Jerry of the Circus - Spike Is Suspected

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Jerry of the Circus – "Spike Is Suspected"

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Date: May 15, 2026

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Episode Overview

This episode of Jerry of the Circus transports listeners back to the performance grounds of a classic traveling circus. The main theme revolves around camaraderie among circus performers, a young star's exciting act with an elephant, and a deepening mystery surrounding a suspicious character, Spike. As the episode unfolds, listeners are treated to a blend of charming show business banter, behind-the-scenes looks at circus life, and the first hints of a potential crime within the circus community.

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Key Discussion Points & Narrative Highlights

1. Joe Hadley’s New Clown Routine (00:05 – 07:06)

• Setting the Stage: Jerry, accompanied by his dog Rags and Mr. Randall, is eager to watch Joe Hadley's new clown act, designed as a novelty to entertain incoming guests.
• Clown Antics: Mr. Hadley, in his debut as a clown, interacts with the audience by shaking hands, joking, and even leading guests playfully towards the lion cage, sparking laughter without offense.
• Performer Praise: Admiration flows for Hadley's natural comedic instincts, especially given his lack of formal clowning experience.
  • Quote (Mr. Randall, 02:58): "By just being a good judge of human nature. You can sort of tell a person that'll stand a joke. You just read it in his face."
• Performance Dynamics: Bumps and others in the troupe observe and compliment Hadley's fast, surprising comedic timing, with guests responding with laughter and delight.
• Hadley’s Aspirations: Hadley admits he "wouldn’t mind being with the circus the rest of [his] life" (07:01).

Memorable Moment:

• Hadley’s Lion Cage Gag (03:45)
  • The clown’s joke of leading patrons to the lion cage is a crowd-pleaser and highlights the spirited, good-natured atmosphere of the circus.

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2. Jerry’s Elephant Star Turn (07:09 – 10:00)

• Preparations Begin: Jerry prepares to star in his act with El Mundo, the elephant.
• Performance Description: The act features Jerry walking on El Mundo’s trunk, swinging from a hanging seat, and being balanced atop the elephant’s head.
  • Quote (Joe Hadley, 08:47): "Well, of all things... Well, now he's swinging him around in a big circle. Well, that boy sure has nerve."
  • Quote (Bumps, 09:08): "And he's setting him up on his head. Now, how's that for a trick?"
• Audience Reaction: Mr. Randall, Bumps, and Hadley are impressed, particularly with Jerry’s courage and the elephant’s discipline.
• A Touch of Circus Insider Info: Bumps reveals El Mundo is Spanish, and Jerry had to give his act’s commands in Spanish, showcasing the depth of circus culture.

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3. Unfolding Suspicion: The Spike Mystery (10:05 – 12:39)

• Interrupted News: Mr. Randall repeatedly tries to learn about the content of a telegram Joe Hadley received regarding "Spike."
• Revelation: Finally alone, Hadley reveals Spike's real name is Max Peters, a former cellmate of a counterfeiter named Slippery Tonetti.
  • Quote (Joe Hadley, 11:13): "The warden of the prison said in the telegram that Spike's real name is Max Peters."
• Counterfeit Suspicions: There’s speculation that Spike and Slippery may have created a scheme to pass counterfeit money along the circus tour route.
  • Quote (Joe Hadley, 11:35): "There's a possibility that Slippery and Spike worked out a deal where Spike would get rid of a lot of this bad money."
• Cautious Accusations: While Hadley acknowledges Spike was previously framed for another crime, he feels responsible to investigate.
  • Quote (Joe Hadley, 12:21): "Of course, until we can get something on him, he's innocent. But between you and me, I think I've got something pretty good to work on."
• Randall's Doubt: Mr. Randall is hesitant to believe Spike could be guilty, hoping Hadley is wrong.
• Hadley's Dedication: Joe vows to shadow Spike and uncover the truth about the counterfeit bills troubling the circus.

