
Jerry of the Circus - Speed's Tricks Fool Jerry - 12/16/1937
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Liberty Mutual Agent
And, Doug, there's nowhere I wouldn't go to help someone customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual. Even if it means sitting front row at a comedy show.
Jerry
Hey, everyone, check out this guy and his bird. What is this, your first date?
Carvana Customer
Oh, no.
Liberty Mutual Agent
We help people customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual.
Jerry
Together.
Liberty Mutual Agent
We're married. Me to a human, him to a bird.
Mr. Randall
Yeah, the bird looks out of your league.
Liberty Mutual Agent
Anyways, get a quote@libertymutual.com or with your local agent.
Jim
Liberty. Liberty. Liberty. Liberty.
Mr. Randall
Jerry of the Circus. Now for Jerry of the Circus.
Jerry
What a day.
Jim
I tell you, boss, one minute the sun's out, the next minute there's a cloud burst.
Mr. Randall
It looked at noontime like we'd be doing marvelous business at the matinee.
Jerry
Yeah.
Jim
Now look. It breaks my heart to see the midway deserted like this.
Mr. Randall
Yeah, the weatherman couldn't have picked a worse time for us.
Jim
Well, that's the brakes. Hey, wonder where Jerry is. He ought to be here by now.
Mr. Randall
Oh, he'll be long soon. I sent for him. And with his curiosity, he won't be able to wait.
Jim
I sure hope this shower lets up before the night show.
Mr. Randall
Oh, wow, that sounded pretty close.
Jim
Too close to suit me. Hey, did you see that lightning?
Mr. Randall
Yeah.
Jim
Listen to that thunder. Hey, I don't blame my old Uncle Alfie for always crawling under the bed.
Mr. Randall
Yeah, I've heard that some people hide their heads during these storms. Personally, I would miss him for anything.
Jim
Yeah, well, that's one thing I just as soon do without. Say, boss.
Mr. Randall
Yeah?
Jim
Think we'll have to put out a Runway for the night show.
Mr. Randall
Well, let's wait an hour and see if it clears up.
Jim
Well, at least we're getting one break out of this thing. It's sandy ground. The water pretty much runs off.
Mr. Randall
Yeah, if it weren't for that banknote coming up, I wouldn't begrudge this storm at all. We've had pretty good luck this season,
Jim
except for little things like a cyclone, a fire and a runaway train. A few things like that.
Mr. Randall
As a matter of fact, I was only thinking about the rain and we've had pretty clear weather most of the time.
Jim
Yeah, but this shower sure hits us bad when you consider the cash we gotta have in a day or two.
Mr. Randall
Well, maybe we'll make it up for tonight. Sounds like it's letting up a little bit now.
Jim
That must be Jerry.
Mr. Randall
Come on in, the door's unlocked. Hello, Jerry.
Jerry
I said you got something important for
Mr. Randall
me, Mr. Randall, and you got wet. Jerry.
Jerry
No, I ran between the drops. Hey, what did you want, Mr. Randall?
Mr. Randall
Well, I don't know how important it is, but it has all the earmarks. A big bill, see?
Jerry
That sounds exciting. What is it?
Mr. Randall
A letter from the MO Railroad.
Jerry
MO Railroad?
Mr. Randall
Montana Overland Railroad Company.
Jerry
For me?
Mr. Randall
Well, indirectly. It's addressed to your father, Timothy Dugan.
Jim
Oh.
Mr. Randall
I took the liberty of opening it, Jerry.
Jerry
Sure, that's okay.
Mr. Randall
I thought it might be an advertisement or something, but it's a personal business letter.
Jerry
Yeah, well, that's funny. As far as I know, dad didn't have anything to do with railroads except a ride on him.
Mr. Randall
Well, here you are, Jerry.
Speed Stunt
You read it.
Jim
Hmm.
Jerry
Sure looks important on the stationary. Say, that's funny.
Mr. Randall
What's funny?
Jerry
How'd they find out dad owned that property up there in Montana?
Mr. Randall
Oh, it's easy enough to check on those things, Jerry. Most deeds to property are recorded. You just have to go to the county registrar's office and check the records.
Jerry
Oh, but look, Mr. Randall, why would a railroad be interested in what was going to be a dude ranch?
Mr. Randall
Well, your guess is as good as mine, Jerry.
Jerry
It's be to going got me. All they seem to want to know is if dad still owns that property.
Mr. Randall
Must be important or they wouldn't tell him to wire collect.
