Jerry of the Circus - The Strike Begins

Summary

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Episode Overview

Episode Title: Jerry of the Circus – The Strike Begins
Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Air Date: May 16, 2026

This episode features an installment of the classic radio drama "Jerry of the Circus," spotlighting a critical turning point in the circus community—a worker-led strike. The story revolves around tensions among the circus crew regarding pay and working conditions, led by the outspoken character Gabby. The episode explores themes of loyalty, teamwork, and conflict resolution as both adult and young characters grapple with the immediate effects of the impending strike and strive to keep the show running.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Developments

1. The Strike Plot Unfolds (02:07–03:54)

• Setting the Scene: Rags and Jerry sneak up to overhear Gabby rallying other circus workers around the idea of a strike for better pay.
• The Grievances: Gabby voices dissatisfaction over lack of payment increases and recognition, especially after the crew's hard work:

  "We got the circus ready and set up in three days and night. Did Mr. Randall offer us extra pay?...But you notice he don't offer us no raise." – Gabby (02:56)

• Group Sentiment: The general mood among the crew (stakers, canvas men) is restlessness and a desire for fair compensation:

  "We do all the work, they get all the gravy." – Spike (03:19)

• Decision to Strike: The group, emboldened by Gabby, resolves to strike, believing the show cannot go on without them.

2. Reactions & Tension—Jerry, Rags, Spike (03:54–04:44)

• Shock and Disappointment: Rags is alarmed by talk of striking and quickly seeks out Spike to see if he's involved.
• Misunderstandings Cleared: Spike initially suspects Jerry and Rags of supporting the strike but realizes they're just concerned.

  "I'm glad you haven't been taken in, Jerry...But I'm sure disappointed in Gabby." – Spike (05:20–05:23)

3. The Impact—Potential Collapse of the Circus (05:37–06:09)

• Realization: Jerry, Rags, and Spike acknowledge the severity—without the stakers and canvas crew, the circus may not function.
• Loyalty vs. Protest: Spike and Murray commit to helping, but recognize they're too few for the massive job ahead.

4. Confrontation: Mr. Randall Steps In (07:00–08:26)

• Mr. Randall’s Approach: Determined not to let the strike stop the show, Mr. Randall addresses the crew directly.

  "If any of you think this proposed strike is going to keep us from playing Stanton tomorrow, you're very much mistaken. Those who are on strike will find a deduction in their paychecks...but there will not be a raise in salaries at any time during the season, and that's final." – Mr. Randall (07:31–08:01)

• Ultimatums & Tensions: Randall openly threatens to replace striking workers and carry on — hoping to break the strike with resolve:

  "I'm carrying the strikers on to Stanton for only one reason. To show them we can put on the show. If the strike isn't broken...I'll have a whole new set of men put on the payroll." – Mr. Randall (08:06)

5. Philosophical Themes & Encouragement (08:47–10:07)

• Reflection: Jerry and Mr. Randall discuss the difference between wanting and needing, and how people—kids and adults—can lose sight of right and wrong amid emotion.

  "When people get mixed up about right and wrong, sometimes they can't think straight." – Mr. Randall (08:47) "Like kids, we want something so much that even when grown ups tell us we're wrong, we just can't see it." – Rags (08:53)

• Motivational Speech: Assembled crew members vocally support the circus, pledging to work extra hard.

  "You can count on me, Mr. Randall!" – Major Mike (09:53) "This circus is going to be a cinch to move. I'm going to do the work of 10 men in spite of my size." – Major Mike (10:16)

6. Teamwork in Action—Working Through the Night (10:47–12:15)

• Problem-Solving: Crew improvises to load the circus wagons; Major Mike proves especially helpful due to his size and agility.

  "It's better to have brains and brawn. A good head wins every time." – Major Mike (11:27)

• Camaraderie: The team expresses positivity and shared purpose despite the physical strain.