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Notable Quotes & Timestamps

| Speaker | Quote | Timestamp | |-----------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------| | Mr. Randall | "By just being a good judge of human nature. You can sort of tell a person that'll stand a joke. You just read it in his face." | 02:58 | | Joe Hadley | "Well, of all things... Well, now he's swinging him around in a big circle. Well, that boy sure has nerve." | 08:47 | | Bumps | "And he's setting him up on his head. Now, how's that for a trick?" | 09:08 | | Joe Hadley | "The warden of the prison said in the telegram that Spike's real name is Max Peters." | 11:13 | | Joe Hadley | "There's a possibility that Slippery and Spike worked out a deal where Spike would get rid of a lot of this bad money." | 11:35 | | Joe Hadley | "Of course, until we can get something on him, he's innocent. But between you and me, I think I've got something pretty good to work on." | 12:21 |

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Episode Structure – Important Segments & Timestamps

• 00:05 – 07:06: Clown routine debut and circus banter.
• 07:09 – 10:00: Jerry’s act with El Mundo, showcasing circus skill and teamwork.
• 10:05 – 12:39: Suspicion and intrigue: discussion of Spike’s past, the counterfeit money theory, and Hadley’s investigative resolve.

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Tone and Atmosphere

• Lighthearted, Warm, Nostalgic: During circus banter and performance descriptions.
• Cautious, Suspenseful: As the mystery of Spike and the counterfeit bills unfolds.

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Summary Takeaway

This episode spotlights the unique charm of circus life through lighthearted performances and camaraderie, while weaving in a deepening intrigue about hidden criminal activity within the troupe. Listeners are left anticipating further developments in the investigation of Spike’s possible involvement in a counterfeiting scheme, as Joe Hadley steps into the role of amateur detective.

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Transcript

[Mr. Randall]

Jerry of the circus.

[Jerry]

Sam.

[Mr. Randall]

Sari of the circus.

[Jerry]

Cut it out, Rags. How can I keep my mind in my whistle? You don't like my whistling? So that's why you were barking. It's Mr. Randall.

[Mr. Randall]

What are you heading for, Jerry?

[Jerry]

Oh, I was just going over to the pad room to see Mr. Hadley's

[Mr. Randall]

A. Oh, two great minds with a single thought, huh, Jerry?

[Jerry]

What do you mean, Mr. Andle?

[Mr. Randall]

Well, I was just going to do the very same thing. Hi, Rags, old fella. Come on, Jerry.

[Jerry]

Is he supposed to be a pretty

[Joe Hadley]

good clown, Mr. Hadley?

[Jerry]

Yeah.

[Mr. Randall]

Well, I don't know, Jerry. That's where I want to see his act.

[Jerry]

Oh, how come he goes on before all the rest? Is it something special?

[Mr. Randall]

Well, yes, you might call it special. He's going to try out a sort of a novelty, something he's always wanted to do. He's going to joke and clown with the audience while they're coming in.

[Jerry]

I'll bet that'll be good.

[Mr. Randall]

Where are you going, Jerry? Here's the pad room.

[Jerry]

Oh, I was listening so hard I forgot.

[Mr. Randall]

Yeah, Hadley's joking with the crowd. It'll be all right if he does it so as not to offend.

[Jerry]

Well, just what is he gonna do?

[Mr. Randall]

Oh, different things. He'll walk up to a couple of people that are coming in and shake hands with him.

[Jerry]

That's funny.

[Mr. Randall]

He might even walk up to some young lady and start dancing with her.

[Jerry]

If she was with her husband or some man. Well, maybe the man would get sorta mad about that.

[Mr. Randall]

That's right, Jerry. But of course, Hadley will size up his people before he does any joking with him.

[Jerry]

How can he do that?

[Mr. Randall]

Oh, by just being a good judge of human nature. You can sort of tell a person it'll stand a joke. You just read it in his face.

[Jerry]

Yeah, I know what you mean. If they're smiling and sort of happy. Well, they like a good joke, even if it's on them.

[Mr. Randall]

That's right.

[Jerry]

What else is he going to do?

[Mr. Randall]

Well, I guess he figures on having a little fun showing them to their seats.

[Jerry]

You mean you'll show them to the wrong seats?

[Mr. Randall]

Yeah. Look, Terry, there he is now. The folks are just starting to come in. Let's watch him.

[Jerry]

I don't see him, Mr. Randall. Where is he?

[Mr. Randall]

Over there by the entrance. See him now with the polka dot tie in derby hand?

[Jerry]

Oh, yeah, I see him now. Hey, look at he is shaking hands with those ladies. He's scared of me. Jumped in front of him so fast.

[Mr. Randall]

I'll bet he's having fun doing that, Jerry.

[Jerry]

Hey, now look, he. He's asking that man and lady for their tickets and they're giving them to him.

