Jerry of the Circus - The Strike Ends

Summary

Podcast Summary: Jerry of the Circus – The Strike Ends

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

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Episode Overview

In this classic episode from the Golden Age radio series "Jerry of the Circus," tensions run high as a workers' strike threatens the day-to-day operations of the circus. The episode focuses on Jerry and his close associates as they navigate the fallout from the strike, handle personal triumphs, and ultimately seek a peaceful, sensible resolution. The story intricately blends personal drama (Patsy’s financial windfall) with the broader collective struggle, culminating in a moment where communication and reason bring closure to conflict.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. News of the Strikers’ Meeting

• Jerry hurries to inform Mr. Randall that another clandestine meeting is taking place among the striking workers.
• Mr. Randall's Leadership: He decides not to interfere directly, expressing confidence that the workers should come to a solution on their own but listens to Jerry's concerns.
  • Quote:

    “No, no, I think I’ve said enough. I’ll let them figure it out for themselves.” (02:47)

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2. Patsy’s Big News: A Windfall

• Patsy excitedly announces she’s received a $20,000 check from her godmother's estate, sparking a light-hearted, warm conversation about financial responsibility.
• She seeks Mr. Randall's advice on what to do with her money, leading to an educational mini-lesson on safe investments.
  • Quote:

    “It’s my check, Mr. Randall.” (03:38)
    “I can hardly believe it, but it’s $20,000. That’s what it came to after the taxes and the attorney’s fees were deducted.” (04:46)

• Mr. Randall recommends putting the money into an annuity for safety and steady income, warning about fast-talking opportunists.
  • Quote:

    “It’s a good plan for several reasons... just as soon as a person gets a nice sum of money, someone always comes along to try to get it away from him.” (05:24)

• This segment shows the supportive, almost familial relationships among circus members.

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3. The Strikers’ Meeting: Tensions and Resolution

• Mr. Randall and Jerry move to observe (and participate in) the strikers’ meeting.
  • Mr. Randall insists on addressing the group directly.
  • Quote:

    “Not in your life, Jerry. I’m going right over there among them.” (08:10)

  • Mr. Randall appeals to their sense of reason and fairness, explaining the hardships shared by all after the cyclone hit.
    • Quote:

      “I know you’re important to the circus, just as important as the performers or the stop acts or any other department. But I do believe I’m giving you all a square deal.” (08:39) “I work for a salary the same as you do, but I haven’t drawn one cent of pay since the cyclone.” (09:21)

• Danny (one of the workers) steps up, offering a grounded perspective, stating that everyone needed to work together after the emergency and that they’re treated well overall.
  • Quote:

    “Gabby, if we didn’t all pitch in and work hard and get the show out on the road again, we wouldn’t have any job at all… We get good food and lots of it. Our job’s steady… and it’s a pretty good setup.” (10:08)

• Gabby, initially seen as the strikers’ instigator, admits the strike was not truly his idea and reveals he was manipulated by someone else who had ulterior motives.
  • Quote:

    “There was another guy behind this strike idea. I thought he was honest… but I see now there must have been another reason. He had a reason for starting this thing.” (11:01)

• The meeting ends with most agreeing to return to work, and hard feelings largely set aside.
  • Quote:

    “That’s all right, Gabby. I said there’d be no hard feelings.” – Mr. Randall (11:24)

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4. Confrontation and Closure

• Gabby immediately confronts the real instigator (Boris), making it clear he won’t tolerate manipulation and deals swift (physical) justice.
  • Quote:

    “So you’re the wise guy that wanted to make a SAP out of me, huh?... You had a reason for your own. For wanting me to start that strike. I don’t know what it was and I don’t care but guys like you need a little tamer.” (12:23)

• The scene is dramatic, with Gabby doling out a punch to Boris to settle accounts.
  • Quote:

    “By the time you can see out of that eye, maybe you’ll be able to see that it doesn’t pay to fool around with me.” (12:55)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Patsy, about her windfall:

  “I can hardly believe it, but it’s $20,000.” (04:46)

• Mr. Randall, on handling newfound money:

