Jerry of the Circus - The Tent with a Flag

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Jerry of the Circus - The Tent with a Flag

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," part of Harold's Old Time Radio, takes listeners behind the scenes at the circus, following Jerry and his companions through a day full of camaraderie, daily rituals, and a newfound mystery. The narrative centers around everyday life in the circus, from caring for beloved animals to the subtle signals that dictate communal rhythm, such as the raising of a flag for mealtime. Most notably, the plot thickens when Jerry discovers a mysterious key on his late father's keyring, hinting at a potential safety deposit box and setting up intrigue for future episodes.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Health Concerns of Mr. Bradley (02:09–02:50)

• The episode opens with Jerry expressing concern for Mr. Bradley's health following fainting spells and general weakness.
• Bumps explains:
  "I think it's just bulldog determination and willpower that keeps Johnny Bradley on his feet at all." (02:40, Bumps)
• This segment highlights both the hardships and dedication of circus performers.

2. Rags Gets a Bath – Daily Life and Animal Companionship (02:52–05:04)

• Jerry and Bumps give Rags, Jerry’s lively dog, a bath, emphasizing the bond between performer and pet.
• Discussion of Rags' happiness and adjustment to circus life reinforces the warmth and relatability of the characters: "No, but I think Rags likes the circus. He's never been so frisky and full of peps." (03:26, Jerry)
• Lighthearted banter about dog intelligence and circus stardom ensues.

3. The Keys and Jerry’s Father’s Legacy (05:04–07:54)

• Patsy arrives, notices Jerry's keyring, and inquires about the different keys.
  • Notable exchange: "This was Dad's key ring. And I put the key to Rag's collar on it." (05:55, Jerry)
• Patsy and Bumps spot a small, numbered key resembling a safety deposit box key; discussion shifts to what might be locked away. "That's hard to say, Jerry, but I think you should know about it." (06:52, Patsy)
• Patsy suggests asking at the local bank, raising the potential for future plot development and deepening the show's emotional layers.

4. Circus Rituals: The Tent with a Flag (08:00–09:27)

• As the group gathers hunger, the conversation turns to an important circus tradition: the raising of a flag outside the mess tent to signal mealtime.
• Bumps explains: "There's no bell ringing or bugle blowing when it's mealtime around the circus. They just raise that little flag on the mess tent and then we know that food's being served." (09:06, Bumps)
• The flag’s significance symbolizes community rhythm and tradition for circus folk.

5. Lions, Cooks, and Feeding the Circus (09:53–12:41)

• Jason joins, reporting that his lion, Daisy, is healthy again and ready to perform. The group admires her recovery.
• Jerry demonstrates his resourcefulness by already knowing what's for dinner.
• A discussion follows about the enormity and logistics of feeding the entire circus: "Do you know it takes the best part of six whole cows to fill the bill?" (11:34, Bumps)
• The segment provides fascinating insight into circus operations and the necessity of efficient resource management.

6. The Lost Keys – A Cliffhanger (12:41–13:16)

• While at dinner, Jerry realizes he left his keys with Rags, spurring a frantic dash back to the wagon.
• Patsy worries:
  "Oh, I do hope Rags hasn't lost [the key]." (13:08, Patsy)
• The fate of the keys, and thus the mysterious safety deposit box, becomes a cliffhanger heading into the next episode.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Animal Intelligence:
  "If it isn't brains that teaches them duty and courage and loyalty and obedience, well, then it's something awful close to brains." (04:01, Bumps)
• On Tradition:
  "As long as the flag is flying, the service goes on. But when the flag comes down, well, the service is open." (09:19, Bumps)
• On Circus Logistics:
  "And nothing is wasted either. We get the choice cuts and the tougher parts go to the kennels." (11:43, Jason)
• Mystery Setup:
  "There might be something of importance to Jerry in that safety deposit box. Something that he should know about." (13:08, Bumps)

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• Jerry discusses Mr. Bradley’s health: 02:09–02:50
• Rags gets his bath: 02:52–05:04
• Key discovery and discussion: 05:04–07:54
• The flag ritual explained: 08:00–09:27
• Lion, dinner, and circus feeding: 09:53–12:41
• Lost keys, cliffhanger: 12:41–13:16

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Final Thoughts

This heartwarming, slice-of-life episode provides listeners with an evocative snapshot of the circus community—its daily chores, unspoken rituals, and the enduring bonds between people and animals. The discovery of the safety deposit box key introduces a layer of mystery and emotional depth to Jerry’s journey, clearly setting the stage for upcoming developments.

The episode delivers nostalgia, charm, and anticipation, affirming why golden-age radio dramas continue to captivate audiences of all ages.