[Mr. Randall]

Let's watch now and see where he tells them their seats are.

[Jerry]

He. He's heading right for the big steel cage where Jason does his line at.

[Mr. Randall]

Yeah, that'll be pretty good if he shows him into a lion cage. That's a great place for a seat, all right.

[Jerry]

That's exactly what he's doing. Yeah, and they're following him too. Hey, look at. He's opening the door to the cage and dipping his hand. Oh, now they got wide. And they know it's a joke.

[Mr. Randall]

They're taking a kid in. Good naturely. In fact, they're getting a laugh out of themselves.

[Jerry]

Oh, now there goes Mr. Hadley back over the entrance to meet someone else.

[Mr. Randall]

Yeah, it's going to work out all right. It's an amusing piece of business. It's really funny.

[Bumps]

What's so funny?

[Mr. Randall]

I'm not on yet. Jerry and I are just watching Joe Hadley do his turn out there where the audiences are coming. All right, Rat.

[Bumps]

Well, it sure must be funny to get a laugh like that out of you, Sam.

[Jerry]

It is funny, bumps. Mr. Hadley goes right up to strangers and shakes hands with them and then does all sorts of funny things.

[Joe Hadley]

Is he getting away with it?

[Mr. Randall]

Well, he sure is. I guess the clown makeup helps him along. Person could hardly take offense at anything a funny looking clown would do.

[Bumps]

Where is he now?

[Jerry]

Right over there by the entrance.

[Bumps]

Guess my old eyes are getting bad. I don't seem to be able to pick him out.

[Mr. Randall]

There he is, Bumps. He's dancing with a young lady now. You see him?

[Bumps]

Sure. That's good.

[Jerry]

Don't they get a surprise look on their faces though?

[Mr. Randall]

You think they would. He does everything so fast it shocks them. He's playing a joke on them before they have a chance to think what he's doing.

[Bumps]

For a man who hasn't done much clowning, he's doing good.

[Jerry]

Wasn't Mr. Hadley a clown before?

[Mr. Randall]

No, Jerry. At least not a professional one. But all his life he's wanted to be with a circus and be a clown. So as long as he has some time on his hands. He asked me if I wouldn't put him on.

[Bumps]

Here goes the warning. I'd better hurry.

[Jerry]

You're all right.

[Bumps]

Yeah, but my partner isn't.

[Mr. Randall]

Come on, rags.

[Bumps]

Here, boy. Come on now, get your collar on. We got a show to do.

[Jerry]

Now horse, your rags. Come on now.

[Bumps]

That's the fellas here you are, boy, all ready to go out and get your share of applause and laugh.

[Jerry]

There's Belco lining up at the back door. Yeah, see, that's sure some trick he does pulling that big wagon cage by his team.

[Bumps]

You bet that's a trick.

[Joe Hadley]

Well, come on, Rags. Come on, let's go.

[Mr. Randall]

He's gone.

[Jerry]

Don't I always? Well, Mujo's good and so am I. Yeah.

[Mr. Randall]

Don't let bumps kid you, Jerry. You bet you're all right. Fact is, as soon as we order new programs, I'm. I'm going to give you a full page spread.

[Jerry]

What's that?

[Mr. Randall]

Well, I'm going to have Jack Hastings take a big picture of you on El Mundo and put it in the program.

[Jerry]

Really?

[Mr. Randall]

I sure am. You've become an attraction and, well, we've got to give you your share of publicity.

[Jerry]

Oh, gee, thanks, Mr. Randall.

[Mr. Randall]

Okay, Jerry.

[Jerry]

Hey, look it. Here comes Mr. Hadley. I guess he's all through.

[Mr. Randall]

Oh, yeah. Yeah, that was all right, Joe. Very good.

[Jerry]

In fact, you sure were funny.

[Joe Hadley]

Well, I'm glad you liked it. Did go over pretty good at that. Folks seemed to get quite a bang out of it.

[Mr. Randall]

Yeah, no one minded the kidding either. I was surprised at that.

[Joe Hadley]

No, they took it like sports and they'd stand around, watch me, kid. The next one that came in gotta

[Jerry]

think up a lot more things to do.

[Joe Hadley]

Yes, I'll have to do that. Of course, this being the first time for me, I was a little backwards, but I'll get onto it.

[Mr. Randall]

Oh, you bet you will. Wouldn't surprise me if you turned out to be such a good clown. You'd give up your business altogether and stay with the circus.

