Jerry of the Circus - Strikers Are Worried

Summary

Podcast Summary: Jerry of the Circus – "Strikers Are Worried"

Podcast: Harold’s Old Time Radio
Episode Title: Jerry of the Circus - Strikers Are Worried
Date: May 17, 2026
Host: Harold’s Old Time Radio
Approximate Runtime: 13:00 (content)

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Episode Overview

This episode spotlights the behind-the-scenes hustle of a circus cast and crew facing the challenging circumstances of a workers' strike. With key tent crew and stakers on strike, the performers and a skeleton staff rally to get the show up and running themselves. Through teamwork, a few mishaps, and lots of circus spirit, they embody the old adage: "the show must go on," while also revealing hints of further labor trouble brewing.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

Makeshift Solutions and Circus Ingenuity

• Opening Challenge: The tent is not going up as usual because the strongmen, responsible for key labor, are striking. The team is exhausted and struggling to tighten the canvas ([02:09]).
• Jerry’s Elephant Idea: Jerry proposes using elephants to help raise center poles and pull guy ropes— a clever solution since men alone aren’t up to the task ([02:44]).
  • Notable Quote:
    • Jerry: “Well, then we’re not strong enough to do a good job on tightening all this canvas.” ([02:50])
    • Murray: “By golly, kid, you're right. Why didn’t I think of that myself?” ([02:53])
• Delegation & Humor: The roles are rapidly reassigned. Major Mike is tasked with overseeing the wardrobe tent stakes, and Slats volunteers for a supposedly easier job with the seats. Light banter about clowns and midgets and their suitability for various jobs underscores the camaraderie, but also frustration ([03:03]–[03:52]).

A Comedy of Errors

• Wardrobe Tent Accident: Major Mike, eager to help but in over his head, accidentally brings down the wardrobe tent on himself by untying all the ropes at once ([05:39]–[06:46]).
  • Memorable Moment:
    • Major Mike: “Hurt? Of course I’m hurt. I ache all over. This whole tent fell down on me, didn’t it?” ([06:22])
• Aftermath: Although unhurt due to a center pole, Major Mike is convinced he’s gravely wounded and refuses to rest, not wanting to appear as shirking his duties ([06:52]–[07:21]).

Another Mishap: The Seats Collapse

• Slats and Hooligan’s “New System”: Slats tries a novel method for putting up the seats, leading to another collapse and trapping several clowns under the debris ([08:14]–[08:57]).
  • Notable Exchange:
    • Slats: “We weren’t as smart as we thought.” ([08:53])
    • Murray: “You’re telling me.” ([08:55])
• Urgency Builds: Despite the setbacks, everyone pitches in to get the circus ready for the matinee, emphasizing that performers will need rest lest they be too exhausted for the show ([08:57]–[09:05]).

Impacts of the Strike and Public Perception

• Publicity and Expectations: Mr. Randall notes that the press has covered the strike, with photographs of the performers stepping up, which could increase turnout— though if all three rings aren’t running, audiences may feel shortchanged ([09:30]–[10:10]).
  • Notable Quote:
    • Mr. Randall: “Folks are funny. If all three rings aren’t playing at once, they may not think they’re getting the money’s worth.” ([09:56])
    • Jerry: “They can’t watch more than one ring at a time.” ([10:01])
• Adaptation and Loyalty: Performers agree to fill in where needed to ensure the show can go on, even if some acts are left out ([10:15]).

Major Mike’s Collapse—And a Creative Solution

• Major Mike Falls Asleep: As showtime nears, it’s discovered that Major Mike can’t be woken from a deep sleep, exhausted from the morning’s misadventures ([10:17]–[10:26]).
• Jerry's Showman Spirit: Jerry suggests wheeling Major Mike onto the stage in his bed, snoring for the audience—framing it as comedy and highlighting the relentless circus spirit ([10:46]).
  • Notable Exchange:
    • Jerry: “Why not just move him, bed and all, and put him on the stand, snoring and everything?” ([10:46])
    • Mr. Randall: “That’d never do.” ([10:50])
    • Boris: “It’s not a bad idea, that, Mr. Randall.” ([10:59])
    • Jerry: "He doesn’t care what he does just so the public gets a kick out of him." ([11:07])

Behind the Scenes: Sabotage and Striker Worries

• Gabby and Boris Plot: Away from the main action, Boris subtly goads Gabby to widen the strike by recruiting animal trainers and guards, which could truly halt the show (and implies darker intrigue) ([11:37]–[13:02]).
  • Notable Moment:
    • Boris: “If you could get the animal trainers on your side...without them, it’d be impossible to open or to work the animals.” ([12:18])
    • Gabby: “Yeah, that's it. Without them, you'd never get any show ready.” ([12:26])
    • Boris: “But I wouldn't want anyone to know I put such an idea in your head, Gabby.” ([12:40])