7. Comic Relief—Major Mike’s Mishap (12:15–13:00)

• Locked In: In the rush, Major Mike is accidentally locked in a wagon filled with canvas, causing concern and then laughter once he’s freed.

  "A minute and I might have died!" – Major Mike (13:00)

  • The moment reaffirms the circus crew's affection for each other and provides comic relief in tense times.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Worker’s Rallying Cry:

  "If we're important to the circus, we're worth more money. I'd like to see 'em put on a show without us. Can't be done." – Gabby (03:24)

• Firm Leadership:

  "Strike or no strike, we're opening tomorrow in Stanton." – Mr. Randall (07:12)
  "If you want to do a thing badly enough, you can perform miracles." – Mr. Randall (07:17)

• Solidarity:

  "You can count on me, Mr. Randall!" – Major Mike (09:53) "It's your swell to work with folks like this." – Rags (10:07)

• Comic Relief:

  "Lucky thing you yelled, Major." – Spike (12:47) "Who locked me in there? Was that supposed to be a joke?" – Major Mike (12:51)

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Important Timestamps

• 02:07–03:54: Gabby incites the strike; crew debates merits and risks.
• 04:44–05:23: Jerry’s innocence in strike drama is clarified.
• 07:00–08:26: Mr. Randall’s speech and showdown with the striking crew.
• 09:19–10:07: Major Mike and other crew members vow to keep the show afloat.
• 12:15–13:00: Major Mike’s mishap—locked in the wagon.

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Tone and Atmosphere

The episode balances drama with camaraderie, using authentic period dialogue and character-driven humor to humanize a tense labor dispute. The overall tone is one of old-fashioned resilience, community, and optimism, characteristic of Golden Age radio storytelling.

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Transcript

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[Jerry]

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

[Rags]

Rags. Be still now. Listen to your rags. You've got to behave yourself or I'll have to send you back to bumps. Yep, that's where they are. Back of those trees over there. Now, if we can just sneak behind that wagon, we'll be near enough to hear everything.

[Spike]

Hey, fellas.

[Jerry]

Fine.

[Gabby]

Keep it down, will ya?

[Spike]

Yeah, yeah. Gabby wants to talk for a change. He sure hates to give anyone else a break.

[Gabby]

Talking. Say, listen, it's lucky you guys got someone like me to do the talking. Where'd y' all be if it wasn't for me?

[Spike]

Back on the lot waiting for the

[Rags]

flag to go up on a mesh pin.

[Gabby]

That ain't what I mean and you know it.

[Rags]

Swell, we can hear great from here.

[Spike]

Okay, Gabby, we're listening. Where would we be?

[Gabby]

Yeah, you'd still be working for a measly paycheck and few meals a day, of all things.

[Rags]

Say, those meals alone are worth more.

[Gabby]

Now look here, fellas. We all stood by that circus when I blew up in that cyclone.

[Spike]

I'll say we did.

[Rags]

You bet we did.

[Gabby]

And we worked day and night.

[Spike]

Yes, sir.

[Gabby]

Yeah, we got the circus ready and set up in three days and night. But did Mr. Randall offer us extra pay? Yeah, he probably saved him thousands of dollars by getting things ready so quick. But you notice he don't offer us no raise.

[Jerry]

Yeah, that's right.

[Spike]

He offered.

[Gabby]

We ain't good enough. Not important enough to the circus. But what about the performers? You notice their big salaries go right on whether there's a show or not.

[Spike]

We do all the work, they get all the gravy.

[Rags]

This is awful. It's not fair either.

[Gabby]

Now, this is what I gotta say. If we're important to the seggers, we're worth more money. Yeah, I'd like to see him put on a show without us. Cat, it can't be done. That's why I say it's safe for us to strike for a day so. So, Mr. Randall come across fast.

[Spike]

I sure can use some extra dough.

[Gabby]

Yeah, me too. Yeah, that's it. We could all use some money. And if we want it, we got a strike.