[Joe Hadley]

That wouldn't surprise me any either. I don't think I'd mind a bit being with the circus the rest of my life.

[Jerry]

Well, I gotta start getting ready. I go on soon.

[Mr. Randall]

Oh, yeah. Olson's bringing El Mundo across the backyard now.

[Joe Hadley]

Is that big elephant El Mundo, by any chance?

[Jerry]

That's him, all right.

[Joe Hadley]

And you're going to do an act with that big fellow?

[Mr. Randall]

You bet he is. And a good act, too.

[Joe Hadley]

Well, I'll have to stick around to see that. You're pretty little to be doing tricks with a big animal.

[Jerry]

Oh, you like my aunt.

[Mr. Randall]

Well, Jerry, you'd better run along now and get set.

[Jerry]

Okay. See you later.

[Mr. Randall]

So long, Jerry.

[Jerry]

Be sure and watch me.

[Joe Hadley]

We'll be watching you.

[Mr. Randall]

Well, unless we're alone for a minute.

[Joe Hadley]

You want to talk to me, Mr. Randall?

[Mr. Randall]

Yeah. I wanted to know what was in that telegram that came for you, was it anything I should know about?

[Joe Hadley]

You bet. There was some startling information in that wire, much to my surprise. Spike is.

[Mr. Randall]

Quiet, quiet. Here comes Bumps. Let's change the subject.

[Joe Hadley]

As I was saying, Mr. Randall, I think the actor will improve as I go along from time to time. I'll just be. Get him, Rand.

[Mr. Randall]

You're making a lot of noise for a little dog.

[Bumps]

Watching the star turn, were you?

[Mr. Randall]

Yeah. Never get tired of watching you, Bumps.

[Bumps]

Oh, you mean me and my partner?

[Joe Hadley]

Yeah.

[Mr. Randall]

Oh, yes. We mustn't forget random.

[Bumps]

That's a mighty clever turn you do, Hadley. I got quite a kick out of it.

[Joe Hadley]

Thanks, Bumps.

[Mr. Randall]

Oh, there goes Jerry now.

[Joe Hadley]

Yeah. I want to see this.

[Bumps]

That boy sure is proud sitting up there on that elephant's head.

[Mr. Randall]

He's plenty proud of that uniform, too.

[Joe Hadley]

And he looks great in it.

[Bumps]

Look, look. Now he's walking down El Mundo's trunk.

[Joe Hadley]

That boy works like an old timer.

[Bumps]

Now he's fastening the little swing. Del Mundo's trunk.

[Joe Hadley]

What on earth is he going to do with that?

[Mr. Randall]

Well, that's one of his best.

[Bumps]

Yeah. Jerry gets in that little swing hanging from the elephant's trunk. And then the elephant swings him back and forth.

[Joe Hadley]

No, no, wait.

[Bumps]

There he goes. Now. Now, watch him.

[Joe Hadley]

Well, of all things. Well, just look at that. Well, now he's swinging him around in a big circle. Well, that boy sure has nerve.

[Mr. Randall]

Oh, well, he's. He's pretty certain El Mundo won't let the trick go wrong.

[Joe Hadley]

He'll have a hard time doing a better trick than that.

[Bumps]

You just watch the next stunt.

[Mr. Randall]

Yeah, there he goes.

[Joe Hadley]

Why. Why, he's letting the elephant pick him up with his trunk.

[Bumps]

And he's setting him up on his head. Now, how's that for a trick?

[Joe Hadley]

It's a good thing I am seeing this with my own eyes, or I'd never believe it.

[Mr. Randall]

Yeah. All right, now. Now watch El Mundo get up on his hind legs. There he goes.

[Joe Hadley]

Now what?

[Bumps]

You see? Just wait.

[Joe Hadley]

Why, he. He's waltzing that elephant around. Say, that is clever.

[Mr. Randall]

I never dreamed this act would turn out as well as it has.

[Bumps]

Didn't have any doubts about it. Those ends.

[Mr. Randall]

Well, I know. I thought that was just his enthusiasm, but the boy was right. The audience sure go for him in a big way.

[Bumps]

You say, Hadley?

[Joe Hadley]

Yeah?

[Bumps]

Did you know that that elephant was Spanish?

[Joe Hadley]

You don't say?

[Bumps]

Yep. Jerry had to learn quite a bit of the Spanish language before he could give his commands to El Mundo.

