Jerry of the Circus - Threatening Notes

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: Jerry of the Circus – "Threatening Notes"

Date: May 21, 2026
Host: Harold’s Old Time Radio

---

Episode Overview

This episode features an installment from the classic radio serial Jerry of the Circus titled "Threatening Notes." The episode delves into suspenseful happenings behind the scenes of a traveling circus, focusing on strange and dangerous notes received by a character named Carmen. The narrative weaves together circus life, camaraderie, and a mounting sense of mystery as the characters try to unravel who is sending the ominous messages.

---

Key Discussion Points & Story Developments

1. Danger in the Big Top: Lanterns, Lions, and Frayed Nerves

• [02:14–04:00]:
  • Lights go out during a performance, creating fear and chaos among the animal trainers and their charges.
  • Jason, the animal trainer, is commended for his courage and quick thinking.
  • The group discusses how Jason kept lions calm in the dark, with Patsy expressing concern for Jason’s safety.
    • Quote:
      • "You'll have to admit it would have been pretty awful if all those cats decided to leap on you at one time. Out there in the dark." – Patsy ([03:30])
    • Jason dismisses the danger, explaining that animals are valuable and he couldn’t simply abandon them.
    • Quote:
      • "Animal trainers are cheap compared to expensive jungle animals. There’s a fortune tied up in my cats." – Jason ([03:45])

2. Backstage Bonds and the Threatening Notes

• [05:21–06:56]:
  • As excitement from the animal act settles, attention shifts to Carmen, who has been receiving anonymous, threatening notes.
  • Friends speculate on who could be behind the messages and whether it could be a joke.
    • Quote:
      • "It is no joke. These notes, I think, mean business." – Carmen ([06:04])
    • The notes warn Carmen to leave the circus or face harm, including threats as severe as acid attacks.
    • The Bendini brothers (Carlos and Alfredo) vow to protect their sister and find the culprit themselves before involving the police.

3. Suspicions Point Inward

• [06:55–07:48]:
  • The group reasons that, since notes first appeared at the previous town, the sender must be someone traveling with the circus.
    • Quote:
      • "Then it must be somebody that's traveling along with us. Maybe somebody with the circus is sending those notes." – Jerry ([06:47])
    • They discuss caution in reporting to authorities, fearing the culprit will flee if police are brought in too soon.

4. Lighthearted Interlude: Plans for a Surprise

• [08:02–09:50]:
  • Amidst the tension, Alfredo and Carlos share with Patsy a secret plan to surprise Carmen with the arrival of El Mundo, an elephant she knew as a child in Europe.
  • The brothers haven’t told Carmen yet and ask Patsy to keep it a secret.
    • Quote:
      • "She will be very happy to see him again, especially after all these years." – Carlos ([08:44])

5. Discovery of the Latest Threat

• [10:47–12:44]:
  • When Carmen goes to her wagon, they discover a dagger pinning the latest threatening note to the door.
  • The brothers recognize the dagger's style as European, and the note is written on unusual rice paper, heightening suspicion.
    • Quote:
      • "This is a final warning. Leave the circus right away. This is your last chance." – Carlos reading the note ([11:13])
    • Jerry offers smart advice to preserve fingerprints on the dagger for potential police investigation.
      • "Put a handkerchief over it first. There may be fingerprints on it." – Jerry ([11:45])
    • The uniqueness of the paper and dagger suggests a European connection.

6. Next Steps: A Circus Investigation

• [12:01–12:56]:
  • The group resolves to investigate within the circus, looking for anyone who might own a dagger like the one left at Carmen’s door.
  • They discuss gathering fingerprints and possibly involving the police after the next stop.
    • Quote:
      • "Just give me time to think, Alfredo and I will get to the bottom of this if it is the last thing we do." – Carlos ([12:01])

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Danger of Dark Animal Acts:

  • "Your life comes first, doesn't it?" – Patsy ([03:58])
  • "Well, I was taking pretty good care of Jason. Don't worry about that for one minute." – Jason ([04:00])

• Circus Camaraderie & Humor:

