Jerry of the Circus - Railroad Bridge Problems For Circus

Summary

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Podcast Summary: "Jerry of the Circus – Railroad Bridge Problems For Circus"

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Date: May 16, 2026

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Episode Overview

This episode of "Jerry of the Circus" thrusts listeners into the world of a traveling circus facing logistical trouble: a weakened railroad trestle threatens to derail the show’s journey to their next town. The story follows Jerry and the circus crew as they devise creative—and at times risky—solutions to ensure the show goes on, eventually testing the limits of both human and animal ingenuity.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Dangerous Tracks and the Importance of Community (02:13–03:28)

• The circus train is traveling slowly through heavily flooded territory.
• Bob and Jerry discuss the peril of traversing a roadbed recently submerged by rainwaters.
• Jerry expresses concern about the safety and ponders the telegram warning of bridge danger.
• Quote:
  Bob (02:43): “Oh, guess not, Jerry. You notice we’re going along pretty slow? The engineer knows his road mighty well. He’s not going to take any chances.”

2. Bridge Crisis and Leadership Under Pressure (03:29–04:41)

• The train slows as it nears the suspect bridge; Sam Randall (circus boss) confirms he’ll inspect the trestle himself.
• Jerry’s emotional connection to the circus is highlighted.
• Quote:
  Jerry (03:46): “I love the circus, Mr. Randall. It’s my home and everything. And if it wasn’t for you and the circus—I don’t know where I’d be now.”

3. Assessing the Situation and Making a Plan (04:41–05:14)

• Emery (brakeman) and Sam Randall discuss the bridge’s instability—recent rains have left the ground too sodden for repairs.
• Alternative: a nearby “wagon bridge,” but it’s steep and less sturdy.
• Quote:
  Emery (04:45): “The ground is so water soaked, the pilings don’t hit bottom.”

4. Innovative Solution: Elephants as Bridge Testers (05:14–09:57)

• The plan: Unload elephants and use them to ferry circus equipment over the wooden wagon bridge—if the bridge can hold.
• Gertie, the lead elephant, will be the first to test the bridge before others cross.
• Quote:
  Sam Randall (09:01): “Gertie’s the head elephant, Jerry. She won’t go across unless she knows it’ll take her weight. They sort of feel how strong the thing is as they step along…”

5. The Haul into Town & Teamwork (09:57–11:17)

• After Gertie’s successful bridge crossing, the rest of the herd and equipment (wagons) follow.
• Sam Randall rides ahead to organize buses for circus performers, highlighting the importance of logistics during crises.
• Quote:
  Emery (10:01): “This bridge being here and being strong enough is your lifesaver.”

6. Behind the Scenes and Aftermath (11:07–12:09)

• As dawn breaks, Jerry and Bob reflect on the challenges—tired performers and animals, but pride in overcoming adversity.
• Jerry helps with animal care, hinting at his evolving responsibilities within the circus.

7. A New Problem Emerges: The Disappearance of Major Mike (12:33–13:02)

• Amidst resolving the bridge disaster, the bearded lady discovers that Major Mike is missing, setting up a fresh mystery for the next episode.
• Quote:
  Bob (12:46): “Well, the poor woman is frantic. The Major is missing… Having Major Mike disappear.”

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Memorable Moments & Quotes

• Jerry’s loyalty and gratitude to the circus:
  (03:46) “I love the circus, Mr. Randall. It’s my home and everything...”
• Circus animals as problem solvers:
  (09:01) “Gertie’s the head elephant, Jerry. She won’t go across unless she knows it’ll take her weight...” — Sam Randall
• Camaraderie and resilience:
  (10:01) “This bridge being here and being strong enough is your lifesaver.” — Emery
• A twist ending:
  (12:49) “He’s the only one not accounted for…Everybody on the lot is looking for him.” — Bob

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Important Timestamps

• 02:13–03:01 – Discussion about dangerous roadbed and approaching the bridge
• 04:38–05:14 – Decision to use the wagon bridge and the need for elephants
• 09:01–09:11 – Explanation of elephant bridge-testing
• 12:33–13:02 – Major Mike goes missing

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Tone & Language

• The episode’s dialogue is rich in period-specific warmth, practicality, and stoicism.
• Characters express concern, camaraderie, and a can-do attitude typical of classic radio storytelling.

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Summary Takeaway

This episode highlights the circus’s resourcefulness and unity in the face of adversity: when a critical train bridge fails, quick thinking (and clever use of elephants) keeps the show rolling. But just as the dust settles, a new crisis—the disappearance of Major Mike—emerges, promising further adventure ahead.

Transcript

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[Bob]

Jerry, over to the circus.

[Sam Randall]

Now for Jerry of the circus.

[Bob]

Look out the window here.

[Emery]

What for?

[Jerry]

Bumps. You can't see anything. It's too dark.

