
Jerry of the Circus - Platt Is Arrested
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Mr. Randall
Jerry of the Circus. Now for Jerry of the Circus.
Bumps
Well, rags, old fella. What's the hurry? Well, Jerry, what's all exciting?
Jerry
Hey, look, I just got the morning paper. And it's all about flats. Headlines all over the front page.
Bumps
You don't say it.
Jerry
Yeah, they got him. It says right here in the paper that the police caught him last night.
Bumps
No, you don't. Here, let's have a look at that paper.
Jerry
Yeah, here, read it. Quiet, Ray.
Bumps
Well, I declare.
Jerry
Read it out loud. Bumps. I didn't get a chance to finish. I was in such a hurry to let you see.
Bumps
Wait. Let's just sit down here on these steps.
Jerry
Okay. Come on, Rice. Lie down and be quiet.
Bumps
Now, it says. Carrying several thousand dollars in negotiable securities. Alleged to have been stolen in a sensational mail robbery four years ago. Stephen Platt, for the past eight years baggage master of the Hansberg Railway station of the LM&O lines. Was apprehended and arrested by deputy sheriff as he was about to board a southbound freight train late last night at Garden Junction.
Jerry
Gee, he might have gotten away. Say, it's lucky the police got there in time.
Bumps
Yeah, the law has to work fast, Jerry.
Jerry
Go on. What else does it say?
Bumps
Let's see. A plat is being held at the Hansberg police station. Under $20,000 cash bail pending trial.
Jerry
Serves him right.
Bumps
Then it goes on to tell about the robbery.
Jerry
Yeah, the one they're keeping Spike in jail for.
Bumps
Now, wait a minute, Jerry. Now, listen to this. Detective work done by two members of Randall Circus. Now playing Hansberg. Is largely responsible for the apprehension of Stephen Platt. This new evidence brought to light by these amateur sleuths.
Jerry
That's us, Jason and me.
Bumps
Yes. Will no doubt be instrumental in releasing Max Peters. Who is now serving a 20 year sentence for this same mail robbery.
Jerry
Well, that Spike bump. Oh, Dee, we. We've really helped him.
Bumps
It certainly looks like it, Jerry. Now, wait till I finish this. Now, a speedy retrial of the case is assured by Presiding Judge Leroy. Well, Jerry, looks like they caught Platt red handed this time.
Jerry
Yeah. Now.
Mr. Randall
Now what?
Bumps
Seems like you ought to be mighty pleased.
Jerry
Oh, of course I. I am, as far as Spike's concerned.
Bumps
What's gotten into you? Here you were all excited, and then all of a sudden you act like a punctured balloon. There's something wrong.
Jerry
I was just thinking.
Bumps
Well, it shouldn't hurt that much.
Jerry
No, but this is serious. It's about Tom.
Bumps
What about it?
Jerry
Oh, what'll he do now? Where'll he go?
Bumps
Well, how do you mean, Jerry?
Jerry
Well, he hasn't got any money at all. Honest, Bumps, he's about as bad off as I was before I joined out with this circus.
Bumps
Hasn't he got any folks?
Jerry
Oh, I guess I didn't have a chance to tell you much about Tom, what with all excitement.
Bumps
I should say nothing. You've been busier than a cat with nine kittens since we reached Hansberg.
Jerry
Yeah, I know. Well, you see, Bumps, Tom's got a dad, but he doesn't know where he is.
Bumps
Oh, that's funny.
Jerry
It sure is. His dad left Tom quite a while ago with flat. Then all of a sudden he stopped writing them. Well, Tom's been working for his keep ever since.
Bumps
When'd he last hear from his father?
Jerry
A long time back. I don't know exactly.
Bumps
Where was his dad then?
Jerry
In Fordham, I think. But of course, there's no knowing where he is now.
Bumps
Just as how natural for a man to just stop writing to his own son with no explanation at all.
Jerry
And the worst of it is it Tom hasn't got a penny.
Bumps
Well, I take it Platt never paid him for his work then.
Jerry
No, say he didn't. He was awful mean to Tom, too. Made him work hard and everything.
Bumps
It seems like the circus plays for him, Jerry.
Jerry
Yeah, I know, but I don't see how that'll help Tom. Unless, say, of course, I might be able to try and find his dad when we get there.
Bumps
But if Tom hasn't a job or anything, he's likely to get pretty hungry by that time.
Jerry
Yeah, that's the trouble. If only. I wonder.
Bumps
What, Jerry?