[Spike]

That's the ticket.

[Rags]

We got a strike.

[Gabby]

He'll come across. Yeah, you bet he will. We'll get our desserts. It isn't like we don't work for our money.

[Rags]

We gotta get out of here quick. This is terrible, the way they're talking. Come on, before the men start breaking out.

[Gabby]

I don't want any more meetings. Mr. Randall must know how strong we are, understand? Sure. We got you, mumster. Word, Gabby. He can't put on no show on us. So if we all stick together, guess

[Rags]

we got away without anyone seeing us. Rags, that's fierce. We'll have to do something about this setup, baby. Of all people, I thought he had too much sense to pull a thing like that.

[Jerry]

Now, what's wrong with you?

[Rags]

Oh, I see. It's Spike.

[Spike]

Hi, Jerry.

[Rags]

Gee. Hello, Spike. Say, you don't know how glad I am to see you.

[Spike]

Yeah, why?

[Rags]

I was afraid. I mean, I thought maybe. Hey, where were you?

[Spike]

Heading for the mess tent. It's a little early, but the flag ought to be up soon. Thought I'd just hang around and be one of the first ones in.

[Rags]

Oh, that's swell. I was afraid maybe you were heading for that meeting.

[Spike]

What meeting?

[Rags]

The one Gabby's having.

[Spike]

How'd you find out about that?

[Rags]

Jerry, I just been over there.

[Gabby]

What?

[Spike]

Then what the dickens are you doing at a meeting like that?

[Rags]

Well, I. You see, it's like this.

[Spike]

Oh, now listen, Jerry, you're only a kid. That's no place for a self respecting boy. I'm disappointed in you, Jerry. Mighty disappointed.

[Rags]

You don't think I was joining in with that crowd?

[Spike]

Well, it certainly don't seem like it. Your being there is just the same as admitting you agree with what they're doing.

[Rags]

Oh, I wasn't in the meeting.

[Spike]

Well, you just said you were.

[Rags]

Gee, wisno. See, what do you think I am, huh?

[Spike]

I don't get you, Jerry.

[Rags]

This is. You're funny. Here I was scared to death you were going over there and now you think I'm in with Gabby.

[Spike]

Well, I. I'm glad you haven't been taken in, Jerry.

[Rags]

But I'm sure disappointed in Gabby.

[Spike]

Yeah, me too. He always shot off his mouth too much. But I never thought he was dangerous. I can't figure it out at all.

[Rags]

Of course, he always wanted to be someone important.

[Spike]

Yeah, but this is a mean way of being important. Turning against his own boss.

[Rags]

Say, Spike, there were an awful lot of men over there. Seemed to me like all the stakers and most of the canvas men are in on it.

[Spike]

Afraid you're right, Jerry.

[Rags]

And the way they talk, they all seem to be strong for Gabby.

[Spike]

Sure. Just because they think they'll make a

[Rags]

little extra Dough, you think Mr. Randall will have to give in?

[Spike]

I don't see how he can possibly put up the show in Stanton without stakers and the canvas crew.

[Rags]

Or break the show down and load it, either. Say, that's fierce, isn't it? What in the world will he do?

[Spike]

I don't know. I was just talking to Murray and of course, he and I will do all we can, but two men can't take down all that canvas.

[Gabby]

Uh.

[Rags]

Oh, the flag's up. Gets all the way here.

[Spike]

Don't take the folks long to find out dinner's ready.

[Rags]

Yep, and the meeting's over. Look at the men coming over from that back lot.

[Spike]

Yeah, I notice they're not striking when it comes to food.

[Rags]

Yeah, just when it comes to work.

[Spike]

Oh, well. Guess I'll put the nose bag on.

[Rags]

Okay, Spike.

[Spike]

All right. See you later, Johnny.

[Rags]

You bet. So long, spike. Oh, hey, Mr. Randall. I want to see you.