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Memorable Quotes & Moments (With Timestamps)

• Jerry’s Quick-Thinking:
  • “Well, now, look, you use the elephants to help raise the center poles, don’t you?” – Jerry ([02:44])
• Circus Community Spirit:
  • “I certainly appreciate the loyalty of all you performers.” – Mr. Randall ([08:03])
• Major Mike’s Misadventures:
  • “Hurt? Of course I’m hurt. I ache all over. This whole tent fell down on me, didn’t it?” – Major Mike ([06:22])
  • “Now, listen here, young man. I’ll thank you not to contradict me. I guess I know whether I’m hurt or not.” – Major Mike ([06:31])
• Public’s Expectation of the Circus:
  • “If all three rings aren’t playing at once, they may not think they’re getting the money’s worth.” – Mr. Randall ([09:56])
• Foreboding Final Plot:
  • “Maybe there won’t be a show tonight after all.” – Gabby ([13:00])

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Noteworthy Segments & Timestamps

| Segment Description | Timestamps | |---------------------------------------------------------------|--------------| | Circus struggles to erect tents without canvas men | 02:09–02:53 | | Jerry suggests using elephants; new plan is adopted | 02:44–03:15 | | Major Mike’s wardrobe tent incident and aftermath | 05:39–07:21 | | Seat collapse: Slats and Hooligan’s failed innovation | 08:14–08:57 | | Discussion on audiences and strike publicity | 09:30–10:15 | | Major Mike can’t be woken; Jerry proposes showtime stunt | 10:17–11:13 | | Gabby and Boris plot to heighten strike disruption | 11:37–13:02 |

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Tone and Style

The episode is evocative of classic old-time radio storytelling—lightly comedic, full of old-school charm, camaraderie, and a can-do attitude despite adversity. Banter and gentle ribbing flow naturally between characters, and the dialogue is delivered in a style typical of vintage radio plays.

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Summary

"Strikers Are Worried" spotlights the chaos, innovation, and heart that went into keeping a circus running during a labor dispute. While slapstick and mishaps abound, the clear affection and resourcefulness of the performers shine through, even as darker forces hint at further trouble. With a mix of humor, drama, and behind-the-scenes intrigue, this episode is a standout example of Golden Age of Radio storytelling, holding both stakes and the spirit of the era front and center.

Transcript

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[Mr. Randall]

Jerry of the circus. Now for Jerry of the circus.

[Murray]

Okay, fellas, give her one more pull. One, two, three.

[Slats]

Say, this is work. No kidding.

[Major Mike]

Sure it is. Slash. You clowns just can't take it, that's all.

[Slats]

What do you mean, we can't take it?

[Jerry]

Why, you.

[Major Mike]

Listen, don't you call me names. I may be little, but I got my prize.

[Jerry]

Say, Murray, I got an idea.

[Murray]

Just a second, Jerry. Wait till we get this rope type.

[Jerry]

No, we can't. That's just it. Gee whiz, Murray. We'll never get it done.

[Major Mike]

What? Now, you listen here, young man.

[Jerry]

It's almost 11 now, and usually we're up by nine. Won't you listen, Murray? It's really a swell idea.

[Murray]

Okay, Jerry, let's have it. Let's make it quick.

[Jerry]

Well, now, look, you use the elephants to help raise the center poles, don't you?

[Murray]

Sure. Men aren't strong enough for that work.

[Jerry]

Well, then we're not strong enough to do a good job on tightening all this canvas.

[Murray]

By golly, kid, you're right. Why didn't I think of that myself?

[Slats]

Oh, I see. Jerry means to put the bulls on these ropes and let them do the work, huh?

[Jerry]

Sure, Slap. That's it.

[Mr. Randall]

Jerry.

[Murray]

Dugan, you're a lifesaver. I guess I've just been too worried to do a little thinking for myself.

[Major Mike]

And me, too. Imagine, here I was, standing right here, brains and all, and I never even thought of getting an elephant to do the work for me.

[Slats]

That's a good one. One elephant for one midget. Guess that's a fair enough exchange. Is that. Eh, Major?

[Major Mike]

You look here, slats. Better not try and start anything.

[Murray]

Hey, Jeff, have Olson bring a couple of those bulls back here quick.

[Slats]

Okay, boss. See, Whiz Jerry. Seems like you could have thought of this a little earlier, before I got all these blisters on me.

