Jerry of the Circus - Poisoned Meat Put Out

Summary

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Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: Jerry of the Circus – Poisoned Meat Put Out

Date: May 14, 2026
Host: Harold’s Old Time Radio
Main Characters: Jerry, Rags (his dog), Bumps, Patsy, Decker, Lorenz

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Episode Overview

This episode of Jerry of the Circus plunges listeners into the vibrant, behind-the-scenes world of a traveling circus as young Jerry navigates his new life with his loyal dog, Rags. The central plot revolves around camaraderie among performers, Jerry’s longing to belong, and the growing tension as an act of malice threatens his beloved companion. The episode skillfully blends heartwarming moments with suspense, encapsulating the wonder and dangers of circus life.

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Key Discussion Points & Episode Breakdown

1. Life in the Circus: Introductions and Aspirations

[01:56–04:07]

• Pad Room Discovery:
  Jerry learns about the "pad room"—the performers’ waiting space—highlighting the everyday routines and behind-the-scenes hustle of circus life.
• Dreams of Belonging:
  Jerry confides in Bumps about wanting to be truly part of the circus, not just an onlooker.
  • Quote:
    “Aw, Bumps, I wished I really belonged.” – Jerry [03:06]
    “Oh, you think you belong soon enough. Will your arms ache from lugging heavy pails of water? … you don't have time to catch the show for weeks, maybe months.” – Bumps [03:08]

2. Circus Community and Friendship

[04:07–07:18]

• Animal Antics:
  Rags' mischievous escapade, following Bumps into the ring, provides comic relief and showcases his close bond with Jerry.
  • Quote:
    “Every time Bumps kicks him off, he does a complete summer so and gets back on Bumps. Big shoes again.” – Patsy [05:08]
• Meeting Patsy:
  Jerry and Patsy, both from circus families, discover connections through their fathers—hinting at the tight-knit ties common among circus folk.
  • Quote:
    “You know, your dad was a good friend of my father's.” – Patsy [06:28]

3. Orphaned and Alone, Yet Hopeful

[06:13–07:18]

• Loneliness and Legacy:
  Jerry reveals the recent loss of his father and shares about his only absentee relative, Uncle Dan—the legendary big game hunter.
  • Quote:
    “Before dad died, he was trying to locate Uncle Dan. …he disappeared about five years ago and nobody's ever heard of him since.” – Jerry [06:55]
  • Patsy offers to write to her own father to help find Uncle Dan.

4. Tension in the Tents: New Faces and New Dangers

[08:08–12:57]

• Introducing Decker:
  Decker interacts warmly with Jerry and Rags, leading to a candid conversation about animals, their loyalty, and what draws certain people to love them.
  • Quote:
    “I wonder why you and I like animals so much, Jerry.” – Decker [10:13] “Because they like us, I expect.” – Jerry [10:15] “Of course. They just think we can't do anything wrong.” – Decker [10:17]
• Lorenz’s Hostility Emerges:
  Lorenz shows clear animosity towards Jerry’s dog, Rags, and takes matters into his own hands after claiming Rags bit him.
  • Plot Twist:
    Lorenz confides to Decker he has “just put some poisoned meat under the wagon,” planning to rid himself of Rags once and for all [12:11].
  • Quote:
    “So for the first time that dog goes out, he'll smell the meat, eat it up and go away and die someplace. He'll be snoopy for the last time. Loren's one smart fellow. What do you think?” – Lorenz [12:31] “Lorenz? You can't do that. That boy worships his dog.” – Decker [12:36–12:39] Lorenz’s chilling response and warning to Decker:
    • “When this dog is found dead, be sure you keep your mouth shut.” [12:57]

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Bumps on Circus Life:
  “Say, I could make twice as much in vaudeville or a show in New York… But Jerry, I wouldn't give up this life for the grandest bed in the world.” – Bumps [02:32–02:47]

• Comic Relief:
  “Say, that's not a dog. It's a kangaroo. Where did he ever learn to jump like that?” – Patsy [05:19]

• Wholesome Connection:
  “Gee, you will. That’s—well, you know, Uncle Dan's the only relative I've got.” – Jerry [07:08]

• Foreshadowing Danger:
  “I've just put some poisoned meat under the wagon. …he'll be snoopy for the last time.” – Lorenz [12:11–12:31]

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Suspenseful Final Segment

[12:57–14:37]

• Decker is left distressed, Lorenz is unrepentant, and the threat to Rags remains unresolved—setting up a cliffhanger around whether Jerry’s dearest companion will survive the night’s treachery.