Jerry
Yeah, someplace it says. Here it is. Please notify us immediately by wire collect, as time is an important factor in this deal. Deal does sound like business, all right.
Jim
Sure does.
Jerry
All they really want to know is the address of the property owner.
Jim
Look, the sun's coming out.
Mr. Randall
Oh, say, you're right, Jim. I didn't notice it had stopped raining. Oh, that's fine. Now, if it'll only hold off until after the show tonight.
Jerry
Oh, I like the rain.
Mr. Randall
Well, so do I, but not when it hurts business.
Jim
Maybe we'll make this payment yet, boss.
Mr. Randall
I hope so. But what with the strike and all the unexpected setbacks we had, it doesn't look too good.
Jim
Gosh, I'd sure hate for you to have to borrow again. The interest is fierce on a loan like that.
Jerry
Gee, I sure wish there was something I could do.
Mr. Randall
Oh, here, here, Jim. We shouldn't talk like this in front of Jerry. Well, don't you worry, Jerry. I've been in worse spots than.
Jim
Yeah, come out alive, too.
Jerry
I can see that. Well, I hate to bother you about this, but. Well, what do you think I better do about this letter, Mr. Randall?
Mr. Randall
Well, I'll tell you what, Jerry. I'll wire them that you're Timothy Dugan's heir and Own the property and are with the circus. And they can get in touch with you here if they want to.
Jerry
Say thanks, Mr. Randall. I sure appreciate it. What's going on? Sounds like Rags and a cad. By golly, it is. Rags. Hey, Rags. Rags.
Mr. Randall
Where is he, Jerry?
Jerry
Rags. Hey, Rags, come here. Yeah, I don't know. That's funny. Sounded like it was right out here. All over there, Speed. Hey, have you seen Rags?
Speed Stunt
No. I ain't sure, though. I reckon I heard him a spellback.
Jerry
Well, I'd have sworn I heard him out here. And a cat, too. Oh, there you are, Rags. Hey, where have you been, huh? I thought I heard a cat, too. So you been fighting, huh? You ought to be ashamed of yourself.
Mr. Randall
Look at him wag his tail. He doesn't look like a guilty dog to me.
Jerry
He's all out of breath. Where have you been, Rags?
Speed Stunt
Huh?
Mr. Randall
Maybe he just came running around when he heard you call him.
Jerry
See, there is a cat around here.
Jim
Sounded like it came from that tree over there.
Mr. Randall
Well, there goes Rags.
Jerry
Rags, did you chase a cat up that tree?
Jim
That's funny. I can't see a cat up there.
Jerry
I can't either.
Mr. Randall
Hey, I think there's another cat. Yeah, sounds like it came from the top of the wagon. Maybe there's two cats.
Speed Stunt
Reckon you must have heard a cat far.
Jim
Oh.
Mr. Randall
Oh, now I see the light. Well, you ought to know, Speed.
Speed Stunt
Why would speed know, Mr. Randall? Hours is how I was out here. And the rest of you was inside the office wagon.
Jerry
Yeah. Did you see a fight, Speed?
Mr. Randall
No, I was just walking along kind
Speed Stunt
of slow when I come.
Jerry
It sure is funny we can't see it. Cat. If there's one up on that tent,
Jim
it certainly seems to come from there. Yeah, but no, no, it's come from that tree again.
Jerry
Hey, look at poor Rags. He doesn't know where to go.
Mr. Randall
Poor little pup, he's frantic. Speed, we don't want to get Rags too excited.
Jim
What gets me is I can't find either of these cats.
Jerry
Neither can I if he asked me. There's something fishy about all this. Here, Rags. Now, quiet. Come here, Rags.
Mr. Randall
Cure.
Jerry
Boy, there's something going on around here and I can't quite figure it all out.
Mr. Randall
Okay, Speed, shall we. Shall we call it a day?
Speed Stunt
I reckon so, Mr. Randall, sir, if you think that's enough.
Jerry
What are you talking about?
Mr. Randall
Well, Jerry, it's Speed Stunt. You better let him tell you about it.
Jerry
Done. You mean to say. Say, just what is all this?
Jim
Maybe we're nuts, Jerry. First as A cat in a dog fight. We tear out of here and no cat or dog. And you call and along come as rag his. And we hear cats up in the tree and on top of the tents, but no cats. Well, I guess I'd better get out of this business before it's too late. I'm slipping.
Mr. Randall
Yeah. Come on, Speed. You'd better break down.