  • "You don't have to tell Jerry how to be a gentleman." – Carmen ([07:54])
  • "You are handsome, huh? I think you have not looked in the looking glass for some time." – Carmen teasing Carlos ([07:13])

• On Evidence and Sleuthing:

  • "Put a handkerchief over it first. There may be fingerprints on it." – Jerry ([11:45])
  • "That is a sort of rice paper. I know. We have that kind in Europe." – Carmen ([12:44])
  • "Whoever is sending the notes and writing them on this kind of paper must be from Europe too." – Jerry ([12:56])

---

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [02:14] – Blackout in the animal tent, Jason’s heroics
• [05:21] – Conversation turns to Carmen’s threatening notes
• [06:47] – Realization: Threats began in previous town
• [08:06] – Discussion of the secret elephant surprise
• [10:55] – Discovery of the dagger and note
• [11:45] – Preserving evidence: The fingerprint idea
• [12:44] – The European clue: rice paper
• [12:56] – Decision to investigate further and possible police involvement after the next stop

---

Conclusion

This episode artfully blends the thrills of circus life with the intrigue of a classic mystery. The strong sense of companionship amongst the performers, the mounting tension surrounding Carmen’s safety, and the clever detective work underway offer a captivating snapshot of "Golden Age" radio storytelling. With new and ominous evidence in hand, the characters prepare to dig deeper, promising more suspense in episodes to come.

---

Transcript

[A]

And Doug, there's nowhere I wouldn't go to help someone customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual. Even if it means sitting front row at a comedy show.

[B]

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

[C]

Oh, no.

[A]

We help people customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual Together. We're married. Me to a human, him to a bird.

[B]

Yeah, the bird looks out of your league.

[A]

Anyways, get a [e-mail] or with your local agent.

[B]

Liberty.

[D]

Liberty.

[B]

Liberty.

[D]

Liberty.

[E]

Jerry of the Circus.

[C]

Now for jerry of the circus.

[D]

Hey, how about those lanterns? What's holding them up now? Here they come.

[F]

Now, we'll have a light for you right away.

[E]

Down, Nero.

[D]

Still. Hold it still.

[C]

We'll put the lanterns all around the steel.

[G]

Right.

[D]

Now we'll have those lanterns for you. Never mind, boys. There go the lights on again. The generator spakes. Oh, what a break. Now I'll put you through your faces. Hemo. Jimmy. Nikki.

[G]

Up, up. Back there.

[D]

Back there. Nikki, get back. Come on, de. Over you go. Up high. Nemo. Nemo. Jimmy. Get up. Hu. Good work, Jason. Oh, thanks.

[E]

You did okay, boss.

[G]

Jason. Jason.

[E]

How's it, Jerry?

[F]

Oh, you are wonderful.

[D]

Jason.

[B]

Oh, Jason, are you hurt? What happened when you were out there in the dark?

[E]

Now, Patsy, take it easy. Don't get all excited over nothing at all.

[B]

Nothing at all. Goodness, Jason, do you realize the danger you were in?

[F]

How did he ever get the cats to behave in the dark?

[E]

Now, wait a minute. One question at a time.

[B]

Hooray. And tell us all about it.

[E]

Well, there's nothing to tell. I just tried to keep the cats in one place while I waited for the lights to go on.

[F]

They sounded awful. Meant I never heard them roar so loud.

[E]

No, I guess they were scared. Just about as scared as. Well, as scared as you were, Patsy.

[B]

Well, now, don't you make fun of me, Jason. You'll have to admit it would have been pretty awful if all those cats decided to leap on you at one time. Out there in the dark.

[E]

Didn't it occur to you that things got too bad in this deal? I could make for the door and get out.

[F]

Never thought of that.

[B]

Why didn't you do that, Jason?

[D]

What?

[E]

Leave all those animals alone. Panicky in the dark, I should say nothing. They might have torn each other to bits. You know, there's an old saying around the circus. Animal trainers are cheap compared to expensive jungle animals. There's a fortune died up in my cats.

[F]

But your life comes first, doesn't it?

[E]

Well, I was taking pretty good care of Jason. Don't worry about that for one minute.

