Jerry of the Circus - Speed Demonstrates

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: Jerry of the Circus – Speed Demonstrates
Date: May 17, 2026
Host: Harold’s Old Time Radio
Episode Theme:
This episode brings listeners an original radio drama, “Jerry of the Circus,” showcasing the charm, excitement, and character-driven storytelling of Golden Age radio. The primary focus is on a boy named Jerry, a new arrival at the circus, who vouches for a newcomer, Speed, whose remarkable running ability becomes a highlight. The episode features themes of opportunity, loyalty, and ingenuity in circus life.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. Jerry Visits Mr. Randall about Uncle Dan’s Prospects

• [02:06–03:42]
  • Jerry arrives (with his loyal dog Rags) at Mr. Randall’s office, eager to discuss something important.
  • Mr. Randall shares exciting news about Jerry’s Uncle Dan possibly rejoining the big game hunting business, thanks to an order for exotic animals, which would help secure funding for an expedition.
  • Quote:
    • Mr. Randall: “If your uncle can get another order like that, he won't have much trouble borrowing the money to finance an expedition.” [03:10]
    • Jerry: “I don't think there's anything I'd wish for more than to see Uncle Dan get back in the big game hunting business.” [02:49]

2. Jerry Endorses Speed’s Talents

• [03:49–05:12]
  • Shift in conversation: Jerry asks Mr. Randall to consider hiring Speed, a man he’s just met who can run incredibly fast.
  • Jerry retells how one of the Rusoff’s horses, Rex, escaped—and Speed managed to capture the runaway horse on foot, impressing Jerry.
  • Quote:
    • Jerry: “Before I knew it, Speed was running right up that hill in the direction Rex went. And he caught Rex, too.” [04:50]
    • Mr. Randall (skeptical): “It wouldn't be much of a novelty to see a man run around the ring even though he is fast.” [05:18]

3. Pitching a New Act: Man vs. Horse

• [05:12–06:17]
  • Jerry suggests a unique act: Speed racing against a horse, catching Mr. Randall’s genuine interest.
  • The group goes to meet Speed, and Jerry introduces him, advocating for the new act.
  • Quote:
    • Jerry: “How about him running a race with a horse?” [05:32]
    • Speed: “Let me try it, sir. I really need work mighty bad right now.” [06:17]

4. The Big Trial: Speed Races a Horse

• [06:26–10:04]
  • Preparations are made: Speed is set to race ‘Lady,’ a fast circus horse, with Jerry as the rider.
  • Mr. Randall gathers others to witness the race. The group is skeptical but excited at the spectacle.
  • Quote (as the race is underway):
    • Patsy: “He's ahead of the horse.” [09:14]
    • Boris Rusoff: “It is truly remarkable. I would never believe such a thing could be possible.” [09:27]
    • Mr. Randall (amused): “That boy, Speed, is going to cross the finish line yards in front of Lady and Jerry. Wonderful. Good work, Speed.” [09:40]
  • Speed, humble, notes he could do even better with practice, and Mr. Randall ponders hiring him as a new attraction.

5. Boris Rusoff’s Investment Proposition

• [11:23–13:12]
  • Away from the main event, Boris Rusoff pitches an investment proposal to Patsy, involving a South American tour.
  • Discussion about the risks and rewards of a circus venture abroad, with Boris offering Patsy a fourth interest in the show for $20,000.
  • Quote:
    • Boris Rusoff: “You can trust a man of my caliber. And my business ability is the best.” [11:58]
    • Patsy: “Yes, but Olga said that there's always a certain amount of risk in taking a circus to a foreign country.” [12:01]

6. Jerry’s Package & Episode Close

• [13:02–13:12]
  • Mr. Randall asks about Jerry’s whereabouts – a package has arrived for him from Richard Grayson, possibly the contents of a safety deposit box, adding a small mystery at the episode’s end.