Speed Stunt
Well, all right, sir. You see, Jerry, I was brought up in a farm. Well, I guess I just took natural like to animals. Anyhow.
Mr. Randall
I got to imitate.
Jerry
You mean to say that you've been making that meowing?
Speed Stunt
Sure, that did.
Jim
Now, listen, I heard that meowing coming from that tree. No one can fool me about that.
Jerry
So did I, and from the tent top, too. You couldn't have done it, Speed.
Speed Stunt
Well, then, supposing you tell me where you'd like to hear it come from. Now, Jerry.
Jerry
Oh, back of Mr. Randall.
Jim
Say, what in the dickens are these animals doing around here?
Mr. Randall
Does that satisfy you, Jerry? They came from in back of me, all right. Even made me jump.
Jerry
But. Well, how can you do it, send your voice around like that?
Jim
A ventriloquist? Well, of all things. And here I thought I was going batty for a few minutes.
Jerry
You sure make a swell chicken. He's good, isn't he?
Mr. Randall
Good enough to fool me the other day.
Jerry
Then you knew about it all the time.
Mr. Randall
Sure. I promised to keep it a secret so he could have some fun with you folks.
Jerry
Well, it sure is a wonderful trick, isn't it, Randy? We almost had you going in circles, huh, Pop? I'll say. This is great. Hey, does anybody else know about his speed?
Speed Stunt
No. Looks as how you all are my first subject.
Jerry
See, I'd sure like to pull a trick on someone and be in on it.
Mr. Randall
That's not. Just like a boy. You no sooner fall for a joke than you want to go out and try it on someone else.
Jerry
Well, you got a kick out of watching Jim and me and Rag.
Mr. Randall
Yeah, I certainly did. Well, Jim, I'm afraid we've got work to do. Shall we let these pranksters cook up their next devilry alone?
Jim
It's okay with me, Boss. Is not a cloud in the sky. Maybe we'll clean up tonight.
Mr. Randall
Oh, oh, and Jerry, I'll. I'll get that wire off right away to the Amo railroad.
Jerry
Oh, thanks, Mr. Randall.
Mr. Randall
And I'll leave you and Jerry's hand, Speed. But I'm warning you, tricks are all right, providing you don't do anything that'll hurt anyone or interfere with the show.
Jerry
Don't you worry, Mr. Randall. We'll be careful.
Mr. Randall
I'm beginning to think that with all the talent I've got around here, I ought to open a vaudeville house in the winter and keep all you folks busy.
Jerry
Oh, say, that'd be keen. Hey, would you really do that, Mr. Randall?
Mr. Randall
Oh, I'm afraid not. Jerry's just an idea.
Jerry
Well, gee, it's a swell one.
Mr. Randall
No, no, if I'm going to run a circus, Jerry, it's an all year round job. I can't divide my interest. Well, so long.
Speed Stunt
Bye, sir. And thanks, Mr. Randall, for not letting the folks in on the Joe.
Mr. Randall
Oh, yeah. Be sure and check with me in the morning, Jerry. I should get a return wire by then. I'm sure.
Jerry
You bet. I'll be around. So long.
Mr. Randall
So long.
Speed Stunt
Come on, Rags, old boy. We won't hold a little joke in
Jerry
me, will you, Jersey, won't you? Had as much fun out of it as we did, didn't you, Rags? Now listen, Speed, we gotta think of a humdinger this time. What can we do?
Speed Stunt
Well, I don't know. Appears like you'd be a pretty good one to figure that one out.
Jerry
Well, we might do something when all the folks are together or can't do
Speed Stunt
anything during the show, you know.
Jerry
Or we might do something during supper, then everyone's around.
Speed Stunt
Reckon I might be able to make a noise like couple of mice on the table.
Jerry
Say, that sure get the women, but, well, most of the men wouldn't mind much.
Speed Stunt
The main trouble is that it's so noisy in there. Be hard to be heard above the clatter dishes and voices.
Jerry
Hey, I've got it.
Jim
What?
Jerry
The Major.
Speed Stunt
The Major? Who's he?
Jerry
Jiminy Willikers. Haven't you met him yet?
Speed Stunt
Can't say as how I have, Jerry.
Jerry
He's about the most important person in the show. If you count it according to the square inch, he's a midget. Major might swell when you get to know him, but he gets so excited about things that, well, he'd be a natural to play a trick on.
Speed Stunt
He ain't superstitious, is he?