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Structure and Tone

The episode is layered with nostalgia, warmth, and a hint of looming peril. Dialogues are earnest and colloquial, echoing the camaraderie and petty tensions of a bygone era under the big top. The threat to Rags creates dramatic suspense, balancing the sweetness of circus family bonds with the reality of jealousy and malice.

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For Listeners:

This classic episode is a vivid tapestry of 1930s circus life, seen through the hopeful eyes of Jerry and his loyal dog. The sense of community, longing for acceptance, and sudden turn towards suspense ensures listeners are left eagerly awaiting the next adventure—especially to see if “Rags” will escape Lorenz’s plot.

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Key Segments:

• 01:56 Pad room introduction and circus camaraderie
• 04:07 Rags’ antics in the ring
• 06:13 Jerry and Patsy’s family ties
• 08:08 Decker, animal bonds, and foreshadowed danger
• 12:11 Lorenz’s confession of poisoning plot

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Transcript

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[Decker]

Jerry of the circus. Sari of the circus.

[Bumps]

Well, why don't you go out in front, Jerry?

[Jerry]

But, Bumps, I want to watch from here tonight.

[Bumps]

Well, you won't see much of the show. The pad room's a pretty busy place.

[Jerry]

Pad room?

[Bumps]

That's what we call this tent. The performers always wait here until it's time for their act.

[Jerry]

Oh, kind of a waiting room, huh?

[Bumps]

Yeah, that's it. Then when we have a quick costume change to make, well, we do it right here.

[Jerry]

Well, if I'm not in the way.

[Bumps]

Oh, you can stay here if you want to, Jerry.

[Jerry]

Aw, gee, just to see y' all going out and hear the music and be close to the animals and all that.

[Bumps]

Dig your toes into the old sawders there. Gets into your blood, doesn't it, Jerry?

[Jerry]

How'd you know?

[Bumps]

Say, listen, Jerry, what do you think I followed this crazy business for? Money? Say, I could make twice as much in vaudeville or a show in New York and live like decent folks.

[Jerry]

Ah, but then you wouldn't have the animals and the traveling and the smells

[Bumps]

and the sleeping every night on a lumpy bed. And sometimes no bed at all. Yeah, but Jerry, I wouldn't give up this life for the grandest bed in the world.

[Jerry]

They're coming in now. Look at them scramble for the front seat.

[Bumps]

Looks nice and clean now, doesn't it? Yeah, it won't last long.

[Jerry]

Aw, Bumps, I wished I really belonged.

[Bumps]

Oh, you think you belong soon enough. Will your arms ache from lugging heavy pails of water? And you don't have time to catch the show for weeks, maybe months.

[Jerry]

The van's going in.

[Bumps]

Yeah. Oh, hello there, Jim.

[Lorenz]

Hi, Bumps. Looks like a red one tonight.

[Bumps]

I guess so. Mr. Randall said the midway was packed. Now, watch your dog there, Jerry.

[Jerry]

Oh, he's all right. Always stays right by my feet. Gee, I wish someday I could do traps in the van.

[Bumps]

You want to double in brass already? Well, maybe Slim will teach you one of these days.

[Jerry]

Who's that beautiful girl?

[Bumps]

Oh, that little dark haired girl there. She is pretty, isn't she? Now, that's Patsy.

[Jerry]

What does she do?

[Bumps]

Why, she's the youngest trapeze artist being starred in the business today. Great future. That little girl.

[Jerry]

She's got the prettiest eyes.

[Bumps]

Yeah, and she's a mighty nice girl, too. Well, well, there it goes. The parade will be starting Remember to keep out from underfoot, Jury.

[Jerry]

Sure I will.

[Bumps]

Yeah, I got to do my walk around on the head of the pageant. So long, boy.

[Jerry]

So on, Bumps. Oh, Gee. Rags in the swell. Rags. Rags. Rags, where are you?

[Patsy]

If you're looking for that dog, he followed Bumps into the ring.

[Jerry]

No, not into the main stand.

[Patsy]

That's where he went.

[Jerry]

Gee, what'll I do?

[Patsy]

I thought it was a new ant Bumps was putting on. The dog crept along behind Bumps just as Quiet. Come on. Listen through the slap. Can you beat that?

[Jerry]

A little mutt. Rags. Rags, come here. Gee, Bumps is trying to send him back.

