Jerry of the Circus - Speed's Tricks Fool Jerry

Summary

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Podcast Summary: "Jerry of the Circus – Speed's Tricks Fool Jerry"

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Air Date: May 14, 2026
Episode: Jerry of the Circus – Speed's Tricks Fool Jerry

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Overview

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.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Rainy Day Worries at the Circus

• [02:09] The episode opens with Mr. Randall, Jim, and Jerry discussing the impact of rain on circus business and their financial concerns.
  • Notable exchange:
    • Jim: "It breaks my heart to see the midway deserted like this." (02:19)
    • Mr. Randall: "The weatherman couldn't have picked a worse time for us." (02:22)
  • The circus is facing financial setbacks and has a crucial payment due soon.
  • Jerry is eager to help and feels empathetic about the circus’ struggles.

2. Mysterious Letter from the Railroad

• [03:47] Mr. Randall presents Jerry with a significant letter addressed to Jerry’s late father, Timothy Dugan, from the Montana Overland Railroad Company.
  • Discussion Highlights:
    • The letter inquires about property ownership in Montana, suggesting a potential business deal or opportunity.
    • Jerry is surprised and puzzled: "As far as I know, dad didn't have anything to do with railroads except to ride on ‘em." (04:12)
    • Mr. Randall offers to respond, confirming Jerry is the rightful heir: "I'll wire them that you're Timothy Dugan's heir...and they can get in touch with you here if they want to." (05:56)

3. Mischief with Missing Cats and Dogs

• [06:04] The mood lightens as Jerry, Mr. Randall, Jim, and Speed notice strange cat noises and suspect a chase involving Jerry’s dog, Rags.
  • There are sounds of cats but no sight of them, causing confusion and amusement.
  • Comedic moment:
    • Jim: "What gets me is I can't find either of these cats." (07:58)
    • Jerry: "Neither can I... there's something fishy about all this." (08:00)

4. The Revelation: Speed’s Ventriloquist Prank

• [08:12] The real trick is revealed when it turns out Speed Stunt is a talented ventriloquist, expertly imitating the cat sounds to play a prank on the group.
  • Memorable quotable exchange:
    • Jerry: "You mean to say that you've been making that meowing?" (08:55)
    • Speed: "Sure, that did." (08:58)
    • Jim: "And here I thought I was going batty for a few minutes." (09:31)
  • The group is both impressed and relieved, turning confusion into laughter.

5. Planning the Next Big Prank

• [10:11] Jerry, energized by Speed’s trick, wants to collaborate on the next prank—suggesting the unsuspecting and excitable Major as their target.
  • Planning details:
    • Speed proposes doing a phantom voice trick in the Major’s room, leveraging his ventriloquism.
    • The team considers how to gather intel on the Major’s superstitions to make the prank more effective.
    • Jerry enthusiastically agrees and sets off, showing the playful, tight-knit spirit among the circus folk.

6. Closing and Looking Ahead

• [11:00] Mr. Randall affirms his trust but advises against any trick that could hurt or interfere with the show.
  • Notable quote:
    • Mr. Randall: “I ought to open a vaudeville house in the winter and keep all you folks busy.” (10:43)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

| 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.” |

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• Financial worries and the rainy day impact: 02:09 – 03:39
• The mysterious letter & property discussion: 03:47 – 06:04
• The invisible cats mystery: 06:04 – 08:12
• Speed’s ventriloquism reveal: 08:12 – 09:37
• Prank-planning with Jerry and Speed: 10:11 – 12:59
• Mr. Randall’s advice and show wrap-up: 10:43 – 11:14

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Tone & Atmosphere

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.

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Summary

“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.

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Transcript

[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 [e-mail] 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 [e-mail] 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.