[Joe Hadley]

There's no end to the cleverness of these circus people.

[Mr. Randall]

Yeah, they're an ambitious lot, all right.

[Bumps]

If you excuse me now, I better go change for the clown band number.

[Mr. Randall]

Okay, bumps. See you after a while.

[Roustabout]

You bet.

[Bumps]

So long, Hadley.

[Joe Hadley]

Goodbye, bumps.

[Mr. Randall]

Now, what was it you were going to tell me about Spike?

[Joe Hadley]

Oh, yes, about that telegram. Well, it looks to me like we. We've got to keep our eyes on.

[Mr. Randall]

Wait. Wait a minute. Another interruption. Let's see what this fella wants.

[Joe Hadley]

It looks like I never will be able to tell you what was in that wire.

[Mr. Randall]

Oh, I'll get rid of him quick.

[Roustabout]

Mr. Randall.

[Mr. Randall]

Yeah, yeah, what is it?

[Roustabout]

I. I just went by the pay wagon and I. Yeah?

[Mr. Randall]

Yeah.

[Roustabout]

Well, I saw Jim Bennett and he told me something to tell you.

[Mr. Randall]

Yeah? Well, all right, all right. What is it?

[Roustabout]

Well, let me see.

[Joe Hadley]

Oh, yes.

[Roustabout]

He said something about having to send in some orders for some supplies. And he said he needed you to sign your signature on the orders or something like that.

[Mr. Randall]

All right, all right. I'll go over and sign the orders right away.

[Roustabout]

Yes, sir.

[Mr. Randall]

Well. Well, don't stand there. Go and tell Jim what I told you.

[Bumps]

Oh, yeah.

[Roustabout]

Yes, sir.

[Joe Hadley]

Who's he, Mr. Randall?

[Mr. Randall]

Oh, he's perfectly harmless fellow. Just one of the roustabouts. Been with me three or four seasons. Now, let's take a walk over to the office wagon. We can talk on the way.

[Joe Hadley]

Well, sir, about the wire.

[Mr. Randall]

Oh, yes, good. Go ahead.

[Joe Hadley]

Well, the warden of the prison said in the telegram that Spike's real name is Max Peters.

[Mr. Randall]

Yes, yes, I know that.

[Joe Hadley]

Well, he had a cellmate that was a pretty tough customer. A fellow called Slippery Tonetti. And he was doing time for counterfeiting.

[Mr. Randall]

What?

[Joe Hadley]

That looks bad, doesn't it?

[Mr. Randall]

Well, it doesn't look good.

[Joe Hadley]

The warden said this fellow Slippery and Spike were fairly friendly. What makes the picture look still worse is the fact that Slippery was released about a month before Spike.

[Mr. Randall]

Well, you don't think that Spike in that.

[Joe Hadley]

I was just coming to that. Now, there's a possibility that Slippery and Spike worked out a deal where Spike would get rid of a lot of this bad money.

[Mr. Randall]

It would be fairly easy traveling with the show. Going from one town to another almost every day.

[Joe Hadley]

Well, it's possible. They thought it would be easy. They most likely figured it'd be easier to pass bad bills along the route of the circus than to stay in one town to get rid of them.

[Mr. Randall]

I'll admit it looks bad, Hadley, but it's going to be hard for me to believe.

[Joe Hadley]

Now, don't get me wrong. This is all supposition. Right now I'm just trying to figure out possibilities.

[Mr. Randall]

Looks for all the world like a good case of circumstantial evidence. All right. However, you must remember that Spike was really never guilty of that other crime.

[Joe Hadley]

Yeah, I know all about that Platt case and how he was framed. But just the same, prisons do things to men. It might be that he's bitter now and has been talked into getting even by this fellow to Netti.

[Mr. Randall]

Well, that's another possibility.

[Joe Hadley]

Of course, until we can get something on him, he's innocent. But between you and me, I think I've got something pretty good to work on.

[Mr. Randall]

Well, I hope you're wrong.

[Joe Hadley]

I do, too, Randall. After Spike served all that time for a crime he didn't do. Just the same, it's my business to find out how these counterfeit bills are being passed.

[Mr. Randall]

Oh, sure, sure.

[Joe Hadley]

So I'm going to shadow Spike. I'm not going to let him out of my sight. He didn't want to tell me how he spends his spare time, but you can bet I'll find out and soon. Sa.