Transcript

[A]

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[E]

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

[C]

Say, Bunk.

[E]

Oh, yes, Jerry.

[C]

What's the matter with Mr. Bradley?

[E]

I don't know exactly, Jerry, but from all indications, I'd say he had a pretty weak kicker.

[C]

A weak picker. What's that?

[E]

Oh, I mean a weak heart. Guess he's got it pretty bad too. He's been having those fainting spells for some time now.

[C]

Golly, I don't see how. He went on for the finale this afternoon. He was sure shaking.

[E]

Yep, he was pretty weak all right. I look for him to collapse at any time during the walk around. That's why I work closer to him than I usually do.

[C]

Why does he work if he's so sick?

[E]

You know, I've asked him that very question, Jerry. He just says that he has to keep working because he needs the money. I think it's just bulldog determination and willpower that keeps Johnny Bradley on his feet at all.

[C]

Ready for rides now?

[E]

Yep. Hand me that soap. Then let's put Rags in his bathtub.

[C]

Here you are. Come on, rag. In the water you go.

[E]

You kind of like a bath, don't you, Rags?

[C]

He sure does. I never saw a dog that liked water as much as Rags does. Especially on a nice warm day when the sun's out.

[E]

Well, it sure is a nice sunny day today. You'll get dry in no time now. Here. Come on, boy. Give me your paw rag. That's a boy.

[C]

His paws sure get plenty dirty, don't they?

[E]

Or stands treason. Jerry can't keep clean paws running around in this backyard all day. Can you, boy?

[C]

No, but I think Rags likes the circus. He's never been so frisky and full of peps.

[E]

Why, of course he does. He's proud of himself. Why, just a short while back, he was just another dog. And all of a sudden he joins out with the circus and becomes a star of the show. There's plenty of reason for him to be frisky.

[C]

Not A star bumps.

[E]

Why, sure is a star. Now, you just compare the applause he gets to some of the other acts. Don't you worry, he gets his recognition and laughs too.

[C]

No, we're talking about you, don't you, fella? Yeah.

[E]

You think he doesn't. And some people say dogs haven't got brains.

[C]

They have so.

[E]

Well, I'm inclined to think they have. If it isn't brains that teaches them duty and courage and loyalty and obedience, well, then it's something awful close to brains. Yeah.

[F]

Rags.

[E]

Boy. Yeah, I guess you're pretty clean now. Oh, hand me that pail of clear water there, Jerry.

[C]

Jerry are boxing.

[E]

That's a boy. Now, hold your breath, Rags. I'm gonna rinse off. One, two, three.

[C]

Golly, you got him clean. He just shines.

[E]

Yep, that's a pretty good wash and polish job, I'd say.

[C]

Here's the towel.

[E]

Yeah, all right, out you go, Rags.

[C]

You can wipe them real hard with that towel Bump. He likes it.

[E]

Oh, he does, huh? Well, Rags, I guess I'll have to give you a real good rub down.

[C]

Then when he thinks he's dry enough, he'll grab for the towel and hang on.

[E]

Yeah, well, not with this towel, he won't. It's one of my best, and I don't want our dog to put his monogram in it with his teeth.

[C]

He bumps. Look who's coming.

[E]

Oh, well, hello, Patsy. You just missed it. We just ran Rags through the laundry.

[D]

Hello, you two. Say, it's a wonder you wouldn't let a person know when a big event like this is coming on.

[E]

Here, here, here, you rag. Let go of that towel. You've had enough drying off. Say so, but don't you go tearing up that good towel.

[C]

Here, I told you he'd grab.

[D]

Look at that dog run. I suddenly pulled up that after that bath.

[C]

Here, Rag. Here, boy. Come on, let's put your collar on. Come here. Now, hold still. Let's see, where's my teeth? Here they are.

[D]

My, what a cute little lock. I never noticed that on his collar.

[E]

Well, it's not a very big lock to notice. I guess it's the smallest lock I've ever seen.

[C]

There you are, Rags. You look pretty nice. I'd say so.

[D]

You must be a businessman to have all those keys, Jerry. What are they all for?

[C]

Well, there's only three of them besides the keys to the little lock.

[D]

Well, what three things do you lock up Now? Don't tell me one of them is your car key.

[C]

This was Dad's key ring. And I put the key to Rag's collar on it.

[E]

Oh, so that's it.

[D]

Let's see them, Jerry.

[C]

Here you are.

[D]

This one looks like a trunk key.

[C]

It is. That's a key for Dad's trunk.

[E]

Where is the trunk, Jerry?

[C]

Back at the room and house we lived at, there was nothing in it but some old clothes and things of Dad's.

[D]

And this one looks like a plain old door key. Uh huh.