[Patsy]

Look at him. As soon as Bumps turns around, the dog sneaks back after him on his tummy. Where did he ever learn to sit on a foot and hang on like that? Every time Bumps kicks him off, he does a complete summer so and gets back on Bumps. Big shoes again.

[Jerry]

Used to do that with dad all the time.

[Patsy]

Here comes Bumps now. Quick. As soon as he pushes the dog through the curtain, grab him.

[Jerry]

Okay, I'll get him. Golly, Reg. Sure like some odd. Gee, do you think we'll get fired?

[Patsy]

Here he comes now. Quick, Rags, jump. Say, that's not a dog. It's a kangaroo. Where did he ever learn to jump like that? He flew through that curtain like a shot out of a cannon.

[Jerry]

Rags, you little mutt, you. Shh. Quiet, boy. Gee, Rags, why'd you do it?

[Patsy]

The cute thing putting his paw over his eyes. He knows he's been naughty.

[Jerry]

I should think you would be ashamed. You're a bad, bad dog.

[Patsy]

Oh, poor thing.

[Jerry]

He's begging you to forgive him. He'd better want us both to get fired, don't you, Rags?

[Patsy]

He's the cutest thing I've ever seen.

[Jerry]

Yeah, Beacon behind your paw. Think we can't see you, huh?

[Patsy]

Where did he learn to hide his head like that?

[Jerry]

Oh, that's nothing. He knows a barrel of tricks. Well, come on, Rags. I guess we'd better get back to the tent.

[Patsy]

I'll walk along with you for a ways. I don't go on for a while. Kind of like that dog of yours, don't you?

[Jerry]

Kinda. Say, he's all I got.

[Patsy]

Your name's Jerry, isn't it?

[Jerry]

How do you know?

[Patsy]

Bums was telling me about you tonight in the mess tent.

[Jerry]

Your name's Patsy, isn't it?

[Patsy]

How'd you know?

[Jerry]

Bunce was telling me about you tonight in the pad room.

[Patsy]

You know, your dad was a good friend of my father's.

[Jerry]

Your name's Dugan, isn't It, uh huh.

[Patsy]

Oh, I've often heard Papa talk about Danny Dugan.

[Jerry]

Danny Dugan? Well, that's not my dad. But I got an uncle by the name of Danny Dugan.

[Patsy]

Oh, he was a big game hunter, wasn't he?

[Jerry]

Yeah, one of the best. Say, he got wild animals for fritting near all the circuses.

[Patsy]

I know. Father used to talk about what a wonderful marksman he was.

[Jerry]

Before dad died, he was trying to locate Uncle Dan.

[Patsy]

Locate?

[Jerry]

Yeah, he disappeared about five years ago and nobody's ever heard of him since.

[Patsy]

Is that so?

[Jerry]

Uh huh.

[Patsy]

Well, maybe my father has. I'll write and see. I know he knew Danny Dugan awfully well.

[Jerry]

Gee, you will. That's. Well, you know, Uncle Dan's the only relative I've got. Rags, get away from that entrance. Want to get stepped on by an elephant?

[Patsy]

Well, I. I guess I better get

[Jerry]

back to the pad room.

[Patsy]

See you later, Jerry.

[Jerry]

So long. Come on, Rags. Well, Rags, old scout, think you're gonna like this circus life. Hurray. I'm talking to you. I want to know how you like circus life. Well, that's better. But let me tell you one thing. You won't stay long if you pull any more monkey shines like you did tonight. Go on in, Rags. I'm following you.

[Decker]

Hello there, puppy. Well, aren't you a friendly little thing. Where on earth did you come from? Well, a boy too.

[Patsy]

Hello.

[Decker]

Does the boy go with the dog?

[Jerry]

He sure does.

[Decker]

You're not looking for a nice new master for this animal, are you?

[Jerry]

I should say not.

[Decker]

Well, that's a pity. I'd like to adopt him.

[Jerry]

Guess you'd have to adopt me too, mister.

[Decker]

Well, I might manage the dog, but I don't know as I could smuggle a boy along too.

[Jerry]

Yeah, I am pretty big.

[Decker]

My name's Decker. What's your name, son?

[Jerry]

Jerry. Something wrong?

[Decker]

No, why?

[Jerry]

You look so funny.

[Decker]

Did I? Sorry. Jerry. Jerry. Nice name, Jerry.

[Jerry]

The dog's my buddy. His name's Rags.

[Bumps]

Rags?

[Decker]

Well, Rags, old boy, give me your paw.