Jerry
I'll see he goes to Rosarazzi all the time when things go wrong.
Speed Stunt
Who's this here? Rosa?
Jim
Rox?
Jerry
Roxy. Oh, she's a fortune teller. She's good too.
Speed Stunt
I'm beginning to get the glim of an eye de Jerry. If you think this here midget's a good enough spot to stand it.
Jerry
Why, sure, he'll blow off an awful lot of steam, but. Oh, he's swell when he once gets over things.
Speed Stunt
You think he might fall for a ghost?
Jerry
You mean a sheet and everything?
Speed Stunt
Just a voice that comes from the ceiling of his own rule.
Jerry
I get you. I say, that'd be a whale of an idea. You reckon he'd fall for like a ton of brick? If I only knew something about him. You know, about some of his ancestors.
Speed Stunt
Appears to me like you're smart enough to get that information.
Jerry
You bet I am. A G. Speed, let's do it. You willing?
Speed Stunt
Sure.
Jerry
Swell. Right. Now, Rags and me, we've got a job to do. If you don't mind, I think we'll go visit the major, then we'll get together at dinner. Okay, Speed?
Speed Stunt
Sure thing.
Mr. Randall
Be seen.
Speed Stunt
You, Jerry Long Ranger.
Liberty Mutual Agent
And Doug. There's nowhere I wouldn't go to help someone customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual. Even if it means sitting front row at a comedy show.
Jerry
Hey, everyone. Check out this guy and his bird. What is this, your first date?
Carvana Customer
Oh, no.
Liberty Mutual Agent
We help people customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual together. We're married. Me to a human, him to a bird.
Jerry
Yeah, the bird looks out of your league.
Liberty Mutual Agent
Anyways, get a quote@libertymutual.com or with your local agent.
Jim
Liberty, Liberty. Liberty. Liberty.
Carvana Customer
I sold my car in Carvana last night.
Speed Stunt
Well, that's cool.
Carvana Customer
No, you don't understand. It went perfectly. Real offer down to the penny. They're picking it up tomorrow. Nothing went wrong.
Jerry
So what's the problem?
Carvana Customer
That is the problem. Nothing in my life goes as smoothly. I'm waiting for the catch.
Jerry
Maybe there's no catch.
Carvana Customer
That's exactly what a catch would want me to think.
Jerry
Wow.
Mr. Randall
You need to relax.
Carvana Customer
I need to knock on wood. Do we have. What is this? Table wood?
Jerry
I think it's laminate.
Carvana Customer
Okay. Yeah, that's good.
Jerry
That's close enough car selling without a catch. Sell your car today on Carvana.
Mr. Randall
Pick up.
Jerry
These may apply.
Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Air Date: May 14, 2026
Episode: Jerry of the Circus – Speed's Tricks Fool Jerry
This episode of Harold's Old Time Radio features a classic “Jerry of the Circus” radio play, diving into a rainy day under the big top. The story blends business worries, friendly mischief, and a delightful ventriloquism prank that leaves young Jerry and the circus crew bemused and entertained. The episode is full of warmth and camaraderie, with a nostalgic look at circus life and clever tricks.
| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote/Exchange | |-----------|----------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 02:19 | Jim | "It breaks my heart to see the midway deserted like this." | | 04:12 | Jerry | "As far as I know, dad didn't have anything to do with railroads except to ride on ‘em." | | 05:56 | Mr. Randall | "I'll wire them that you're Timothy Dugan's heir…and they can get in touch with you here." | | 08:55 | Jerry | "You mean to say that you've been making that meowing?" | | 08:58 | Speed Stunt | "Sure, that did." | | 09:31 | Jim | "And here I thought I was going batty for a few minutes." | | 10:43 | Mr. Randall | “I ought to open a vaudeville house in the winter and keep all you folks busy.” |
The episode radiates the camaraderie, warmth, and playful humor typical of family radio from the Golden Age. The banter is lighthearted and genuine, with a gentle mix of mischief and responsibility that makes the world of “Jerry of the Circus” both relatable and enchanting. The central prank adds heartwarming fun, underscoring the power of clever entertainment and teamwork under the big top.
“Speed’s Tricks Fool Jerry” is a charming episode capturing the spirit of circus life—its challenges, joys, and mischievous moments. While the circus faces real-world setbacks, the family-like crew finds time for laughter and creativity. Speed’s ventriloquism not only enlivens a rainy day but brings everyone together in the best tradition of classic radio storytelling.