Jerry of the Circus - Spuds Tricks Fool Jerry

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Jerry of the Circus - Spuds Tricks Fool Jerry"

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Original Air Date: May 20, 2026
Episode Theme:
This episode of Jerry of the Circus captures the wit and camaraderie of circus life during a stormy day, blending minor business intrigue with a light-hearted prank that delights both the characters and listeners. The episode showcases classic radio storytelling, focusing on Jerry Dugan, his friends, and the art of ventriloquism — all against the lively backdrop of a traveling circus.

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1. Setting the Scene: Weather Woes and Circus Troubles

Key Segment: [02:09 – 03:39]

• Heavy rain disrupts circus operations, making the midway deserted and potentially hurting business.
  • 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." [02:23]
• The crew worries about meeting their financial obligations, referencing previous challenges like a cyclone, fire, and runaway train.
  • Jim: “Except for little things like a cyclone, a fire and a runaway train. A few things like that.” [03:17]
• The weather eventually begins to clear, providing hope for the night show.
  • Jim: "Look, the sun's coming out." [05:14]

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2. Mail Call: A Mystery Letter from the Railroad

Key Segment: [03:40 – 06:04]

• Mr. Randall receives a letter addressed to Jerry’s father from the "Montana Overland Railroad Company."
  • The railroad is inquiring about property ownership, and Jerry is surprised, as his father only intended to create a dude ranch.
    • Jerry Dugan: “Why would a railroad be interested in what was going to be a dude ranch?” [04:41]
• Mr. Randall decides to wire the railroad company, confirming Jerry (as Timothy Dugan’s heir) is with the circus:
  • Mr. Randall: “I'll wire them that you're Timothy Dugan's heir and own the property and are with the circus.” [05:56]
• This subplot sets up a potential new storyline involving Jerry and the railroad.

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3. The Cat Commotion: Pranks and Ventriloquism Unveiled

Key Segment: [06:04 – 10:20]

• A mysterious cat fight distracts Jerry and the crew. Rags (Jerry's dog) seems involved, but no cat can be found.
• Everyone hears cat noises from odd places — the tree, the tent top — but the source proved elusive.
• The reveal: It was all a prank orchestrated by Speed Stunt, who demonstrates his impressive ventriloquism skills to the astonished group.
  • Speed Stunt: "You see, Jerry, I was brought up on a farm and, well, I guess I just took natural like animals. Anyhow, I got to imitate." [08:47]
  • Jerry Dugan: “Did you say that you've been making that meowing?” [08:55]
  • Speed Stunt: “Sure, that did.” [08:58]
• The others are genuinely baffled, especially Jim:
  • Jim: “Now, listen, I heard that meowing come from that tree. No one can fool me about that.” [08:59]
• Speed continues to demonstrate, throwing his voice around the room, much to everyone's amazement.
  • Jerry Dugan: “How can you do it, send your voice around like that?” [09:28]
  • Jim: “A ventriloquist? Well, of all things. And here I thought I was going batty for a few minutes.” [09:31]

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4. Planning the Next Prank

Key Segment: [10:20 – 12:59]

• Jerry is enthralled by the ventriloquism and eager to pull a prank himself.
  • Jerry Dugan: "Say, I'd sure like to pull a trick on someone and be in on it." [10:01]
  • Mr. Randall: "That's just like a boy, you know. Sooner fall for a joke, then you want to go out and try it on someone else." [10:05]
• Mr. Randall kindly reminds that as long as tricks don’t interfere with work or harm anyone, they’re fine.
  • Mr. Randall: “I'm warning you, tricks are all right, providing you don't do anything that'll hurt anyone or interfere with the show.” [10:32]
• Jerry and Speed brainstorm a new target: the Major, a midget performer prone to excitement and superstition. They plot a ghostly voice prank, planning to gather intel on him first.
  • Jerry: “The Major…. he'd be a natural to play a trick on.” [11:52]
  • Speed: “You think he might fall for a ghost?” [12:29]
  • Jerry: “You mean a sheet and everything?” [12:31]
  • They decide to have a voice come from the ceiling of his room for maximal spooky impact.

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5. Memorable Quotes & Moments

• On Weather Troubles:
  • Jim: “Except for little things like a cyclone, a fire and a runaway train. A few things like that.” [03:17]
• The Prank Reveal:
  • Speed Stunt: "You see, Jerry, I was brought up on a farm and...I got to imitate." [08:47]
  • Jim: “A ventriloquist? Well, of all things. And here I thought I was going batty for a few minutes.” [09:31]
• Friendly Circus Philosophy:
  • Mr. Randall: “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.” [10:43]

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6. Important Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment | |---------------|---------------------------------------------------------| | 02:09 | Opening, weather woes, financial concerns | | 03:40 | Jerry receives mysterious letter from railroad | | 06:04 | The cat commotion and prank setup | | 08:45 | Speed reveals his ventriloquism trick | | 10:20 | Jerry & Speed plot their next prank | | 12:29 | Idea for "ghost" prank on the Major |

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Episode Takeaway

This episode is a delightful slice of classic radio, blending the everyday challenges of circus life with wholesome mischief. The ventriloquism prank is the highlight, capturing both the playful spirit and the close camaraderie under the Big Top. With its friendly banter, gentle humor, and sense of wonder at simple tricks, the show maintains its warm, nostalgic tone — perfect for fans of vintage storytelling.