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Opportunity and Resourcefulness:

  • “If whoever gives them the money knows he'll be able to sell the animals he captures, they'll feel safe.” – Jerry [03:18]

• On Acts and Showmanship:

  • “It wouldn't be much of a novelty to see a man run around the ring even though he is fast.” – Mr. Randall [05:18]
  • “How about him running a race with a horse?” – Jerry [05:32]

• On Spectacle and Circus Life:

  • “I don't believe I've ever in my life seen anyone run so fast.” – Patsy [09:25]
  • “You might build yourself into quite an attraction. Now, first I'll have to see just how fast you really are.” – Mr. Randall [07:32]

• On Investment & Ambition:

  • “You do not think for one minute Boris Rusoff would go into anything unless it was the best kind of a deal?” – Boris Rusoff [11:49]
  • “But you should know I would not want you to put your money into something that would be... not be a safe investment for you. I would not be so heartless.” – Boris Rusoff [12:06]

---

Timeline of Important Segments

• 02:06 – Jerry discusses Uncle Dan’s expedition opportunity
• 03:49 – Jerry advocates for hiring Speed
• 04:50 – Jerry recounts Speed’s feat in catching the horse
• 05:32 – Jerry proposes the man-vs-horse race idea
• 06:01 – Speed introduced to Mr. Randall
• 08:52 – The race between Speed and Lady begins
• 09:25 – Spectators react to Speed’s astonishing victory
• 11:23 – Boris Rusoff’s business pitch to Patsy
• 13:02 – The mysterious package for Jerry arrives

---

Tone & Style

The dialogue is fast-paced, earnest, and friendly, capturing the spirit of a bustling circus environment and the optimism of its youthful protagonist. There is light humor and camaraderie among the characters, counterbalanced by the businesslike plans and adult concerns of the circus managers. The episode delivers excitement and character warmth, with plenty of encouragement and mutual support as new acts and opportunities are discussed.

---

Summary Conclusion

"Jerry of the Circus – Speed Demonstrates" is a lively, character-driven radio drama celebrating ingenuity and courage under the big top. Jerry’s advocacy for Speed brings a new act and energy to the troupe, while side plots like Boris’s South American venture add intrigue and depth. Its memorable man-vs-horse race, supportive friendships, and hints of future mystery (with Jerry’s awaited package) present classic family radio entertainment at its best.

Transcript

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[Jerry]

Come on, Rags, hurry up. Well, you wanted to go with me, now hurry. Ah, that's the fella. Come on. Here we are, Mr. Randall. Quiet, Rags.

[Mr. Randall]

Be right with you.

[Jerry]

All right. He'll open the door right away.

[Mr. Randall]

Oh, it's you, Jerry. And Rags. Well, come in.

[Jerry]

I want to see you about something, Mr. Randall.

[Mr. Randall]

You do? Well, that's funny.

[Jerry]

What's funny about that?

[Mr. Randall]

Well, I want to see you, too. Oh, yes, your Uncle Dan was just here. He was showing me a letter he got regarding an expedition.

[Jerry]

A job?

[Mr. Randall]

Well, not exactly.

[Jerry]

What did it say in the letter?

[Mr. Randall]

You're interested, aren't you?

[Jerry]

Sure I am. I don't think there's anything I'd wish for more than to see Uncle Dan get back in the big game hunting business.

[Mr. Randall]

That's the spirit, Jerry. And it looks like perhaps it won't be long until he's doing that very thing.

[Jerry]

That's your great news, Mr. Randall?

[Mr. Randall]

Yes, sir. This company gave him an order for apes and zebras and lions.

[Jerry]

I guess I don't understand just how that order is going to help him go on an expedition.

[Mr. Randall]

Well, it's like this, Jerry. If your uncle can get another order like that, he won't have much trouble borrowing the money to finance an expedition.

[Jerry]

Oh, I see. If whoever gives them the money knows he'll be able to sell the animals he captures, they'll feel safe.

[Mr. Randall]

That's the idea, Jerry. They already know from your uncle's past record that he'll be able to make his catches. And now that he's got a market for the animals he gets, well, it's a good investment to give him the loan.

[Jerry]

Was he happy about it?

[Mr. Randall]

Oh, just bet he was. Say he'd leave for Africa tonight, if possible.

[Jerry]

Jiminy, I'm sure glad at last he'll be doing what he wants to do. Mm.

[Mr. Randall]

Well, now, what was it you wanted to see me about?

[Jerry]

Oh, well, I got so interested in what you were telling me that I completely forgot about Speed.

[Boris Rusoff]

Speed?

[Jerry]

Yeah, he's a fella. I mean, I wanted to Ask you if you'd give him a job. He'd be a good man, Mr. Randall. You'll like him. I know you will.

[Mr. Randall]

No, no, no. Wait a minute, wait a minute. Not so fast. Take it easy. What's this all about?

[Jerry]

Well, I'll start at the beginning.