[B]

Well, I'm surely glad it's all over. I never went through such an exciting few minutes in my whole life.

[F]

What's the matter, Rags? Huh? Oh, I see. It's a Bandini.

[G]

Hiya.

[F]

Here we are.

[G]

Oh, Jason, I thought you might be hurt. I am so very happy. You are? How you call all in one piece.

[E]

I guess I caused quite a little excitement at that.

[F]

Quiet, Reggie.

[C]

Ever do it?

[D]

Jason, I think it was wonderful the way you handled those lies.

[E]

Now, now, this has gone far enough. If you all keep talking like this, I'll be going to Mr. Randall and asking for a raise in the salary.

[C]

I think the audience should have paid more to money to get in and tonight. I bet they never saw a show so good like that one.

[G]

But delights they are fixed now. It is too bad they wait so long to get them working.

[C]

They have hooked on to the city power lines now. They won't go out again tonight.

[B]

Oh, they didn't get the generator fixed?

[D]

No, the generator is really broke.

[G]

There's bumps.

[F]

Rags, go on. He's calling you out. Well, go on, hurry up.

[D]

Look at him go.

[E]

Well, if you'll excuse me, I'll have to go and have a little talk with my pets before they go to sleep for the night.

[B]

All right, Jason. We'll see you there on the train.

[G]

Good night, Jason. I still think it was wonderful the way you handled those animals.

[E]

I'll see you all later.

[B]

All right, Jason.

[F]

Goodbye.

[C]

Well, Sherry, I guess you have a big time in this town. Hansberg.

[E]

Yes.

[F]

What do you mean?

[D]

My brother. He means a lot has happened here.

[G]

Sure, you get arrested by the police

[F]

and everything, all that. Yeah, it has been exciting here.

[B]

Well, it seems like you've had your share too, Carmen. I mean, with those notes threatening you.

[C]

I'd like to find who writes those notes to our sister. I like just to get my hands on him.

[D]

We get him and when we do, it will be too bad.

[F]

I know this maybe sounds kind of foolish, but don't you have any enemies or I mean, somebody that might want to hurt Carmen? Isn't there somebody you can think of?

[D]

No. Jerry, the Bandinis I do not think have one enemies in the world.

[C]

Only friends we have got.

[B]

I wonder if it could be someone who's trying to play a joke.

[G]

It is no joke. These notes, I think think it mean business.

[D]

That is poor joke, Patsy. No, we like joke the same like anybody. But it is not joke to Tell Carmen to leave the circle or they will put acid on our wire.

[F]

Have you told Mr. Randall about it yet?

[G]

No. My brothers think maybe they want to try to find out who it is first. By themselves.

[C]

You see, Jerry, when you call in the police, sometimes you scare the one away who you are looking for.

[F]

Yeah, I guess that's right.

[D]

If we do not find who it is that sends these notes, then we will get help.

[C]

But the Bendinis will not fail. I will break every bone in his body. Whoever is scaring our sister, maybe it's

[B]

someone in this town. And after we leave here tonight, we'll hear no more of it.

[G]

But I have received the first note in the last town we play.

[F]

Then it must be somebody that's traveling along with us. Maybe somebody with the circus is sending those notes.

[C]

That is what Alfredo and I think, Sherry.

[B]

See, I'm getting chilly. I think I better get over to my wagon and change into some warmer clothes.

[G]

You're right. We have talked too much now anyhow. I go with you, Patsy, as far as my dressing room.

[C]

You mind if two handsome gentlemen come along with you, lady?

[B]

Not at all.

[G]

But where are these handsome gentlemen? Carlos.

[D]

He means us, of course.

[G]

Oh, you. You are handsome, huh? I think you have not looked in the looking glass for some time.

[B]

Oh, Carmen. Come on, boys. Are you coming, Jerry? Huh? Might as well.

[F]

Bumps will be through soon.

[G]

Jerry, you walk with me. I think you are much more handsomer than the Bendini brothers.

[D]

Oh, he's touched, though.

[F]

That's a good one on you.

[G]

Come on, Jerry. We will walk on ahead of them.