[Jerry]

Oh. Oh, there you are, Jerry.

[Mr. Randall]

I was wondering why I hadn't seen you. You got any news for me?

[Rags]

I'll say. The men just been having. The men have just been having a meeting. I heard almost everything they said.

[Mr. Randall]

How many men, Jerry?

[Rags]

Looked like most of the stakers and canvas men and some of the rostabots, too.

[Mr. Randall]

Who's the leader?

[Rags]

Gabby.

[Mr. Randall]

Gabby? Why? Say, that man's been with me for years. I can't understand him.

[Rags]

Well, they're going to strike right now. Tonight. What can we do, Mr. Randall? How can we get the circus loaded tonight? Gee, seems to me we're in an awful fix.

[Mr. Randall]

Has the meeting broken up?

[Rags]

Yeah, the men have all gone in the big end of the mess tent.

[Mr. Randall]

Well, I think I'll take the bull right by the horns and go in and talk to those men now.

[Rags]

I don't think it'll do much good, not the way they were talking.

[Mr. Randall]

Well, we'll see. I'll have to find out anyhow, because strike or no strike, we're opening tomorrow in Stanton.

[Rags]

But how can we.

[Mr. Randall]

Listen, Jerry, if you want to do a thing badly enough, you can perform miracles. We'll open.

[Jerry]

You'll see.

[Rags]

If you don't mind, I'm going to hang around and listen good.

[Mr. Randall]

Well, here goes.

[Jerry]

Quiet, everybody. Quiet.

[Spike]

Hey, five times he. It's the boss.

[Jerry]

I'll only take a minute, man, but I want you to listen to them through. If any of you think this proposed strike is going to keep us from playing Stampton tomorrow, you're very much mistaken. Just a minute. Just a minute. I'm not through. Just a minute. Those of you who are loyal will help load the show tonight as usual. We'll carry the rest of you onto Stanton if you want to go. We'll feed you while you're there. Those who are on strike will find a deduction in their paychecks for the number of days they stop working. But there will not be a raise in salaries at any time during the season, and that's final.

[Spike]

Yeah.

[Gabby]

You can't move the circus without it.

[Jerry]

Don't be so sure of that, Gabby.

[Spike]

It's a bluff.

[Jerry]

No, it isn't a bluff. I'm carrying the strikers on to Stanton for only one reason. To show them we can put on the show. Regardless, if the strike isn't broken by the time we leave Stanton, I'll have a whole new set of men put on the payroll.

[Gabby]

Nice try to scare us. Yeah, but don't worry.

[Spike]

Don't worry.

[Gabby]

We'll stick together and we'll get there.

[Jerry]

No, you won't, Gabby. And I advise you to forget this strike.

[Mr. Randall]

Oh, come on, man.

[Jerry]

Let's be friends and work together for the good of everybody. How about it, men?

[Major Mike]

I.

[Gabby]

Don't let him put it over, men. We know our rights.

[Jerry]

All right, Gabby. It's as you men decide. That's all I have to say. But think it over before you make your decision.

[Gabby]

Good night.

[Rags]

You were wonderful, Mr. Randolph. I don't see how they could strike after what you just said.

[Mr. Randall]

No, thanks, Jerry. But you see, when people get mixed up about right and wrong, sometimes they can't think straight.

[Rags]

I know. Like kids, we want something so much that even when grown ups tell us we're wrong, we just can't see it.

[Mr. Randall]

That's exactly it. Well, here's where we belong. I guess I'll get another speech off

[Jerry]

my chest in the little end of the mess tank.

[Rags]

You must be in a speechifying mood.

[Mr. Randall]

Yeah, yeah, I'm just a soapbox orator at heart.

[Rags]

Jerry, I sure like the way you kid even when you're in trouble. Mr. Randall. Hey, listen, everybody. Mr. Randall's got something to say.