[C]

That's a key. That was for the door of our room.

[D]

Say, Bumps?

[E]

Yes, Patsy?

[D]

This little key here, doesn't this look like a key to a safety deposit box? Here, look at it.

[E]

Well, I say it does. Look, it's got a little number on it. 7C4321.

[C]

What's a safety deposit box?

[E]

Well, it's a box you rent in a bank. You know, in a big vault.

[D]

People rent them to put valuable things in for safekeeping.

[E]

Yeah, lots of folks keep important papers and even jewelry in them.

[D]

Jerry, didn't your father ever tell you that he had a safety deposit box?

[C]

No, I don't think he ever did.

[E]

Well, now, it might be worthwhile looking into this.

[C]

What do you think might be in the box?

[D]

That's hard to say, Jerry, but I think you should know about it.

[E]

But how'd you go about finding out what bank the key is from? There's no name on it. It might be from a bank in any one of a hundred cities.

[C]

I know for sure. Dad didn't ever go to a bank in Midvale.

[E]

I see. Well, how about when you out west?

[C]

I don't remember.

[D]

I've got it. We'll take this key down to the bank here in town tomorrow and ask someone about it.

[E]

Yeah, yeah, you could do that all right.

[D]

Tomorrow's payday. I usually get a cashier's check to send home to Mother. When I'm at the bank in the morning, I'll inquire about it.

[C]

And if we find out what bank the safety deposit box is in, will they let me open it?

[E]

Oh, guess who, Jerry? You're your dad's only son. I'd like to know who has a better right to see what's in that box.

[D]

You can come with me, Jerry, right after Bennett pays us off. And here's your keys. Oh, I'll drop them. Sorry.

[E]

Oh, oh, here, here, here, Rags, boy, drop those keys.

[C]

Oh, he's only playing with them. He likes to hear them rat. You stay right here with those keys, Rags.

[D]

I wonder what's in that box.

[E]

Well, maybe money or maybe some Important papers.

[D]

Well, whatever it is, you should know about it, Jerry. Just have to find out what bank that box is in.

[E]

But first you'll have to find out what city the bank is in. Looks like a big job ahead.

[F]

Well, hello there.

[C]

It's Jason.

[D]

Hello, Jason.

[E]

Howdy, Jason. How's Trick?

[F]

Fine, if you're talking about tricks with my cats. I just put Daisy through her stunts and she's working great again.

[C]

Is she all well again, Jason?

[F]

Then you bet she is. Just as good as new and anxious to work. I'll bet she does a grand performance tonight.

[E]

It seems to me you have your hands full with those wild animals of yours. They're always doing something to them. If you're not feeding them, you're doctoring them. And if you're not doctoring them, you're putting them through new tricks.

[F]

Well, that's the way it goes when you got a large family of animals to take care of.

[E]

And I thought I had a lot to do do taking care of my props. Keeping my partner, Rags, in good shape.

[F]

By the way, where is Rags?

[C]

There he is, over on the steps to our wagon. He's playing with some keys.

[D]

Say, who's getting hungry besides me?

[E]

Well, I guess I could do with a bit of food. About time that flag was going up at that, isn't it?

[C]

Flag going up? What are you talking about, Bumps?

[D]

Don't you know about that, Jerry?

[F]

Shame on you, Bumps. You should have told explained that to Jerry a long time ago. That's important.

[C]

What's important?

[E]

Oh, gee, I'm sorry, Jerry. Just slipped my mind, I guess. Now, here you've been with the circus all this time. You don't know about the flag.

[D]

Well, tell him now, Bumps.

[E]

Well, did you ever notice that little white flag outside the mess tent, Jerry?

[C]

Yeah.

[E]

But you've never noticed that it goes up just before meal time. Well, you see, Jerry, there's no bell ringing or bugle blowing when it's mealtime around the circus. They just raise that little flag on the mess tent and then we know that food's being served.

[C]

I was wondering about that, Flag.

[E]

Well, as long as the flag is flying, the service goes on. But when the flag comes down, well, the service is open.

[F]

Pretty important thing to let slip, huh, Jerry?

[C]

Collie. I'll say.

[D]

Well, you. You haven't missed any meals so far, though, have you?

[C]

No, I always go over bumps. But I'm sure glad to know about the flag. Now, when I see it go up. And if I'm hungry, I won't wait for bumps. I'll go right over and eat.

[D]

You see, that's what you get, Bumps.

[E]

Yeah.

[F]

Yeah. Well, the flag should be going up any minute now. Suppose we all walk over toward the mess tent.

[E]

All right, Jason. Come on, Jerry.

[C]

Let's stop by the lines on the way. I want to see how frisky Daisy is.

