Bumps
Oh, that's a good one. Isn't every part of Jason's act dangerous?
Jerry
Oh, sure, but I mean.
Jason
Now don't you worry, Jerry. That panther will go through his faces without a hitch. I'll see to that. Well, I got to get my things ready. See you later.
Jerry
Good luck, Jason. You know, Bumps, I hate to see Jason take chances.
Bumps
Oh, he's not taking any chances, Jerry. He knows what he's doing. Well, Patsy got through all right.
Jerry
Mama. What about Jason, I mean? Well, you know, he's been so tired and if the panther is acting up, he just. Well, he shouldn't.
Bumps
Oh, Jerry, here he goes now. Yes, Jerry?
Jerry
Did you notice how much Patsy likes Boris?
Bumps
No, I can't say it. I have. Oh, I guess they're fairly friendly, but. What?
Jerry
Fairly friendly? They're very friendly.
Bumps
What are you driving at, Jerry?
Jerry
I don't think Jason likes that.
Bumps
Likes what?
Jerry
Well, I happen to know that Jason thinks an awful lot of Patsy. And I think since Boris has become so friendly with her, well, Jason's sort
Bumps
of taking it to heart.
Patsy
Uh huh.
Jerry
And I think that's why he acts so funny.
Bumps
Oh, look, he's gonna do the fire ring trick with the panther now.
Jerry
Hey, doesn't look like the panther's gonna jump through the firing.
Bumps
Just look at the way that beast is snurling. Say he is, Minnie.
Jerry
Oh, he just won't jump, will he?
Bumps
Boy, he acts like he's afraid of that fire. Oh, but that couldn't be. He's been doing that trick so long.
Jerry
Hey, he jumped at Jason.
Bumps
Say, this does look bad. Wait a minute. No, no. Jason's got him under control.
Jerry
Yeah, but he won't jump through the firing. Oh, why doesn't Jason forget that trick and go to the next?
Bumps
Oh, Jason slipped.
Jerry
And the panther's jumping at him. Jason.
Patsy
Jason.
SpinQuest Announcer
Whether it's slots or live dealers, Spinquest.com has the fun and action you're looking for with Spin Quest exclusives. Blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and even live dice. With craps and bubble craps, the games never stop so you don't have to. And right now, new users get 30 coin packs for just 10 bucks. Play now@Spinquest.com SpinQuest is a free to
Bumps
play social casino void where prohibited. Visit spinquest.com for more details.
Jerry
This summer, don't squeeze in. Spread out. Find homes big enough for your whole guest list on vrbo. That's vacation rentals done right, Book your stay now.
Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Date: May 17, 2026
Episode Focus: This episode takes us into the vibrant world of circus life, highlighting everyday camaraderie, ongoing personal dramas, and a life-changing windfall for one of the troupe. Listeners are treated to classic radio storytelling, full of warmth, subtle humor, suspense, and the deep bonds formed under the big top.
Aftermath of a Fight
"He'll fire them on a minute's notice if he finds out they've been fighting again." – Bumps (02:27)
“He won't stand for any fighting among any of the people that are working for us.” – Bumps (02:47)
Reunion and New Beginnings
"Goodness, it's nice to see you... I got so tired of eating by myself I just couldn’t wait to be back here in the mess." – Patsy (03:53; 03:57)
Boris’s Gift to Patsy
"Oh, it's nothing, Patsy." – Boris (05:46) "Oh, they're so pretty." – Patsy (05:47)
The Big Reveal
"We forgot to ask Patsy about that. About her inheritance." – Jerry (06:01)
"Well, I did get it. $25,000! Of course, it won't be that much after the taxes are taken out." – Patsy (06:25)
Source of the Money
"My godmother took a ticket on a charity sweepstakes in Ireland and in my name." – Patsy (06:38)
A Condition for the Gift
"I have to use part of it to take a trip to Ireland to see my godmother when the season ends." – Patsy (06:53)
Reactions and Advice
"That would be the smart thing to do." – Jason (07:23)
"Bad? I think it's wonderful. I'm so thrilled." – Patsy (06:59)
Preparation and Jitters
"If we didn’t go to work pretty soon, I’d forget my tricks with El Mundo." – Jerry (03:21)
Banter and Friendly Teasing
"Jerry was too busy. He always has so much to do. He can't attend to his social activities." – Boris (08:21)
Performance Highlights
"He never worked better with that elephant." – Bumps (09:27)
"Yeah, yeah, yeah, there she goes. Oh, man, that was pretty." – Bumps (10:43)
Jason’s Struggle
“He’s just as mean as he can be. I can’t seem to make up to him at all.” – Jason (11:08)
Romantic Undercurrents
"I happen to know that Jason thinks an awful lot of Patsy. And I think since Boris has become so friendly with her, well, Jason's sort of taking it to heart." – Jerry (12:13)
"Doesn’t look like the panther’s gonna jump through the firing." – Jerry (12:31)
"Hey, he jumped at Jason." – Jerry (12:47)
"And the panther’s jumping at him. Jason." – Jerry and Patsy (12:59–13:01)
This episode of "Jerry of the Circus" blends warmth, humor, and drama, painting a vivid picture of circus camaraderie and making room for real-life stakes both emotional and physical. Patsy’s good fortune lifts the team's spirits, but the ever-present risks of circus life—and matters of the heart—keep everyone on their toes right up to the thrilling final seconds.