[Mr. Randall]

Yeah. Yeah, that's a very good idea. Go ahead.

[Jerry]

Well, in the first place, one of the Rusoff's horses got away.

[Mr. Randall]

What's this?

[Jerry]

Sure. And it was Rex, one of the fastest ones they owned.

[Mr. Randall]

Yeah, yeah. No, the one you mean. A spirited animal if there ever was one.

[Jerry]

Well, he got away from one of the hustlers. And when they were leading him over to the big top this afternoon, he ran right up that steep, rocky hill over that way.

[Mr. Randall]

Well, did they get him back all right?

[Jerry]

Sure, but let me tell you, that's where Speed comes in.

[Mr. Randall]

All right, go ahead.

[Jerry]

I started to go get Splendor saddle and take him out after Rex. And as I started toward the horse stop, I met this man Speed.

[Mr. Randall]

Fine time to stop and get acquainted with strangers.

[Jerry]

Oh, I didn't stop. I kept on going. But I told him that a horse got away and ran up the hill.

[Mr. Randall]

Yeah?

[Speed]

Yes.

[Mr. Randall]

And then what?

[Jerry]

Well, before I knew it, Speed was running right up that hill in the direction Rex went.

[Mr. Randall]

Oh, taking out after a fast animal like that on foot, huh?

[Jerry]

And he caught Rex, too.

[Mr. Randall]

Oh, now, wait a minute, Jerry.

[Jerry]

Honesty did. Mr. Randall. I got splinter saddle and started up the hill. But before I got all the way to the top, a Speed caught Rex and was starting down. That's why I think he'd be a good man to hire.

[Mr. Randall]

But, well, what can he do besides run?

[Jerry]

Well, I don't know, but I should think he'd be a good act.

[Mr. Randall]

Oh, no, I. I can't agree with you this time. It wouldn't be much of a novelty to see a man run around the ring even though he is fast.

[Jerry]

All right, then, but. Well, how about him running against a horse?

[Mr. Randall]

Say that again?

[Jerry]

I said, how about having him running a race with a horse?

[Mr. Randall]

Well, you really think he can?

[Jerry]

You should just see how fast he is. Come on out and meet him, Mr. Randall.

[Mr. Randall]

Well, all right, I will.

[Jerry]

Come on, Ray.

[Mr. Randall]

Go ahead.

[Jerry]

Okay. Oh, Speed.

[Mr. Randall]

Got you.

[Jerry]

Jerry, come here a minute.

[Mr. Randall]

You've got long enough legs to be a fast runner. Yes, sir. Yeah.

[Jerry]

Cuff, this is Mr. Randall Speed, the owner of the circus.

[Mr. Randall]

Powerful.

[Speed]

Glad to meet up with you, sir.

[Mr. Randall]

Well, glad to know you, Speed. Jerry here tells me you're a pretty fast runner.

[Speed]

Well, I can run all Right, sir.

[Jerry]

I just said you could run a race with a horse. Isn't that so?

[Speed]

Reckon so.

[Mr. Randall]

Well, now, that's a fairly big order.

[Speed]

I'm aware of that, sir.

[Mr. Randall]

Might be that I could use you for.

[Speed]

Let me try it, sir. I really need work mighty bad right now.

[Mr. Randall]

Well, all right. Let's find out just how this idea of Jerry's going to work out.

[Jerry]

Shall I go get a horse, Mr. Randall?

[Mr. Randall]

Yeah, do that, Speed, and I'll walk over to the big. No, no, Wait, wait. There goes one of the hospitals. Now, who is that fellow, Jerry?

[Jerry]

Let's see. Oh, it's Herman.

[Mr. Randall]

Yeah, Herman, Go tell Whitey to send over one of his fastest horses and

[Jerry]

have him put a saddle on him.

[Mr. Randall]

What for, Jerry?

[Jerry]

Well, I'll ride him.

[Mr. Randall]

Oh, okay. That's all right. Yeah, and have him saddled, Herman. We'll be in the big top. Yes, sir, right away. I sure hope you find me good enough.

[Speed]

Take me on, sir.

[Mr. Randall]

Well, we'll see. We'll see, Speed. Well, come on now, let's get over there.

[Jerry]

Okay. Come on, Rags.

[Speed]

That dog is plenty size.

[Jerry]

Ha ha, you bet he is.

[Mr. Randall]

Yeah, I should say, friend. You know, Rags is one of our star performers.