  “Just as soon as a person gets a nice sum of money, someone always comes along to try to get it away from him.” (05:24)

• Mr. Randall, on leadership:

  “I haven’t drawn one cent of pay since the cyclone.” (09:21)

• Danny, raising the group’s spirits:

  “If we didn’t all pitch in and work hard and get the show out on the road again, we wouldn’t have any job at all.” (10:08)

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Important Timestamps

• 02:08 – Jerry warns Mr. Randall about the secret strikers’ meeting.
• 03:14–05:59 – Patsy enthusiastically reveals her inheritance and seeks advice.
• 07:08 – Mr. Randall and Jerry encounter Whitey and discuss labor tensions.
• 08:10–10:55 – Mr. Randall addresses the strikers, and Danny and Gabby speak.
• 11:01–11:24 – Gabby admits the strike wasn’t truly his idea and hints at being manipulated.
• 12:23–12:55 – Gabby confronts the real instigator.
• 14:55 – Episode content ends.

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Episode Takeaways

• Mature Leadership: Mr. Randall demonstrates empathy and reason, treating workers as valued members of the team.
• Communication and Honesty: Open dialogue, particularly collective reflection and honesty by Danny and Gabby, helps defuse conflict.
• Personal Triumphs: Patsy’s windfall and prudent guidance from Mr. Randall show the caring, familial nature of the circus community.
• Resolution, Not Revenge: While tensions flare, the episode ultimately promotes reconciliation and moving forward together.

This episode is a fine example of the values, camaraderie, and drama that made radio shows of the era so compelling and timeless.

Transcript

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[Jerry]

There he is. Rags. Oh, Mr. Randolph. Hey, wait a minute, Mr. Randall.

[Mr. Randall]

Oh, what's the matter, Jerry?

[Jerry]

I just heard something I think you should know.

[Mr. Randall]

Oh, well, you want to step into the wagon?

[Jerry]

No, I can tell you here.

[Mr. Randall]

Well, what is it, Jerry?

[Jerry]

Well, I just heard one of the Rostabots tell Gus he's one of the canvassers.

[Mr. Randall]

Yes, yes, I know Gus.

[Jerry]

Well this fellow told Gus they were going to have another meeting.

[Mr. Randall]

Oh, you. You mean the striker?

[Jerry]

Uh huh.

[Mr. Randall]

Did he say when?

[Jerry]

Yeah, he said in about 10 minutes. And they're all going to meet out

[Danny]

in back of the horse.

[Mr. Randall]

Stop. So they're still talking it over, huh?

[Jerry]

Yeah, I guess so.

[Mr. Randall]

Yeah. Thanks for telling me, Jerry.

[Jerry]

Are you going to go over and see what they have to say?

[Mr. Randall]

Yes, I think I will.

[Jerry]

Maybe if you talk to them again, they'll see different.

[Mr. Randall]

No, no, I think I've said enough. I'll let them figure it out for themselves.

[Jerry]

It sure is a shame. Everything was going along so nice and then Gabby had to start talking and start all this trouble.

[Mr. Randall]

Yes, yes, it's not so good, Jerry. This strike is hurting business.

[Jerry]

Hey, look at it. Here comes Patsy and Brooks.

[Mr. Randall]

Yeah, look at that grin on Patsy's face. She's certainly excited about something.

[Jerry]

Yeah, and she's walking so fast, bumps can hardly keep up with her.

[Mr. Randall]

Well, Patsy, what's the big smile for?

[Jerry]

You sure seem happy.

[Patsy]

Oh, say, I'm happy. I got a Mr. Randall just now.

[Mr. Randall]

Wait a minute, Patsy. Not so fast. You got what? Say, I thought you asked me to walk over to the office wagon, will you? Seems like you don't know the difference between walking and running, young lady.

[Patsy]

I'm sorry. Bums. I didn't realize I hit such a good pace.

[Jerry]

Well, come on, tell us what it is Mr. Randall asked you, Patsy.

[Patsy]

Oh, I am excited. It's my check, Mr. Randall.

[Mr. Randall]

Your check?

[Jerry]

You mean the money from your godmother? You got it from the lawyer.