[Jerry]

See? Those are buttes, aren't they?

[Slats]

Well, I'll say. Hey, Murray, what can I do next that won't be so hard on my hands, huh?

[Murray]

Why not help Pat put up the seats. He needs an extra hand.

[Slats]

That's just the ticket. You know, only the other day, Hooligan and I thought out a new system for putting up those seats.

[Murray]

Ah, no fancy tricks there, Slats. We gotta be sure the audience is safe.

[Slats]

Ah, don't you worry. I'll get Hooligan and we'll try out our plan. Say, listen, it'll revolutionize the old system for putting up circus seats. You wait and see.

[Murray]

Yeah, well, I'm not so keen on anything new, not today.

[Slats]

Don't you worry, Murray. And now, where is Hooligan?

[Major Mike]

Well, if you're going to use those elephants, I guess you won't need me on this job. Murray, what can I do next?

[Murray]

You better rest a while, Major.

[Major Mike]

Now, listen here, Murray. Just because I'm small, you can't treat me like I'm a child.

[Jerry]

You better let him work. He'll do it anyhow.

[Major Mike]

You bet I will.

[Murray]

Okay, Major, I need someone over at the wardrobe to direct those fellas on tightening the stakes. We'll use your brains this time.

[Jerry]

That's it.

[Slats]

Ticket.

[Major Mike]

Now you're talking sense.

[Murray]

You go over there and get those ropes all set so that when I send Olson over with the bulls, they can be just hitched up to the ropes and that little top can be ready in record time.

[Major Mike]

You bet I'll fix it. Okay, Murray, you're pretty lucky to have a man like me around, and you can depend on him.

[Murray]

Indeed I am, Major.

[Jerry]

Say, Olson's coming over now with the elephant.

[Murray]

Oh, that's fine. We'll be through in no time now, Jerry. Thanks for the suggestion. I should have had my head examined for not thinking of it myself.

[Jerry]

Oh, that's nothing.

[Murray]

Poor Major might. He's more in the way than anyone I ever saw.

[Jerry]

I know, but you can't tell him so. He'd have a fit.

[Murray]

I know. And he'd raise such a rumpus that he'd cause even more trouble than he does now, getting under everyone's feet.

[Jerry]

Yeah, he gets so mad when things go wrong.

[Murray]

You know, I nearly split laughing last night when they pulled him out of that wagon load with Kansas.

[Jerry]

Yeah, and he blaming everyone else but himself.

[Murray]

Hey, fellas, hitch those bulls up to the ropes, and we'll get those guy ropes tight in no time. And then we'll do the same with the menagerie top and then take the smaller top.

[Jerry]

Hey, Murray, what can I do?

[Murray]

You better work, El Mundo. He's your elephant.

[Jerry]

Oh, well, that's great.

[Murray]

Hey, what the.

[Mr. Randall]

Good night.

[Jerry]

The Wardrobe top. It's K. Quick, everybody.

[Murray]

All hands at the wardrobe top.

[Jerry]

Gee whiz, the major sure done it this time, dying quick on that canvas.

[Murray]

Raise it carefully.

[Jerry]

I hope the major's not hurt.

[Major Mike]

Now, somebody, quick. I'll be killed.

[Murray]

That's right. Take it easy.

[Jerry]

Easy there.

[Murray]

Hey, Major, you hurt?

[Major Mike]

Hur, what do you suppose? How would you feel if a whole tent fell down right on top of you?

[Murray]

But good heavens, man, what were you doing inside?

[Major Mike]

I went in just to be sure everything was. Was okay.

[Mr. Randall]

Hey, what's going on here?

[Jerry]

Say, you're sure lucky, major. Hey, look, Mr. Randall. That center pole held all the canvas off him.

[Mr. Randall]

I'm certainly glad you're not hurt, Major.

[Major Mike]

Hurt? Of course I'm hurt. I ache all over. This whole tent fell down on me, didn't it?

[Jerry]

But it didn't touch you. He looked fe that poor, protected you.

[Major Mike]

Now, listen here, young man. I'll thank you not to contradict me. I guess I know whether I'm hurt or not.

[Murray]

But what happened? How did all those ropes slip at once like that?

[Major Mike]

Well, you told me to get them ready for the elephant. Yes, well, so we were untying them.

[Murray]

You mean you loosened them all at once?

[Mr. Randall]

Well, it's lucky you weren't killed. Now, listen, Major, after all this, you'd better go and lie down a little while.

[Major Mike]

Me? I should say not. You don't get me to lie down on my job.