[Bob]

Well, you can see that automobile road alongside the tracks.

[Jerry]

Golly, it's all underwater.

[Bob]

The lights from the windows of our train shine on it. Looks almost like a river.

[Jerry]

More like a river than an automobile road.

[Bob]

Well, this part of the country is famous for heavy rains. Boy, I'm sure glad we missed that last one.

[Jerry]

Have you been noticing how the train rocks back and forth?

[Bob]

Yeah, I sure have, Jerry. Well, that's cause the road bed's been underwater recently.

[Jerry]

Well, isn't it dangerous to travel over it?

[Bob]

Oh, guess not, Jerry. You notice we're going along pretty slow? The engineer knows his road mighty well. He's not going to take any chances.

[Jerry]

But that telegram Mr. Randall got from the railroad company said it was dangerous.

[Bob]

Well, that was referring to the bridge or trestle. It's an old one, and they're not so sure it'll hold our heavy load.

[Jerry]

Oh, when do we get to it?

[Emery]

Well, let's see.

[Bob]

About half past.

[Emery]

Now, let's see.

[Bob]

Oh, Guess we ought to be getting there pretty soon. Now.

[Jerry]

Mr. Randall said he was going to examine the bridge, and if it really is weak, he was going to find another way to get the circus to the next town.

[Bob]

Yeah, that's just like Sam. He'll go through most anything. Not to disappoint folks, even take a chance of breaking part of his show.

[Jerry]

But how will we get across the bridge?

[Bob]

Don't guess we'll get across if it won't hold the train. He'll figure something out. He always does.

[Jerry]

We're slowing down now.

[Bob]

Yes, here we are, Jerry. Must be getting close to that trestle.

[Emery]

Come in.

[Sam Randall]

What are you two doing up this hour?

[Jerry]

Come on, Mr. Randall.

[Bob]

Well, Jerry here wanted to stay up and see what this weak bridge is all about, Sam.

[Sam Randall]

And you sure take a keen interest in this outfit, Jerry.

[Jerry]

I love the circus, Mr. Randall. It's my home and everything. And if it wasn't for you and the Circus. I don't know where I'd be now.

[Bob]

Well, I guess you'd be in an orphanage, Jerry.

[Jerry]

Yeah, that's rugby.

[Sam Randall]

I'm glad to see you take such an interest in the show. I did the same thing when I was a boy.

[Bob]

Oh, See, I guess we're up to that trestle, Sam.

[Sam Randall]

Oh, yeah. Well, I better get out there and look it over.

[Jerry]

Can I come with you, Mr. Randall?

[Sam Randall]

Bet you can. Come on.

[Jerry]

You want to go, Rag.

[Sam Randall]

I'll see you later, Bob.

[Bob]

Yeah. Okay, Sam. Now, now, watch your step out there, Jerry.

[Jerry]

Oh, I will. Bye. How far are we from the next stand, Mr. Randall?

[Sam Randall]

Something like 15 miles, Jerry, it's gonna be a long haul if we can't cross this trestle.

[Jerry]

Oh, what do we do? I mean, how will we get to the next town?

[Sam Randall]

Well, that's something that will have to be figured out.

[Jerry]

Coming. Rags.

[Emery]

You, Mr. Randall?

[Sam Randall]

Yeah.

[Jerry]

Quiet, Rags.

[Emery]

Emery. Brakeman.

[Sam Randall]

Oh, yeah.

[Emery]

Don't think we better take a chance crossing here. I just had a talk with the engineer, and he doesn't think we can make it.

[Sam Randall]

I thought they were going to reinforce the trestle.

[Emery]

Well, I had a crew on it until midnight. The ground is so water soaked, the pilings don't hit bottom.

[Bob]

There's much can be done till the ground dries up.

[Emery]

Well, that's that.

[Sam Randall]

Any other bridges across this river?

[Emery]

There's a wagon bridge down yonder. Oh.

[Sam Randall]

Oh, yeah, Yeah, I see it. Just a wooden one.

[Jerry]

It's awful steep going down to it.

[Sam Randall]

Yeah, but I guess that's our only hope.

[Jerry]

Well, what do you mean, Mr. Randall?

[Sam Randall]

We'll have to unload here and use the horses and the bull elephants to get us into town.

[Emery]

I'll tell the engineer to uncouple them.

[Sam Randall]

Okay. I guess that's all we can do.

[Jerry]

Won't the elephants break the bridge?

[Sam Randall]

Well, we'll have to test it, Jerry.

[Jerry]

How?

[Sam Randall]

Well, come on, let's get Olson. You'll see.

[Jerry]

You're angry. Come on, boys. Would it take a long time to get to the town, even if we can get across the little bridge?

[Sam Randall]

Now, that's the trouble, Jerry. I'm afraid we'll be plenty late setting up this day.