[Patsy]

That's it.

[Mr. Randall]

Isn't that grand, Sam? Well, I'll say it is. Congratulations, Patsy.

[Patsy]

Are you busy, Mr. Randall?

[Mr. Randall]

Busy? Oh, no, no, not for a few minutes. Why?

[Patsy]

Well, this check is for a lot of money and at least it's a lot to me.

[Mr. Randall]

Oh, you want me to put it in my safe?

[Patsy]

Yes, that's one thing. And, well, I was going to ask your advice about. About what to do with it.

[Mr. Randall]

Oh, well, I'll be glad to help you, Fancy. But as far as the check goes, you don't have to worry about that. It isn't endorsed. Of course. I'll put it in the safe right after dinner.

[Jerry]

You're not forgetting about what I told you, are you, Mr. Andles?

[Mr. Randall]

No, no indeed I'm not. Well, more secrets with the boss, huh, Jerry? I tried, Bumps.

[Patsy]

Then you are busy.

[Mr. Randall]

Well, yes, yes, in a way. I've got to go out in the back lot to attend or something. But come on along. We can talk as we walk over that way.

[Jerry]

All right, Bumps and I will walk onto here. Come on, Ray.

[Mr. Randall]

All right, all right, go ahead.

[Patsy]

Jerry, I'm so thrilled I can hardly talk.

[Mr. Randall]

Well, I should think you would be. Not everybody has a pot of gold dropped right in their lap like this. How much does it amount to, Betsy?

[Patsy]

I can hardly believe it, but it's $20,000. That's what it came to after the taxes and the attorney's fees were deducted.

[Mr. Randall]

I'd say that's a lot of money. I had no idea you were getting that much.

[Patsy]

I was wondering if you'd sort of help me, Mr. Randall. You see, I want to put the money where it will be absolutely safe.

[Mr. Randall]

Well, yes, of course you do. And you want to get some interest.

[Patsy]

Uh huh.

[Mr. Randall]

Well, Patsy, I'd suggest an annuity.

[Patsy]

Annuity?

[Mr. Randall]

Yeah, I think that's your best bet

[Patsy]

is that sort of. Well, it's like insurance, isn't it?

[Mr. Randall]

That's right. You see, with an annuity, Patsy, you'll get an income from your money as long as you live.

[Patsy]

Oh, that sounds very good, Mr. Randall.

[Mr. Randall]

It's a good plan for several reasons. You know, Patsy, it's a funny thing, but just as soon as a person gets a nice sum of money, someone always comes along to try to get it away from him.

[Patsy]

Uh huh.

[Mr. Randall]

Fast talkers appear and present all sorts of pretty pictures of good investments.

[Patsy]

Yes, most of them just tricks.

[Mr. Randall]

That's right.

[Patsy]

Will you show me how to go about getting this annuity?

[Mr. Randall]

You bet I will. You just drop over to the office wagon anytime and we'll figure out the very best plan for You.

[Patsy]

Oh, thank you so much, Mr. Randall.

[Mr. Randall]

Not at all, Patsy. I'm glad you came to me first.

[Patsy]

I knew you'd want me to do. Do the safest thing with the money you bet.

[Mr. Randall]

I can't have my star aerialist losing all her wealth.

[Jerry]

Aren't you through talking business?

[Mr. Randall]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. All finished here. You two must have a big deal.

[Patsy]

High finance bump.

[Mr. Randall]

Did you manage to get some of her money away from her, Sam? Oh, you bet I did. I. I talked her out of the whole amount. She's. She's going to invest it in one of my paraffine mines in the South Sea.

[Jerry]

Gohan. Paraffine doesn't come from mine.

[Mr. Randall]

Well, you'll have to excuse me now. You coming with me, Jerry?

[Jerry]

Yeah, I'd like to.

[Patsy]

Then I'll run along. And thanks again, Mr. Randall.

[Mr. Randall]

Okay, Patsy.

[Patsy]

Okay, bye.

[Jerry]

See you all later.

[Mr. Randall]

Can I be any help, Sam? No, I don't think so, Bumps. Thanks just the same. Jerry and I are just going to sit in one of the strikers meetings. Oh, see?