[Speed]

That so? He's a cute little fella, all right.

[Mr. Randall]

Tell me a little about yourself, Speed.

[Speed]

Well, sir, there's not a whole lot to tell, Mr. Anderson.

[Mr. Randall]

How'd you happen to be such a fast runner?

[Speed]

Well, I guess running just runs in my family.

[Mr. Randall]

And did you ever do any professional running?

[Speed]

Oh, yes, I work county fairs and the like. I'm an actor, all right.

[Jerry]

That doesn't make you an actor, Speed.

[Mr. Randall]

Well, Jerry, the point is he's worked before audiences and that's what I'm interested in.

[Speed]

Oh, yes, I've been before the public

[Mr. Randall]

quite a bit, sir. Well, that's good. If this stunt of racing a horse works out, you might build yourself into quite an attraction. Now, first I'll have to see just how fast you really are.

[Jerry]

Ride in this way, Speed. Come on, Rags.

[Mr. Randall]

Here we are. No one around. Well, that's just as well.

[Jerry]

Oh, here comes Herman with Lady.

[Mr. Randall]

Lady?

[Jerry]

That's okay, Mr. Randall. She's plenty fast.

[Mr. Randall]

Now look, Speed, here's a track. It runs all the way around. Yes, sir. Do you think you could run all the way from here? Clear around and back again?

[Speed]

I don't like to toot my own horn too much, sir, but that's just a warm up run for me, huh? Yes, I could run around any number time.

[Mr. Randall]

This is going to be good. Of course, sir.

[Speed]

You'll have to make allowances for the fact that I'm not in good condition. But if you take mine, sir, and I do a bit of running every day, well, I'll really run, sir.

[Mr. Randall]

Well, if you're anywhere near as good as you say you are, I don't think you'll have to worry much about a job.

[Jerry]

Right over here, Herman.

[Mr. Randall]

All right, Jeremy.

[Jerry]

Didn't take Whitey long to get that horse out.

[Mr. Randall]

No, no, that was quick work.

[Jerry]

Be quiet. Ranks.

[Mr. Randall]

There she is. All settled. All right. Thanks, Herman. That's okay, Mr. Randall. Shall I wait? Yeah, just stand over there and you can take lady back. When we're finished, I'll get up on. Yeah, all right, Jerry. Oh. Are you ready, Speed? Yes, sir. All right. Now, listen, Jerry. I'll give the signal to start. You ride lady as fast as you can and don't try to hold her down.

[Jerry]

Okay, Mr. Randall.

[Mr. Randall]

Get right alongside the horse feed. All right, here we go. Get ready. Get set. Go.

[Patsy]

What's going on here, Mr.

[Jerry]

Ransom? Oh.

[Mr. Randall]

Oh. Oh, yeah. Come on in, Patsy.

[Boris Rusoff]

Me, too?

[Mr. Randall]

Oh, sure. Come on, Boris, Have a look at this.

[Boris Rusoff]

A man racing a horse.

[Patsy]

He's ahead of the horse.

[Mr. Randall]

Ride, Jerry, Ride. That boy's all right. Yeah. Good work, Speed.

[Patsy]

I don't believe I've ever in my life seen anyone run so fast.

[Boris Rusoff]

It is truly remarkable. I would never believe such a thing could be possible.

[Mr. Randall]

Yes, sir. Yes, sir. That's a clever turn.

[Patsy]

Come on, Derry. Come on.

[Mr. Randall]

No. Hey, it's no use now. That boy, Speed, is going to cross the finish line yards in front of lady and Jerry. Wonderful. Good work, Speed.

[Speed]

I wasn't quite used to the footing. I'll.

[Mr. Randall]

Take your time, Speed. Get your wind.

[Patsy]

My, that's quite a stunt.

[Mr. Randall]

Thank you kindly, ma'.

[Jerry]

Am. I tried as hard as I could to beat him, Mr. Randall.

[Mr. Randall]

It was all right, Jerry.

[Speed]

I could run a better race than that.

[Mr. Randall]

Well, that's good enough. Well, I've got to get back to the office wagon. You want to come along with me, Speed?

[Speed]

You better will, sir.

[Mr. Randall]

Thank you kindly, sir. You'll excuse me patching Boris. Say. Say, Boris.

[Boris Rusoff]

Yes, Mr. Randall?

[Mr. Randall]

Say, how did you get that eye of yours banged up like that?