[Jerry]

I'll be short and to the point. Friends. And I mean friends. I feel as if every trooper in this show is a personal friend that I can depend upon you may or may not have heard that some rumors that some of the hands are threatening a strike. I'm not sure how far they'll go or how many of them will stick. But this show has to open in Stanton tomorrow.

[Rags]

I'll see you, Doug.

[Jerry]

Even rags agrees with me. Now, folks, can I depend on you to lend a hand if we find ourselves stuck when it's time to break down the show tonight?

[Major Mike]

You can count on me, Mr.

[Spike]

Render.

[Major Mike]

Me too.

[Jerry]

That's what I call trooping. I knew every one of you would stand by. But I must say it is gratifying to hear you say so after he

[Rags]

cheers for our circus. G. Ray. Goodness, Grace, it's your swell to work with folks like this. Ha. Don't you worry about your circus, Mr. Randall.

[Major Mike]

I'll say so. If Major Mike knows anything, this circus is going to be a cinch to move. And I'm here to tell you that I'm going to do the work of 10 men in spite of my size.

[Spike]

Hey there, easy with that end. We gotta get this canvas roll way back into that wagon.

[Major Mike]

And I'm just a person to help here. I'll climb up there and then I can crawl right into the wagon on this end of that canvas.

[Spike]

Okay, Major, that's a good idea. It's kind of hard to put this stuff in right when you're not used to it.

[Major Mike]

Yeah, I guess it's pretty lucky having our little men around. It isn't everyone who can get in here and paint these timber throws in so well.

[Rags]

Hey, let me help there.

[Major Mike]

Not at all, not at all. I'm doing fine. No, sir, you better help with the other low. Jerry, see if you can climb into the wagon like I'm doing. And then you can help get these well jets straight.

[Rags]

Hey, that's a great idea.

[Spike]

Yeah, you bet it is. It's saving a lot of time, too.

[Major Mike]

I always said it's better to have brains and brawn. Yes, siree, A good headwinds every time.

[Rags]

Well, I'll be seeing you. Thanks for the tip, Major.

[Major Mike]

Not at all, Jerry. Not at all. It's all for the good in a cord.

[Rags]

Oh, hi, Mr. Randall. Hey, what time is it?

[Jerry]

After 3.

[Rags]

Gee whiz, is it that late?

[Mr. Randall]

I'm afraid it is, Jerry.

[Rags]

Golly, do you think we can make it? I mean, get loaded in time to get to Stanton?

[Mr. Randall]

Oh, I'm sure we can. If only you folks don't get so tired you can't work tomorrow.

[Rags]

Don't you worry about us. Of course, this works different and it is hard, but we can take it.

[Mr. Randall]

Oh, I'm sure everyone's willing to do it. The only thing is, I mustn't forget that we've got to set the show up first and then play a performance in the afternoon.

[Rags]

Oh, we'll make it. You'll see. Well, I better get up on this wagon and help load.

[Jerry]

What's wrong?

[Rags]

I don't know. That's funny. I just finished loading that wagon back there. Good night. See? I'll bet they locked the Major in with all that canvas.

[Gabby]

Where?

[Jerry]

How?

[Rags]

It is the Major. Hey, Spike. Spike.

[Jerry]

But they've locked it up.

[Spike]

Jiminy Christmas. Somebody must have locked that wagon while I went to get Murray. I forgot to tell him the Major was inside.

[Jerry]

Quick, men, unlock that wagon. He might smother in there.

[Rags]

I know I shouldn't laugh, but gee, it's sure funny.

[Spike]

Poor Major. It would happen to him.

[Jerry]

There you are, Major. Lucky thing you yelled lucky.

[Major Mike]

Lucky, you say? Say, who locked me in there? Was that supposed to be a joke?

[Spike]

Oh, gosh, I'm sorry, Major. I just left for a minute.

[Major Mike]

A minute? A minute and I might have died.

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