Transcript

[Liberty Mutual Narrator]

Liberty Mutual customizes your car and home insurance. And now we're customizing this rush hour ad to keep you calm, which could help your driving. And science says therapy is great for a healthy mindset. So enjoy this 14 second session on us. I think you've done everything right and absolutely nothing wrong. In fact, anything that hasn't gone your way could probably be blamed on your father not being emotionally available because his father wasn't emotionally available, and so on. And now that you're calm and healing, you're probably driving better, too.

[Jim]

Liberty. Liberty. Liberty. Liberty.

[Mr. Randall]

Jerry of the Circus. Now for Jerry of the Circus.

[Jerry Dugan]

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 Dugan]

Yeah.

[Jim]

Now look, it breaks my heart to see the midway deserted like this.

[Mr. Randall]

The weatherman couldn't have picked a worse time for us.

[Jim]

Well, that's the breaks. 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 that's 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. I don't blame my old Uncle Alfie

[Mr. Randall]

for always crawling under the bed. Yeah, as I. I've heard that some people hide their heads during these storms. Personally, I wouldn't miss them for anything.

[Jim]

Yeah, well, that's one thing I'd just as soon do without, say, force.

[Mr. Randall]

Yeah.

[Jim]

Think we'll have to put out and run away for the night show.

[Mr. Randall]

Well, let's wait an hour and see if it clears out.

[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've got to 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 Dugan]

You said you got something important for

[Mr. Randall]

me, Mr. Randall, and you got wet, Jerry.

[Jerry Dugan]

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's has all the earmarks of big business, see?

[Jerry Dugan]

That sounds exciting. What is it?

[Mr. Randall]

A letter from the MO Railroad.

[Jerry Dugan]

MO Railroad?

[Mr. Randall]

Montana Overland Railroad Company.

[Jerry Dugan]

For me?

[Mr. Randall]

Well, indirectly. It's addressed to your father, Timothy Dugan.

[Jerry Dugan]

Oh.

[Mr. Randall]

I took the liberty of opening it, Jerry.

[Jerry Dugan]

Sure, that's okay.

[Mr. Randall]

I thought it might be an advertisement or something, but it's a personal business letter.

[Jerry Dugan]

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. You read it.

[Jim]

Hmm.

[Jerry Dugan]

Sure looks important on the stationery. Say, that's funny.

[Mr. Randall]

What's funny?

[Jerry Dugan]

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 Dugan]

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 got me.

[Jerry Dugan]

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 Dugan]

Yeah, someplace it says. Here it is. Please notify us immediately by wire collect, as time is an important factor in this deal. Deal? It does sound like business, all right.

[Jim]

Sure does.

[Jerry Dugan]

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 Dugan]

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 Dugan]

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 this.

[Jim]

Yeah.

[Jerry Dugan]

Come out alive, too, I can see that. Well, I ain't 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 Dugan]

Say thanks, Mr. Randall. I sure appreciate it. Gee whiz, what's going on? Sounds like Rags and a cat. By golly, it is. Rags. Hey, Rags. Rags.

[Mr. Randall]

Where is he, Jerry?

[Jerry Dugan]

Rags. Hey, Rags, come here. Yeah, I don't know. That's funny. Sounded like it was right out here. Oh, hello there, Speed. Hey, have you seen Rags?

[Speed Stunt]

No, I ain't here, though I reckon I heard him a spellback.

[Jerry Dugan]

Well, I'd have sworn I heard him out here. And a cat, too. There you are, Rags. Hey, where have you been, huh? I thought I heard a cat, too. So you've 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 Dugan]

He's all out of breath. Where have you been, Rags?

[Jim]

Huh?

[Mr. Randall]

Well, maybe he just came running around when he heard you call him.

[Jerry Dugan]

See, there is a cat around here.

[Jim]

Sounded like it came from that tree over there.

[Mr. Randall]

Well, there goes Rags.

[Jerry Dugan]

Rags, did you chase a cat up that tree? That's funny.

[Jim]

I can't see a cat up there.

[Jerry Dugan]

I can't either.

[Mr. Randall]

Hey, I think there's another cat. Yeah, sounds like it came from the top of the wagon.

[Speed Stunt]

Maybe there's two cats.

[Mr. Randall]

Reckon you must have heard a cat. Oh. Oh, now I see the light. Well, you ought to know, Speed.

[Speed Stunt]

Why would speed know, Mr. Randall? Ours is how I was out here and the rest of you was inside the office wagon.

[Jerry Dugan]

Yeah. Did you see a fight, Speed?

[Mr. Randall]

No, I was just walking along kind

[Speed Stunt]

of slow when I come.

[Jerry Dugan]

It sure is funny we can't see it. Cat. If there's one up on that tent,

[Jim]

it certainly seem to come from there. Yeah, but no, no, it's come from that tree again.