[Boris Rusoff]

I. I bumped into a door.

[Mr. Randall]

Oh. Oh, say, that's too bad. I didn't notice it during the matinee this afternoon.

[Boris Rusoff]

I know, sir. I. I cover it with makeup.

[Mr. Randall]

Oh, yeah, I see. Well, hope it clears up soon. Well, it's wrong, everybody.

[Patsy]

Goodbye, Mr. Randall.

[Boris Rusoff]

Randall, goodbye.

[Jerry]

Hey, what do you think of my discovery, Patsy?

[Patsy]

Oh, he's about the fastest human I ever saw.

[Jerry]

I discovered him.

[Boris Rusoff]

You did?

[Jerry]

Uh huh. And by the way, you should thank him for getting Rex back.

[Boris Rusoff]

Oh, I see. The fella that ran up the hill and caught my horse.

[Jerry]

That's him.

[Mr. Randall]

Shall I take lady back to the horse stop now?

[Jerry]

Yeah. Thanks Herman.

[Mr. Randall]

Okay. Come on, Lady.

[Boris Rusoff]

I will thank him. I'll go to him and thank him personally.

[Jerry]

I figured the act out too.

[Patsy]

Oh, what do you mean, Jerry?

[Jerry]

Well, I mean the idea of him racing with a horse.

[Patsy]

Very clever, Jerry, very clever. You're quite a little showman.

[Jerry]

Gee, I sure hope Mr. Randall takes him on.

[Boris Rusoff]

I don't think you have to worry about that. It looked like he was all ready to talk business.

[Jerry]

Well, I gotta get back to the wagon. Bumps will wonder where I am. You gonna walk over that way?

[Boris Rusoff]

No, Jerry, Patsy and I are going to walk the other way.

[Jerry]

Okay. Well, I'll be seeing you. So long. Come on, Rags.

[Patsy]

Rags. Why, I saw him over the wagon with bumps.

[Jerry]

Well, can you imagine that? Running away and not watching me ride, lady, you're public.

[Patsy]

Goodbye, Jerry.

[Boris Rusoff]

Now, what were you going to say? Patsy.

[Patsy]

Oh, yes, Boris. I wanted you to tell me some more of your plans for that South American trip.

[Boris Rusoff]

You might be interested in my proposition.

[Patsy]

Well, I don't know yet, Boris, but what little you told me sounds good.

[Boris Rusoff]

And it is good. My dear Patsy, you do not think for one minute Boris Rusoff would go into anything unless it was the best kind of a deal?

[Patsy]

I shouldn't think so.

[Boris Rusoff]

You can trust a man of my caliber. And my business ability is the best.

[Patsy]

Yes, but Olga said that there's always a certain amount of risk in taking a circus to a foreign country.

[Boris Rusoff]

He is very conservative, Patsy. But you should know I would not want you to put your money into something that would be. Would not be a safe investment for you. I would not be so heartless.

[Patsy]

Tell me, Boris, just how much of an interest in the show could I get for my $20,000?

[Boris Rusoff]

I should say roughly about a fourth interest. And that means you would receive a fourth of all the Prof. Besides, of course, your salary is a star attraction. I might add that your salary would be a very generous one.

[Mr. Randall]

It.

[Boris Rusoff]

Doesn't that sound good?

[Patsy]

Yes, it does.

[Boris Rusoff]

Just think, visiting all the gay cities of Brazil and Argentina and making lots of money while you are having a wonderful time.

[Patsy]

I'll give it some serious thought. Bar.

[Boris Rusoff]

Not a word to anyone about this. Patsy, you understand that until it is all settled, I wouldn't want my name connected with this thing.

[Patsy]

No, no, I'll be careful.

[Boris Rusoff]

Bart, that is connected. And I know you have very excellent

[Patsy]

business judgment right here, Mr. Randle.

[Mr. Randall]

Where's Jerry? Did he leave?

[Boris Rusoff]

Yes, he did, just a minute ago.

[Mr. Randall]

Where'd he go? Over at the Horse Top?

[Patsy]

No, he went over to the wagon, I think.

[Jerry]

Anything important?

[Mr. Randall]

Yes, I want him to come over to the office wagon. A package just arrived for him from Richard Grayson.

[Patsy]

Oh, I bet it's the contents of that safety deposit box. I'll go tell him, Mr. Randall. I'll have him come over right away.

[Mr. Randall]

Good. I'll be waiting for him.

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