Jerry
Oh, I wonder if there'd be any chance of Tom going along with the circus until we get to Fordham. Well, he could work for his keep. He's an awful good worker, Bumps. Do you think there's a chance?
Bumps
Well, it's an idea, all right. Of course, Mr. Randall's the boss around here.
Jerry
Yeah, he's been so swell to me. I kind of hate to ask any more. Favors, but. Well, Tom's really in a spot.
Bumps
Can't do any harm to ask. He can't do any more than say no.
Jerry
That's right. Besides, I just gotta try and do something for Tom. He said he'd come over this morning and say goodbye. See? Listen, Bob.
Bumps
Yes, Jerry?
Jerry
I'm gonna run over now and see Mr. Randall. If Tom gets here before I get back, make him wait for me.
Bumps
Of course I will. Jerry.
Jerry
Wouldn't it be great if I. Hey, come on, Rags, we gotta hurry. Hey. Hey, wait a minute. Here he comes now.
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Who?
Mr. Stanton
Who?
Bumps
Mr. Randall?
Tom
Uhuh.
Jerry
Tom. Hi, Tom.
Mr. Stanton
Hello there.
Tom
Hello there. Morning, Bubs.
Jerry
Say, Tom, you seen the papers? Yeah.
Tom
They caught him just in the nick of time, didn't they?
Jerry
They sure did. I guess that's the last time Plaid will ever be mean to you.
Tom
Yeah. The police sure ought to be grateful to you, Jerry. Guess maybe they never would have caught him if it hadn't been for you.
Jerry
Got any plans, Tom? Well, how do you mean? Figured out what you're gonna do next?
Tom
What can I do?
Jerry
Well, I just wanted to be sure. Will you excuse me for a minute, Tom? I got an errand. You stay here with Bunce.
Tom
Sure. There's no place I could go anyhow.
Jerry
I'll be right back. I got an idea and. Well, Rex. Come along, Rex.
Mr. Randall
Come on.
Bumps
Well, good luck, Jerry. We'll be waiting.
Jerry
Okay. Keep your fingers crossed.
Bumps
I will.
Tom
What do you say that for, Bunch?
Bumps
What?
Tom
Keeping your fingers crossed.
Mr. Randall
Oh.
Bumps
Oh, that. Oh, it's a little secret Jerry has. Maybe he can tell you about it later. I hope so. Oh, say, Tom, Jerry tells me you haven't heard from your father in a long time.
Tom
No. Well, it's kind of funny too, because when he did write, he was always awful regular.
Jerry
Wrote every week.
Bumps
Were you and your dad good friends?
Tom
Always. Sure were. Say, he took me every place. We were buddies.
Bumps
How'd he happen to leave you with Platt?
Tom
Well, you see, he got a job out of town in a place called Fordham.
Bumps
I see.
Tom
Well, he couldn't take me very well at first, but he was going to send for me soon as he could.
Bumps
Were he and Platt friends?
Tom
Well, we didn't know Mr. Platt very well, but when dad got this job, Mr. Platt said I could stay with him for a while.
Bumps
Until your father could send for you, huh?
Tom
Yeah, but. And dad was going to send a little money now and then, but. Well, I guess he just never had it to send.
Bumps
And you don't know whether he's still in Fordham or not.
Tom
No, but. But if he didn't have a job, I don't see how he could get anyplace else not having any money or anything.
Bumps
That sounds reasonable. Well, sounds like our friend Jerry's back over it.
Tom
Oh, there he comes now with Mr. Randall.
Jerry
He's got to do it. It's all fixed.
Mr. Randall
Good morning, young man.
Tom
Morning, Mr. Randall. I hope you don't mind my being here.
Mr. Randall
Of course I don't mind, Tom.
Tom
I just had to say goodbye to Jerry and all.
Mr. Randall
Well, by the way, Tom, what are you planning to do now that you aren't working for Mr. Platt?
Tom
Well, I really don't know.
Mr. Randall
Jerry tells me you've got a father in Fordham.
Tom
Well, I think I have. Well, I mean, I think he's in Fordham.
Mr. Randall
I don't suppose he knows about all this Platt mix up.
Tom
I'm sure he doesn't. I'm afraid now he'll never know how to get in touch with me now that Mr. Platt won't be here anymore.
Mr. Randall
Well, now, Tom, I don't suppose you'd want to join up with us until we get to Fordham, huh?
Jerry
What?
Mr. Randall
I think I might be able to find some work for you to do, you know, so you could earn your way.
Tom
You mean it, Mr. Randall?
Jerry
Isn't it wonderful?