[Jerry]

Will you take rags with you, Bump?

[Mr. Randall]

Oh, sure, Jerry. Come on, fella. No, you're coming with me this time, most likely. See at dinner time. Good luck. I hope you work out something with those strikers.

[Jerry]

This way, Mr. Randall. They're meeting out in back of the horse top.

[Mr. Randall]

Oh, well, then let's walk through the horse top. It's quicker than walking around.

[Jerry]

Okay.

[Mr. Randall]

Say, Jerry, did that fella have any more to say?

[Jerry]

Just what I told you, that they're

[Mr. Randall]

holding another meeting right through here.

[Jerry]

All right.

[Mr. Randall]

Oh, say there. There's your old pal Jerry.

[Jerry]

Hiya, Whitey.

[Danny]

Hello.

[Mr. Randall]

Hello, whitey. Oh, hello, Mr. Randall. Well, looks like you've got quite a gathering out back, doesn't it?

[Whitey]

Yep. Those strikers are still ra you going out and taking the meeting. Good for you, Mr. Randall. You know, I never seen the likes of such carrying on as they're doing. They ought to be ashamed of themselves asking for a better deal than they're getting from you.

[Jerry]

I'll say they should.

[Whitey]

Yeah, they're unnervy lot. Why, do you know they. They even came around to some of my men and tried to get them to go out on strike, too.

[Mr. Randall]

They did, huh? I knew they'd been around to the guards in the menagerie.

[Whitey]

Yep. My boys wouldn't have nothing to do with any of their ideas.

[Mr. Randall]

Ah, good.

[Jerry]

Come on, Mr. Randall, they're starting to talk.

[Mr. Randall]

Okay, Jerry. Well, see you later, Whitey.

[Whitey]

You bet, mister.

[Jerry]

Can you imagine that? What those strikers are trying to get the hustlers to strike, too.

[Mr. Randall]

Yeah, well, that doesn't surprise me.

[Jerry]

Of all the nerves.

[Mr. Randall]

Oh. Oh, say, look, Jerry, there they are.

[Jerry]

And it looks like there's more this time than they had at the last meeting. Maybe we better stay right here.

[Mr. Randall]

Why?

[Jerry]

Well, we can hear them all right from here.

[Mr. Randall]

Not in your life, Jerry. I'm going right over there among them.

[Jerry]

You are?

[Mr. Randall]

Sure thing.

[Jerry]

Oh, they see you.

[Mr. Randall]

That's all right, men. Go right ahead with your meeting.

[Gabby]

You bet we will. And you're invited to listen to what we have to say.

[Mr. Randall]

All right, Gabby. But before you start, I'd like to put a little forward in.

[Gabby]

I'll have to see about that. How about it, fellas? Do you want to hear from Mr. Randall? Okay, Mr. Randall. Okay. See you, Little Pete.

[Danny]

Pipe down, you guys, and let the boss talk.

[Gabby]

Go ahead, boss.

[Mr. Randall]

Well, there's just this much to be said, men. I'm not being stubborn about your demands. I'm only trying to be reasonable. And I want you to be reasonable, too. I know you're important to the circus, just as important as the performers or the stop acts or any other department. But I do believe I'm giving you all a square deal. You're getting just as much, if not more, than you'd get from any other outfit in the business. Oh, yeah, right.

[Gabby]

John, let the boss finish. He's entitled to say what he wants to say.

[Mr. Randall]

Well, the extra work you did after the cyclone hit us was an emergency. Sure, you worked overtime. But what do you think I was doing? Well, I'll tell you. I was working overtime, too, night and day.

[Whitey]

Why?

[Mr. Randall]

To keep the show going. To keep your jobs for you and not have to throw all my people out of work. Another thing, I work for a salary the same as you do, but I haven't drawn one cent of pay since the cyclone.

[Danny]

Hey, let the boss finish.

[Jerry]

Come on.

[Mr. Randall]

That's all I have to say, men. Now, how about getting back in your jobs? We'll forget the whole thing and there'll be no hard feelings. What do you say?

[Danny]

Hey, let me talk now.