[Jerry]

Then the matinee will be late starting, won't it?

[Sam Randall]

It sure will, but we'll be lucky to do a show at all. Now, here's Olson's car.

[Jerry]

Come on.

[Sam Randall]

Where's Rags?

[Jerry]

He's right here.

[Sam Randall]

Okay.

[Jerry]

Everybody is sleeping and don't even know about all the trouble.

[Sam Randall]

Here we are. Olson. Olson, Come on.

[Emery]

Wake up where we in?

[Sam Randall]

No, not all the way. We've run into some grief.

[Emery]

Oh, what's the matter?

[Sam Randall]

I came made across the Horn river trestle. Come on, get your bulls unloaded and we've got a long haul ahead.

[Emery]

We'll be with you right away. Sounds bad, Bob.

[Sam Randall]

It may be bad. I'm just taking a chance to. That little wooden bridge will hold our load.

[Emery]

Want me to send Gertie over to test it?

[Sam Randall]

Yeah.

[Jerry]

Oh, so that's how you test the bridge.

[Emery]

Oh, hello there, Jerry. I didn't see you standing there in the doorway.

[Jerry]

Hello, Mr. Olson.

[Emery]

And Rags. Hello there, fella.

[Sam Randall]

Well, I'll see you down to Carlson. Hurry it up. Come on, Jerry.

[Emery]

Okay. I'll have my herd off in a few minutes.

[Jerry]

Where are we going now, Mr. Randall?

[Sam Randall]

Yeah, we'll go get Paul now and see so he can get his men out.

[Jerry]

You mean Paul Murray?

[Sam Randall]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Jerry]

Where did he sleep?

[Sam Randall]

Right here in this car.

[Jerry]

Come on,

[Sam Randall]

Bark. Jerry, that's as good a way to wake up the men as any. Here we are, Paul. Come on. Up and at him.

[Emery]

Okay, be right with you. Oh, it's you, Mr. Randall.

[Sam Randall]

Well, good morning. Yeah, we're going to have have to move the show from here, Paul. Where are we?

[Emery]

Let's see here.

[Sam Randall]

Why, but we're not in yet. No, no, we're about 15 miles from town. Can't get across the Horn river trestle. Gonna have to haul in somehow. I'll be dressed in a minute. Get your men up, Paul. See you outside.

[Emery]

Okay, boss.

[Sam Randall]

Come on, Jerry.

[Jerry]

I'm right with you, Mr. Randall.

[Sam Randall]

The first thing we have to do is to see if that little bridge is strong enough.

[Jerry]

Aren't you gonna wake up everybody now?

[Sam Randall]

Oh, no, Jerry. No use getting the performers up yet.

[Jerry]

Oh, you get them all over the town.

[Sam Randall]

Well, send some buses over for them after we all get the equipment moved. Oh, look, there's Olson now. How you coming, Olson?

[Emery]

I'll have Gertie out in a minute. Hey, Spike, you and Rusty put up that ramp.

[Jerry]

They sure work fast, Mr. Randall.

[Sam Randall]

Yeah, but we won't have any time to spare, no matter how fast they work today.

[Emery]

Well, get dirty now, boss.

[Sam Randall]

You order the baggage, Doc? Yeah, everybody's awake.

[Jerry]

Oh, you see dirty, don't you, Ray?

[Sam Randall]

Here she comes, Jerry.

[Emery]

Come on, Gertie.

[Bob]

Come on.

[Emery]

Now. That's away.

[Sam Randall]

Come on.

[Emery]

There. There we are. Hey, Rusty. Yeah? Bring a couple of more of those liners. Okay, boss. Which way, Mr. Randall?

[Sam Randall]

Right over here. See the road leads right down to that little bridge.

[Emery]

Hey, it's pretty steep grade down there.

[Sam Randall]

Not so steep on the other side, though. That's a help. Quite ready.

[Jerry]

You can't scare Gurdy. And if you don't want to.

[Emery]

Looks like rag's picked on a pretty big playmate. Easy, girl. Now, come on, take it easy.

[Jerry]

Take your time, Mr. Randall.

[Sam Randall]

Yeah. She makes pretty sure of her footing when she can't see where she's going.

[Emery]

Well, there's the bridge. Not a very big one, but I guess you'd call it a bridge.

[Jerry]

How is Gertie going to test the bridge?

[Emery]

You'll see. Here we are. Come on, Gertie. Easy there, now. Easy, girl.

[Sam Randall]

Yeah. I think the bridge will take the load okay. It looks pretty strong.

[Emery]

Yes, it looks okay, boss. Yeah. You see? There she goes. Gertie's not stopping.

[Jerry]

What does he mean by that, Mr. Randall?