Mr. Randall
Of course I mean it. As a matter of fact, you'll probably be able to make a couple of dollars for yourself so you won't arrive and ford em broke.
Tom
Gee, Mr. Reynolds, I can hardly believe it.
Mr. Randall
Now, now, I'll tell you what you two boys do. You run over to the kitchen and see if Leo can rustle up a job for Tom.
Jerry
You bet we will, Mr. Randall.
Mr. Randall
And have a couple of boys around here with time on their hands.
Jerry
Come on, Tom, I'll race you over to the mess den.
Tom
You're honored. Well, you know how thankful I am, Mr. Randall.
Mr. Randall
All right, son.
Jerry
Come on, Tom. Bet I beat you.
Tom
Bet you don't.
Bumps
Look at those boys run. Ah, they're nice kids, both of them.
Mr. Randall
I bet they are.
Bumps
I wish I was young again.
Mr. Randall
I tell you, Bump, you're getting to be a sentimental old man, that's what you are.
Bumps
Why, Sam, what do you mean, sentimental?
Mr. Randall
You didn't fool me one bit. I know perfectly well who put Jerry up to ask me to help Tom.
Bumps
Oh, I don't know what you're talking about. It was Jerry's idea.
Mr. Randall
I know who gave it to him. You can't fool me.
Bumps
Oh. Oh, yeah. Well, when it comes to that, I don't think your heart's made of stone either.
Mr. Randall
What are you talking about?
Bumps
Listen, you can't fool me. Leo doesn't anymore need an extra hand and I need another foot.
Mr. Randall
Well, we won't go into that. What I really wanted to tell you was that I have to take Jerry and Jason down to the district attorney's office before we leave town.
Bumps
Oh, anything serious?
Mr. Randall
Oh, no, no, no. They just got to sign some papers regarding their discussion discoveries on this case. And here's where you come in. Jerry has to take along that red sweater he picked up in Platts Barn.
Bumps
No. Why, you're kid.
Mr. Randall
No, I'm not. It'll be one of the exhibits in the trial.
Bumps
Oh, just my luck. I never get the breaks. Well, I see where I'll have to say goodbye to that nice sweater then.
Mr. Stanton
The district attorney will see you now, Mr. Randall.
Mr. Randall
Thank you, young man.
Mr. Stanton
Yes. Come right this way, Mr. Randall. It was nice of you to take your valuable time and accompany these people.
Mr. Randall
Oh, I'm only too glad to, Mr. Stanton.
Mr. Stanton
I've had the papers all drawn up. You want to look them over before Jason and Jerry sign them.
Mr. Randall
Yeah, I'll be glad to.
Mr. Stanton
So you're Jerry Dugan.
Jerry
Yes, sir. Here's a sweater you told me to bring, sir.
Mr. Stanton
Well, I'm mighty glad to meet you, son. Now, there are just a couple of things I want to straighten out before you leave town.
Jerry
Well, I'll be glad to tell you anything I know, sir.
Mr. Stanton
Good. How about this man Spike? I understand he's a friend of yours.
Jerry
He sure is. When he told me how he'd been framed, I just made up my mind I'd do everything I could to try and find out who framed him.
Mr. Stanton
So you're convinced he's innocent, huh?
Jerry
Of course. Well, doesn't this prove it? I mean, finding Platt with the goods and all.
Mr. Stanton
Well, it may and it may not. After all, so far there's no proof that Max Peters, the man you call Spike and Platt, weren't working together.
Jerry
Oh, no, it couldn't be.
Mr. Stanton
Have you anything more than Spike's word for this?
Jerry
Oh, no, but I'd trust Spike anytime.
Mr. Stanton
Isn't it possible that they were working together and then the plat double cross Spike at the last minute?
Jerry
But Spike just isn't that kind honesty, is it, Mr. Stanton?
Mr. Stanton
I admire your loyalty, son. However, it all probably will be cleared up at the trial. I just wanted to be sure you didn't have any more information, you know, to help clear your friend's good name.
Jerry
No, I wish I did. But Spike didn't have the least idea who'd framed him. All I knew was that he worked for a man named Plant.
Mr. Stanton
That's all you had to go on, eh?
Jerry
Yes, sir. That's all.
Mr. Stanton
All right, Jerry. Thank you very much. Now, If Jason and Mr. Randall have finished looking those papers over, we'll get
Jerry
them signed, and that's all we have to do.
Mr. Stanton
That'll be all. It's all we can do until the trial comes up.