[Mr. Randall]

Now, listen, Major, we have to think of our show, too. I can't have my star attraction too tired of work. Now, you go and get a little rest.

[Major Mike]

Yes, you're right. I must think of my public.

[Murray]

That fall must have been a pretty bad shock.

[Major Mike]

That's hardly the word for it. It was terrible.

[Mr. Randall]

Okay, Major, you rest a bit and we'll. We'll send for you when we need you again.

[Major Mike]

All right, Mr. Randall. But I don't want you to think I'm laying down on a job.

[Mr. Randall]

Oh, I should say not. You're one of the pluckiest of all.

[Major Mike]

Okay, if you realize that, then it's all right. But I won't sleep, mind you. I'll just rest.

[Murray]

Boy, what a mess. I tell you, we never would have gotten to show up with that midget loose around here.

[Mr. Randall]

I could see that Murray and the poor little fellow so anxious to do everything to help.

[Murray]

Yeah, but he can do more damage than ten zebras. Okay, man, give us a hand with this canvas.

[Jerry]

Say, Mr. Randall, you think we'll be able to get our show on for

[Mr. Randall]

the matinee oh, yes, if you're not all too dead tired of work.

[Jerry]

Ah, don't worry about me.

[Mr. Randall]

How are things going under the main top?

[Jerry]

Fine, I guess. They were spreading out the sawdust a little while ago.

[Mr. Randall]

Oh, good. Well, you want to walk over with me while I check up?

[Jerry]

Sure thing. I can help Slats and Hooligan. They're putting up the seats with Pat and some of the clowns.

[Mr. Randall]

I certainly appreciate the loyalty of all you performers.

[Jerry]

Ah, you deserve it. All right, Mr. Randall.

[Mr. Randall]

Well, I've always tried to be fair, but I. Good night.

[Murray]

Another accident?

[Jerry]

Oh, look, there it is. Right over by the band.

[Murray]

Call Murray quick, Jerry.

[Major Mike]

Okay. Hey, Murray.

[Jerry]

Murray, back here.

[Major Mike]

The main top.

[Murray]

Be right over all those seats while

[Mr. Randall]

they're caved in a slant. Hooligan.

[Murray]

Are you hurt?

[Slats]

Oh, no. Oh, but we can't move.

[Mr. Randall]

Can't you, Tony? Get those boards all quick. Be careful not to hurt those clowns all day.

[Slats]

Take it easy. Take it easy.

[Mr. Randall]

Well, what happened? What are you doing?

[Slats]

You see, Mr. Handel, hooligan and I had a new system all worked out for getting these seats up quick. When Marie said for us to help, it seemed like the chance of a lifetime to try it out.

[Murray]

So you did try out your own ideas anyhow, huh?

[Slats]

Yeah, but I guess we weren't as smart as we thought.

[Murray]

You're telling me.

[Mr. Randall]

All right, men, get back to work as fast as you can. It's almost noon, and we've got to get this circus ready so that the performers can rest, or they'll be so dead tired they won't be able to work.

[Slats]

Okay, fellas, back on the job.

[Murray]

Come on, folks.

[Major Mike]

All right, Mar.

[Slats]

Come on, boys.

[Mr. Randall]

What a day.

[Jerry]

Well, we made it. The tents are up, and, golly, we couldn't ask for a better crowd.

[Mr. Randall]

There's a good reason for that.

[Slats]

What?

[Mr. Randall]

Well, the papers are full of the fact that the canvas men and the stakers have struck.

[Jerry]

Gee whiz. Did the papers print that?

[Mr. Randall]

Indeed they did. Hastings even snapped some pictures while you were all working this morning. And they'll be in tonight's papers.

[Jerry]

Say, maybe that'll bring a lot of folks in, huh?

[Mr. Randall]

It'll bring them around a lot. But whether they'll go in to see the show is another thing. You see, we'll have to leave out some of the ax just.

[Jerry]

Yeah, I know. So the rest of us can help put up and clear away the problem.

[Mr. Randall]

Folks are funny. If. If all three rings aren't playing at once, they may not think they're getting the money's worth.

[Jerry]

Oh, that's silly, because, well, they can't watch more than one ring at a time.

[Mr. Randall]

I know, but we've trained people to expect three features going all at once. And if they don't, if you're cheated,

[Jerry]

you think they'd get a kick out of seeing the clowns and the rest of us doing our own turns and then helping the other folks?

[Boris]

Oh, Mr. Randall, I was looking for you.

[Mr. Randall]

Oh, hello there, boy. Something wrong?

[Jerry]

I was just.

[Boris]

Just passing the sideshow where Stuff, he called me and he said to tell you they can't wake up Major Mike.