[Gabby]

I'll do the talking now.

[Danny]

Yeah, I wish you'd let me talk once. Hey, let's hear what Danny's got to say. He's been wanting to say something right along.

[Mr. Randall]

Okay, let's hear what's on your mind.

[Danny]

Danny, go ahead.

[Gabby]

Okay. All right, Danny, go ahead.

[Danny]

Well, in the first place, Gabby here starts us all to thinking. We should have got extra dope for working overtime when we had that cyclone.

[Mr. Randall]

Yeah, that's right. So what?

[Danny]

Well, if we'd have stopped and done a little thinking of our own, we'd have been better off.

[Gabby]

Oh, yeah? What are you driving at?

[Danny]

Just this. Gabby, if we didn't all pitch in and work hard and get the show out on the road again, we wouldn't have any job at all. Didn't any of you guys think of that? Sure I have. And Mr. Randall's right. We're getting a square deal from him. We get good food and lots of it. Our job's steady. Most of us know when we can get back to work for the outfit year after year, and it's a pretty good setup. Yeah, Where'd we go to work if we didn't work for Randall now? Well, what do you got to say to that argument, Gabby?

[Gabby]

Well, let's see now.

[Danny]

I. Yeah, you ain't got no answer. For once, you ain't so g. Danny's right.

[Mr. Randall]

That's why.

[Gabby]

Now, listen, you wait a minute, you guys listen to me. I'm gonna tell you something you didn't know.

[Danny]

All right, go ahead.

[Gabby]

In the first place, this strike wasn't my idea.

[Danny]

What? You said it was.

[Gabby]

I know I did. But after the thing got started, I begin to think like Danny here. We ain't got such bad jobs at that.

[Mr. Randall]

Well, then why didn't you call the thing off?

[Gabby]

I figured it was too late then.

[Jerry]

You hear that, Mr. Randall?

[Mr. Randall]

Yeah, Jerry, this is getting interesting.

[Gabby]

There was another guy behind this strike idea. I thought he was Forrest when he told me how to plan the strike. But I see now there must have been another reason. He had a reason for starting this thing.

[Danny]

Now, who is this guy?

[Gabby]

Never mind. Just leave him to me. I want them all to myself. I'm gonna go get him right now. When I get through with him, I'll bet he won't get any more funny ideas about making you guys and me the goat. I'm sorry this thing has caused you so much trouble, Mr. Randall.

[Mr. Randall]

Well, that's all right, Gabby. I said there'd be no hard feelings.

[Danny]

Then let's all get back on the job.

[Mr. Randall]

Hey, gabby.

[Gabby]

Excuse me, Mr. Randall. I got some unfinished business to take care of.

[Jerry]

What do you know about that?

[Gabby]

Trying to make a monkey out of me, was he? Yeah, he had some other idea. He wanted to start that strike for a reason. I don't care what it was. He won't be getting no more ideas. Wise guy, huh? Well, take care of him. He figured he'd get the benefit of that strike. And me, the fellas out there, we'd Take the wrap. Well, I'll fix him. You in there, Boris, Go.

[Whitey]

Me?

[Gabby]

Hey, what's the idea?

[Danny]

You know you shouldn't be seen in my wagon.

[Mr. Randall]

Oh, yeah?

[Gabby]

So you're the wise guy that wanted to make a SAP out of me, huh?

[Danny]

I don't know what you're talking about, Gabby.

[Gabby]

No? Well, you had a reason. A reason for your own. For wanting me to start that strike. I don't know what it was and I don't care, but guys like you need a little tamer.

[Danny]

Oh, now, take it easy, Gabby.

[Gabby]

I've elected myself to teach you a lesson. One that you won't forget.

[Danny]

So quick, sit down and we'll talk this over. Gabby, I'm sure you have made a big mistake.

[Gabby]

No, you're the guy that made the mistake. And you're gonna pay for that mistake right now.

[Danny]

How's it I hate? Oh, Gabby, what's the idea?

[Gabby]

By the time you can see out of that eye, maybe you'll be able to see that it doesn't pay to fool around with me.

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[Mr. Randall]

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