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Episode: Jerry of the Circus – Platt Is Arrested
Date: May 21, 2026
Host: Harolds Old Time Radio
This episode showcases an engaging installment of “Jerry of the Circus,” a classic series from the golden age of radio. The central theme is the aftermath of Stephen Platt’s arrest for a historic mail robbery, the exoneration of the wrongly imprisoned Max “Spike” Peters, and the uncertain fate of young Tom. The story is both a celebration of justice and a portrayal of compassion within the circus community, as Jerry and his friends rally to help someone in need.
Jerry rushes in, excitedly sharing the front-page news with Bumps: Steven Platt, the baggage master, was arrested for a sensational mail robbery. As Bumps reads aloud, it’s revealed that circus members' detective work (Jerry and Jason) led to Platt’s capture and may free the innocent Spike.
Quote (03:19, Bumps, reading newspaper):
“Platt is being held at the Hansberg police station under $20,000 cash bail pending trial.”
Quote (03:41, Bumps, reading on):
“Detective work done by two members of Randall Circus... is largely responsible for the apprehension of Stephen Platt. This new evidence brought to light by these amateur sleuths... will no doubt be instrumental in releasing Max Peters, who is now serving a 20-year sentence for this same mail robbery.”
Though initially jubilant, Jerry quickly turns somber thinking about Tom, a boy now destitute with Platt arrested. Jerry and Bumps discuss Tom’s family situation—his father’s disappearance, working for Platt who never paid him, and Tom’s prospects.
Quote (04:31, Jerry):
“Well, he hasn’t got any money at all. Honest, Bumps, he’s about as bad off as I was before I joined out with this circus.”
Quote (06:07, Jerry):
“Yeah, he’s been so swell to me. I kinda hate to ask any more favors, but… well, Tom’s really in a spot.”
Tom arrives, confirming he saw the news and, with Platt gone, wonders about his own future. Jerry, concerned for his friend, dashes off to ask Mr. Randall, the circus owner, if Tom can stay with the circus and earn his way as they journey to Fordham where Tom hopes to find his father.
Quote (09:17, Mr. Randall, to Tom):
“Well, now, Tom, I don’t suppose you’d want to join up with us until we get to Fordham, huh? I think I might be able to find some work for you to do, you know, so you could earn your way.”
Quote (09:26, Mr. Randall):
“As a matter of fact, you’ll probably be able to make a couple of dollars for yourself so you won’t arrive in Fordham broke.”
Tom is overwhelmed with gratitude, and, cheered up, runs off with Jerry.
After the boys leave, Mr. Randall teases Bumps for influencing Jerry to request Tom’s stay, emphasizing the kindness running under the gruff exterior of the circus folk.
Quote (10:11, Mr. Randall):
“I tell you, Bump, you’re getting to be a sentimental old man, that’s what you are.”
Mr. Randall takes Jerry and Jason to the district attorney’s office to finalize paperwork and turn in a crucial piece of evidence: a red sweater found in Platt’s barn. Mr. Stanton, the DA, questions Jerry about Spike’s innocence, seeking further clarification but noting that only the trial will establish all facts.
Quote (11:42, Mr. Stanton):
“Well, I’m mighty glad to meet you, son. Now, there are just a couple of things I want to straighten out before you leave town.”
Quote (12:00, Jerry):
“Of course. Well, doesn’t this prove it? I mean, finding Platt with the goods and all.”
Quote (12:15, Mr. Stanton):
“Have you anything more than Spike’s word for this?”
Quote (12:33, Mr. Stanton):
“I admire your loyalty, son. However, it all probably will be cleared up at the trial.”
Bumps (03:41):
“Detective work done by two members of Randall Circus… is largely responsible for the apprehension of Stephen Platt…”
Jerry (09:54):
“Come on, Tom. Bet I beat you.”
Tom: “Bet you don’t.”
Mr. Randall (10:11):
“You’re getting to be a sentimental old man, that’s what you are.”
Mr. Stanton (12:33):
“I admire your loyalty, son. However, it all probably will be cleared up at the trial.”
The episode is warm, earnest, and filled with the camaraderie and good-hearted support one expects from family-friendly radio adventures. There’s a blend of excitement (with the arrest) and sensitivity (regarding Tom’s fate), illuminated by generous acts and persistent hope.
“Jerry of the Circus – Platt Is Arrested” is a quintessential slice of old-time radio. Justice appears to be within reach for the guiltless Spike, thanks to Jerry’s determination. At the same time, true to the spirit of the circus, a boy in need is lifted up by friends’ compassion and resourcefulness. The blend of mystery, friendship, and integrity creates a timeless appeal that radiates through this episode.