[Mr. Randall]

What?

[Boris]

They don't know what to do. It's time for the first show.

[Mr. Randall]

They can't wake him up.

[Boris]

He's crawled in that little bed of his he keeps in his tent and he's snoring like a house of fire.

[Jerry]

No wonder, after all he's been through today.

[Mr. Randall]

Yeah, and last night, Stuff, he said

[Boris]

they'd shake him, but he only mumbles and he doesn't even open his eyes.

[Mr. Randall]

I was afraid it'd be too much for him, but this is really bad. After all, he's our star attraction in the sideshow.

[Jerry]

Say, Mr. Randall, I've got a swell idea.

[Mr. Randall]

What is it, Jerry?

[Jerry]

Oh, why not just move him, bed and all, and put him on the stand, snoring and everything?

[Mr. Randall]

Oh, that'd never do.

[Jerry]

Why not? See, I should think the folks would get an awful kick out of seeing that little bed. And the spieler can explain that. Well, he worked so hard this morning that he won't wake up.

[Boris]

It's not a bad idea that, Mr. Randall.

[Mr. Randall]

The major will have a fit if he wakes up.

[Jerry]

Oh, no, he won't. Not if he's got a mob around him saying how cute he is. He doesn't care what he does just so the public gets a kick out of him.

[Boris]

I think I would do it, Mr. Anton.

[Mr. Randall]

It's taking a pretty big risk, but I don't know, it might work.

[Jerry]

Sure it will. Come on, let's go over and try it.

[Mr. Randall]

I must say, you're not giving me a chance to run my own circus, Jerry.

[Jerry]

Oh, gee, I didn't mean that, Mr. Randall. I just thought.

[Mr. Randall]

Well, that's all right, Jerry. I think maybe after all, I'll give it a try. Come on, we'll go over to his tent.

[Boris]

Good. Then my job is finished. I must get ready for my own act.

[Mr. Randall]

Yeah, all right. Thank you, Boris. Thank you for bringing the message.

[Boris]

That is all right, Mr. Anton. Well, good luck.

[Jerry]

Goodbye. I'll see you later and tell you how the Major's act goes.

[Boris]

You do that.

[Gabby]

Hey, Boris.

[Boris]

Oh, it is you.

[Gabby]

Boris, will you talk to me a minute, please? It's important.

[Boris]

Of course I will, Gabby, but it's not good business for us to be seen together.

[Gabby]

Here, stand behind this wagon. We can talk here without being noticed.

[Boris]

All right, but just for a minute.

[Gabby]

Hey, I don't know what to do. You see, they got the circus up and. Hey, look over there on the midway. On account of the strike. There are more folks there than ever today. I'm afraid the strike isn't a good idea.

[Boris]

You have to be patient, Gabby. These things can't all be done at once.

[Gabby]

Yeah, I know, but. Look, even you help this morning.

[Boris]

I had to. The performance aren't striking. It would have looked funny if I'd been the only one not helping.

[Gabby]

Yeah, I know. Well, I. I don't know what to do next.

[Boris]

Say, has it occurred to you that we just barely got things done?

[Gabby]

Yeah, but it's done. And there'll be a show.

[Boris]

Yes, but if you could get the animal trainers on your side.

[Gabby]

The animal trainer?

[Jerry]

Sure.

[Boris]

And the guards and all that crowd. They get about the same money you do.

[Gabby]

That's it. Without them, you'd never got any show ready.

[Boris]

And without them, it'd be impossible to open or to work the animals.

[Gabby]

Gee, that's. So your performers couldn't handle animals and everything.

[Boris]

That's right, but. But I wouldn't want anyone to know I put such an idea in your head, Gabby.

[Gabby]

Yeah, don't worry. But you sure hit on the one thing can swing our troubles.

[Boris]

Yeah, it's an idea. If it can be work, you can just bet.

[Gabby]

I'll try. Thanks.

[Boris]

That's all right. The only thanks I want is for my name to be kept out of this in case of the trouble.

[Gabby]

Yeah, you can sh. Count on me, Governor.

[Boris]

That's fine, Gabby. Good luck.

[Gabby]

Yeah, we'll need it. But I think I can talk to Jeff and some of the boys. Maybe there won't be a show tonight after all. So long, Boris. Thanks a million.

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[Jerry]

Hey, everyone. Check out this guy and his bird. What is this, your first date?

[Murray]

Oh, no.

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[Jerry]

Yeah, the bird looks out of your league.

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[Slats]

Liberty.

[Mr. Randall]

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[Slats]

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[Mr. Randall]

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