[Jerry Dugan]

Hey, look at poor Rags. He doesn't know where to go.

[Mr. Randall]

Poor little pup, he's frantic. Careful, Speed. We don't want to get Rags too excited.

[Jim]

What gets me is I can't find either of these cats.

[Jerry Dugan]

Neither can I, if he asked me. There's something fishy about all this. Here, Rags. Now, quiet. Come here, Rags, girl. Boy, there's something going on around here, and I can't quite figure it all out.

[Mr. Randall]

Okay, Speed, shall we call it a day?

[Speed Stunt]

I reckon so, Mr. Randall, sir, if you think that's enough.

[Jerry Dugan]

What are you talking about?

[Mr. Randall]

Well, Jerry, it's Speed Stunt. You better let him tell you about it Stunt.

[Jerry Dugan]

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. Then you call and along comes rags, 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 better break down.

[Speed Stunt]

Well, all right, sir. You see, Jerry, I was brought up in a farm and, well, I guess I just took natural like animals. Anyhow, I got to imitate.

[Jerry Dugan]

Did you see that you've been making that meowing?

[Speed Stunt]

Sure, that did.

[Jim]

Now, listen, I heard that meowing come from that tree. No one can fool me about that.

[Jerry Dugan]

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 Dugan]

Oh, back of Mr. Randall.

[Jim]

Say, what in the dickens are these animals doing around here?

[Mr. Randall]

Does that satisfy you, Jerry?

[Jim]

They.

[Mr. Randall]

They came from in back of me, all right. Even made me jump.

[Jerry Dugan]

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 Dugan]

You sure make a swell chicken. He's good, isn't he, Mrs. Randall?

[Mr. Randall]

Good enough to fool me the other day.

[Jerry Dugan]

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 Dugan]

Well, it sure is a wonderful trick, isn't it, Rand? 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]

Nope. Looks as how you all are my first subject.

[Jerry Dugan]

Say, 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 know. Sooner fall for a joke than you want to go out and try it on someone else.

[Jerry Dugan]

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 deviltry alone?

[Jim]

That's okay with me, boss. There's not a cloud in the sky. Maybe we'll clean up tonight. Oh.

[Mr. Randall]

Oh, and Jerry, I'll get that wire off right away to the Amo railroad.

[Jerry Dugan]

Oh, thanks, Mr. Randall.

[Mr. Randall]

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 Dugan]

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 Dugan]

Oh, say, that'd be key. Hey, would you really do that, Mr. Randall?

[Mr. Randall]

Oh, I'm afraid not, Jerry. Just an idea.

[Jerry Dugan]

Well, gee, it's a swell one.

[Mr. Randall]

No, no, if I. 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. I should get a return wire by then. I'm sure.

[Jerry Dugan]

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, Emmy, will you?

[Jerry Dugan]

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 Dugan]

Well, we might do something when all the folks are together or can't do

[Speed Stunt]

anything during the show, you know.

[Jerry Dugan]

Or we might do something during supper, then everyone's around.

[Speed Stunt]

Reckon I might be able to make a noise like a couple of mice on the table.

[Jerry Dugan]

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 Dugan]

Hey, I got it.

[Speed Stunt]

What?

[Jerry Dugan]

The Major.

[Speed Stunt]

The Major? Who's he?

[Jerry Dugan]

Jiminy Willikers. Haven't you met him yet?

[Speed Stunt]

Can't say as how I have, Jerry.

[Jerry Dugan]

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 Dugan]

I'll see he goes to Rosa Rocky all the time when things go wrong.

[Speed Stunt]

Who's this here? Rosa Roxy.

[Jerry Dugan]

Oh, she's a fortune teller. She's good too.

[Speed Stunt]

I'm beginning to get the glim of an idea. Jerry, if you think this here midget's a good enough sport to stand it.

[Jerry Dugan]

Why, sure. He'll blow off an awful lot of steam. But how he's swell when he once gets over things.

[Speed Stunt]

You think he might fall for a ghost?

[Jerry Dugan]

You mean a sheet and everything?

[Speed Stunt]

Just a voice that comes from the ceiling of his own room.

[Jerry Dugan]

I get you. I say, that'd be a whale of an idea.

[Speed Stunt]

You reckon he'd fall for I like

[Jerry Dugan]

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 Dugan]

You bet I am. Oh, gee. Speed, let's do it. You willing?

[Speed Stunt]

Sure.

[Jerry Dugan]

Swell. Right. Now, Rags and me, we've got a job to do. 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 to.

[Speed Stunt]

Jerry's Long Range.

[Liberty Mutual Narrator]

Liberty Mutual customizes your car and home insurance. And now we're customizing this rush hour ad to keep you calm, which could help your driving. And science says therapy is great for a healthy mindset, so enjoy this 14 second session on us. I think you've done everything right and absolutely nothing wrong. In fact, anything that hasn't gone your way could probably be blamed on your father not being emotionally available because his father wasn't emotionally available, and so on. And now that you're calm and healing, you're probably driving better, too. If you're into tech, you'll love this. TikTok is a live lab where users post instant reviews of the latest trends. Download TikTok and check it out.