[F]

My arm, lady.

[D]

Thank you, sir.

[C]

I bet I know what we're going to have for dinner, boss.

[E]

What?

[C]

Roast beef, brown potatoes and string beans, sir.

[E]

You've got a good nose on you. I can't smell food that far away.

[C]

I can't either.

[E]

Oh, no? And how'd you know what's on the bill affair?

[C]

Well, I went by the cook tent this morning and I saw him fixing the things for dinner.

[D]

Leave it to Jerry.

[F]

That's good business, Jerry. Getting acquainted with the cooks. You'll never go hungry.

[C]

There's Daisy. Golly, look at her go round and round in her cage.

[E]

Yeah, she sure looks good.

[F]

You bet she does. Come on over here, Jerry. See that spot on her shoulder?

[C]

It's all well, isn't it?

[D]

Jason's a good lion doctor, all right.

[F]

Well, there really isn't much to doctoring these cats. They have a lot of remedies of their own that work pretty well.

[C]

You put medicine on Daisy, though.

[F]

Well, that's cause she couldn't get to that sore spot herself. I just helped her along a little.

[D]

There it goes.

[E]

Yep, the flag's up.

[F]

Well, what's keeping us back? Let's eat.

[E]

Run.

[D]

It's good for the appetite.

[C]

Beat you today, Patsy. You think you will?

[E]

That's too much for me. You youngsters better go ahead.

[F]

Oh, come on, bums.

[E]

I'm coming slow, but sure.

[F]

Jerry beat Patsy that time. He went into that mess tent five

[E]

or six feet ahead of her. That boy's a runner anytime he can beat Patsy.

[F]

Yeah, she's pretty fast, all right. Well, here we are.

[C]

Did you see Jerry be dog? I think you let me fancy.

[D]

I did not. My reputation is at stake. I dare fall down a job.

[E]

Well, you were right, Jerry. Here comes the roast beef and the

[F]

string beans and the brown potatoes, too. There you are, Patsy. Ladies first.

[D]

Oh, thank you, Jerry.

[C]

Boy, this looks good.

[F]

Pass the potatoes, Bumps.

[E]

Oh, I'm sorry. I forgot.

[C]

Hey, it sure must take a lot of food to feed the whole circus.

[E]

Yep, it does, Jerry. Take today, for instance. When we have beef. Do you know it takes the best part of six whole cows to fill the bill?

[C]

It does?

[F]

You bet. And nothing is wasted either. We get the choice cuts and the tougher parts go to the kennels.

[C]

Golly, I didn't know that.

[E]

Yep. And then the necks and the bones and the gristle, well, they go to the menagerie.

[C]

That thing was wasted that way, huh?

[E]

Yeah, that's right. Uh. Oh, there's Johnny Bradley, Jerry. He must be feeling better.

[D]

Say, Jason, grab that pitcher of milk and pour me some, please.

[F]

Coming up. Milk, Jerry?

[C]

Yeah, thanks.

[F]

I bet you didn't know that some of the workmen eat as much as one whole loaf of bread at a meal.

[C]

They do?

[E]

Yes, sir. And I've seen them get away with two steaks for breakfast after setting up the tops.

[D]

And how would you like to pay for all that food, Jerry?

[C]

Golly, it sure must cost a lot to feed a circus.

[F]

Well, it costs a lot more at the start of the season than it does now.

[C]

Why is that?

[F]

Well, after a slim winter, most of the stakers and razorbacks are pretty much underweight. So then they hit the road again and work as hard and then take on more food.

[C]

Then after a while, they get caught up, huh?

[E]

That's it.

[D]

Jerry, could I please have another piece of that beef?

[F]

Sure, Patsy. Here you are.

[D]

Thank you.

[C]

Jiminy. Well, again.

[E]

What's up, Jerry?

[C]

I left Rags on the wagon steps.

[D]

Oh, don't you always leave them there? You won't run away.

[C]

Yeah, but my keys.

[D]

He.

[C]

He was playing with them. Excuse me.

[F]

Look at that boy run.

[E]

Hey, I hope that dog hasn't gone off of those keys.

[D]

That'd be awful.

[F]

What keys?

[E]

Oh, a patsy discovered a safety deposit box key on Jerry's key ring.

[D]

It belonged to his father. I was going to take the key over to a bank with me tomorrow and see what could be done about finding out what bank the box is in. Oh, I do hope Rags hasn't lost.

[E]

You know, there might be something of importance to Jerry in that safety deposit box. Something that he should know about.

[F]

Well, he shouldn't let a valuable key like that lay around where Rags can play with it.

[E]

I guess he just forgot about it. But golly, I. I hope it isn't.

[C]

Ram.

[B]

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