[Sam Randall]

Well, Gertie's the head elephant, Jerry. She won't go across unless she knows it'll take her weight. They sort of feel how strong the thing is as they step along. She wouldn't cross it unless she was absolutely sure of it.

[Emery]

Yes, none of the other elephants will go across if Gertie refuses. You couldn't drive them over?

[Jerry]

Golly, they sure are smart.

[Sam Randall]

You satisfied, Orson?

[Emery]

Yep. Yeah. We'll run the herd over now, and if it holds them, we can move the whole show over without any worry. All right.

[Sam Randall]

Hey, up there. Bring the rest of the bulls down. You up there, Paul.

[Emery]

Right.

[Sam Randall]

Bring your match wagons down right after the bulls.

[Emery]

You're right on their heels.

[Jerry]

Here they come.

[Sam Randall]

Yeah. You and R, be careful now, Jerry. Keep clear.

[Jerry]

Oh, watch out.

[Emery]

Bring them right over, Rusty. All right. Here they come.

[Jerry]

Gertie telling them to go get crossed over, huh?

[Emery]

Yeah, I guess that's it. She's letting them know she got over okay.

[Sam Randall]

Yeah. This bridge being here and being strong enough is your lifesaver.

[Emery]

It'll be a mighty long, tough haul, though.

[Jerry]

Here comes the first wagon.

[Sam Randall]

And as soon as we get all the mess wagons over, take the bulls back up for the heavy hauling. Olson.

[Emery]

Okay, boss.

[Sam Randall]

I'll go along with the first wagon to some place where I can get an automobile and then go on into town and send some buses back for the performance.

[Jerry]

Do I go with you?

[Sam Randall]

Oh, no, Jerry. No. You go back up to your car and go to bed for an hour or so. You and Bumps can come over with the rest of the folks in a bus. All right. Hold it. Hold that wagon. I'm riding with you. Tell Jim Bennett my plans. Tell him to pass the Word around.

[Emery]

Okay.

[Sam Randall]

And you go right up to your car, Jerry, and get out of the way.

[Jerry]

All right, Mr. Randall, I will. Come on, Mike.

[Sam Randall]

All right, Joe.

[Emery]

Hey.

[Jerry]

Hey.

[Emery]

Well, Jerry.

[Bob]

Say, that was quite an experience for you last night, wasn't it?

[Jerry]

Honestly. Golly, Mr. Randall is sure smart, isn't he?

[Bob]

He sure is. I have the first time to see him stumped.

[Jerry]

He won't be so very late, will we?

[Bob]

Well, I'm ready to go on now.

[Jerry]

I mean, the show won't be awful late, will it?

[Sam Randall]

Well, now, let's see.

[Bob]

Oh, I'd say just about an hour late. Hey, there. Lots of folks waiting at the main gate already.

[Jerry]

Why don't they let them into the menagerie until everything is ready under the big time?

[Bob]

Well, I guess that's what's holding them up, Jerry. They just put the last of the animal cages in there a minute ago. Oh, Kelly. Let them in as soon as they're all set.

[Jerry]

I bet those razorbacks and hostlers and all the men that worked all night are sure tired.

[Bob]

To say nothing of the horses and the elephants. Those animals sure did a wonderful job, Jared.

[Jerry]

Yeah, they were sure thirsty this morning. Oh, why'd he help me with the watering?

[Bob]

Did you have your breakfast? I didn't see you in the mess tent.

[Jerry]

Sure, I ate early and got right over to the horseback.

[Sam Randall]

What's the matter, Rags?

[Bob]

Hey, he sees something outside the door.

[Jerry]

Look it. It's Johnny Bradley and Schlatt and o'. Willigan. And there's a bearded lady with him.

[Emery]

Yeah.

[Bob]

Say, she's all excited about something. Think I'll just step out there and see what's going on.

[Jerry]

No, Rags, you can't go. You see? Right here. I should think you'd have had enough excitement for one day. It isn't every dog gets to see how you did last night. Elephants testing bridges and all that. Why, you're a lucky dog. Yes, you. I guess you know it, too. What is it, Bonk? What's the matter?

[Emery]

I'll tell you in just a minute. Jerry.

[Jerry]

Rags. Be good now.

[Bob]

See, it looks pretty bad.

[Jerry]

Jerry, what's the matter? Tell me.

[Bob]

Well, you know how much the bearded lady thinks a major might.

[Jerry]

Yes, she sure likes him, all right.

[Bob]

Well, the poor woman is frantic. The major is missing.

[Jerry]

Missing? What do you mean? Bombs.

[Bob]

He's the only one not accounted for. They've looked all over for him. Everybody on the lot is looking for him.

[Sam Randall]

And.

[Bob]

And Mr. Randall is upset about it.

[Jerry]

But where could he be? You think he got lost? Back of the bridge?

[Bob]

Well, I don't know, Jerry, but this is not so good. Having Major Mike disappear.

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