[Bumps]

Good.

[Decker]

He's got nice manners too, Jerry.

[Jerry]

Sure, I trained him.

[Decker]

You did? Well, it looks like you did a good job, huh?

[Jerry]

Well, dad helped me.

[Decker]

Of course. That's what dads are for. You live in this town?

[Jerry]

Not anymore.

[Decker]

No.

[Jerry]

No, I'm joining the circus.

[Decker]

You don't see. Does Mr. Randall know about it?

[Jerry]

He sure does. He hired me.

[Decker]

Oh, swell. Then I guess I won't have to smuggle you and Rags along after all, huh?

[Jerry]

You see, dad was a friend of Mr. Randall's and.

[Decker]

Oh, so your dad's coming too. Well, Hutch, no.

[Jerry]

Dad died just last week.

[Decker]

Oh, I'm sorry, son.

[Jerry]

He left me a letter for Mr. Randall and. Well, I.

[Decker]

That's fine. Well, Jerry, it'll be mighty nice having you along this season.

[Jerry]

Yeah,

[Decker]

sure. And you too, Rag. Yes, sir, I. I certainly didn't mean to leave you out. Kind of sensitive, that dog, huh, Jerry?

[Jerry]

He sure is.

[Decker]

Lots more than folks then some folks.

[Jerry]

Oh, sure, I didn't mean you.

[Decker]

I wonder why you and I like animals so much, Jerry.

[Jerry]

Because they like us, I expect.

[Decker]

Of course. They just think we can't do anything wrong.

[Jerry]

We're always tops with them, aren't we?

[Decker]

You betcha.

[Jerry]

And even after we've had to scold them, they'll come up for a pat or a kind word.

[Decker]

Pretty real kind of love, isn't it, Jerry? But I didn't mean exactly that.

[Jerry]

What did you mean?

[Decker]

You know, Jerry, I like even the wildest and most dangerous animals we have in this circus.

[Jerry]

Gee, do ya? I'm crazy about wild animals myself.

[Decker]

I don't know why, but I'm never afraid of them. Not a bit.

[Jerry]

Me neither.

[Decker]

Have you ever been around wild animals before, Jerry?

[Jerry]

No. But still, I just know I wouldn't be afraid.

[Decker]

That's the ticket, son. The minute they know you're afraid, well, you're done for.

[Jerry]

Can they tell?

[Decker]

Sure, sure they can. Gee, why, it's like an instinct. Just like we smell things, they sense fear.

[Jerry]

Golly. Almost like mind reading, isn't it?

[Decker]

Well, I never thought of it like that. But maybe you're right. Jerry. Yes, Lorenz?

[Lorenz]

Bring those knives and hurry up. Our act goes on next.

[Decker]

Coming. I am absent minded. Sorry, sonny. I gotta run along now. See you later. Bye, pup.

[Jerry]

Bye.

[Decker]

Wait a minute, Lorenz. Now walk over the main tent with him.

[Lorenz]

Daydreaming again, I suppose. Got the knives?

[Decker]

Here they are.

[Lorenz]

Who are you talking to?

[Decker]

Oh, that little freckle faced boy that's sharing the wagon with us.

[Bumps]

He's a cute kid.

[Lorenz]

Cute nothing. And as for that nasty dog of his, he snapped at me and bit my wrist this afternoon.

[Decker]

Why, that's funny. He seemed friendly enough to me.

[Lorenz]

You think that car dog was snooping around my prop box? And I will not take that from anybody. I pushed him off and he leaped at me, snarling. I never did like dogs. And I'm not going to have a vicious animal hanging around any wagon I dress in. Oh, but Naruto, I got it all fixed. I've just put some poisoned meat under the wagon. So for the first time that dog goes out, he'll smell the meat, eat it up and go away and die someplace. He'll be snoopy for the last time. Loren's one smart fellow. What do you think?

[Decker]

Lorenz? You can't do that.

[Lorenz]

Why not?

[Decker]

Well, that boy worships his dog.

[Lorenz]

Yeah, well, I don't. And you keep out of this scene. Listen, Decker, I've kept you out of plenty of trouble. If it wasn't for me, you'd spend the rest of your life in jail and you know it.

[Decker]

I know Lorenz and I appreciate it, but that's all right.

[Lorenz]

When this dog is found dead, be sure you keep your mouth shut.

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[Patsy]

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[Lorenz]

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[Bumps]

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[Jerry]

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[Lorenz]

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