[C]

Oh, you think we care? We have the beautiful Patsy to walk with.

[D]

Boys, Carlos is right. We are honored to walk with you. Patsy, let them go on ahead.

[F]

Don't get lost back there.

[C]

Go on. Never mind, Gus and listen. Jerry, take the lady's arm if you're going to walk with her.

[G]

Oh, you don't have to tell Jerry I to be a gentleman.

[B]

Isn't that cute? Look at Jerry take Carmen by the arm.

[D]

Say, Butsy.

[B]

Yes, Alfredo?

[D]

We have got surprise.

[B]

You have? Well, what is it?

[C]

You must not tell Carmen.

[B]

I won't. But what is it?

[D]

There is an elephant that we worked with in Europe a long time ago. Even so far back that our sister Carmen used to ride on him when he was only six years old.

[C]

Yes, Mr. Randall has bought him and

[D]

he will be delivered to the circus tomorrow. When we get to the next town, we play.

[B]

Well, I haven't heard anything of it. It's funny. Jack Hastings hasn't Said anything about it?

[C]

Jack Hastings. Who is he?

[B]

Our publicity man.

[D]

Oh, he knows about it, I suppose. He writes something to put in the papers when the elephant gets here.

[B]

Oh, what's the surprise?

[C]

It is surprise for Carmen. We do not want her to know of it until she see El Mundo. She will be very happy to see

[D]

him again, especially after all these years.

[B]

El Mundo? Is that the elephant's name?

[C]

Yes, his name. El Mundo. And he's the most wonderful elephant in the whole world. He is an old fellow too.

[B]

Oh, Carmen will be delighted.

[D]

Our uncle was his trainer in Europe.

[C]

Only a far away uncle.

[B]

You mean a distant uncle?

[C]

Yes, a fourth or fifth uncle. But maybe he come with his shipment. I mean, maybe he bring El Mundo here from Europe.

[B]

Oh, then you'll get to see him.

[D]

I will be glad to see him. Maybe he tells us something of our country. It will be good to hear of old friends.

[G]

Are you handsome gentlemen Commie?

[C]

We are right behind you.

[B]

Well, how are you going to surprise Carmen?

[D]

We will wait until we are free tomorrow and then take her into the menagerie tent and take her up in front of El Mundo and see if she knows who it is.

[B]

Oh, she's bound to remember him.

[C]

I bet you anything El Mundo he will remember Carmen. Maybe he pick her up when he see her.

[B]

I'd love to be there. Can I come with you?

[D]

Sure. Tomorrow we all go over together.

[B]

Oh, that'll be fun.

[C]

Now, you don't tell Carmen.

[B]

Oh, of course not, Carlos. I wouldn't want to spoil her surprise. But how did you find out about. What's his name?

[D]

El Mundo. That means the world. I guess they call him that because he looks so big like the world.

[C]

Oh, I find out from Mr. Randall. He asked me if I know who this elephant is. He thought I know him because he come from the same country we do.

[D]

El Mundo was before he worked in his circus with the zoo. And all the children love him. He is so gentle and nice. You will see, Patsy, you will like him too.

[B]

Oh, I'm sure I will.

[D]

Shh.

[C]

Now Carmen is getting close to her wagon. Let's not talk of El Mundo anymore. They might hear us.

[D]

Why you walk so fast? Can't you wait for us?

[F]

We're not walking fast.

[G]

You're walking slow. How would you like to work with the handsome gentlemen, Patsy?

[B]

Well, it's quite nice to have one of the Bendini brothers on each. On.

[G]

I have promised to Jerry some cookies. I have a big bag full in my wagon. Would you like to have some too, Patsy?

[B]

Oh, yes, Carmen. Thanks.

[G]

Here is my wagon. Now I will go get them. You wait here.

[F]

Want me to go with you?

[G]

No, Jerry, I get them. I'll be only one minute.

[C]

Most gentlemen give the ladies something. But tonight, Carmen give Jerry cookies. What is it? Carmen.

[D]

Quick, Alfred.

[F]

Come on, Betsy.

[B]

Yes?

[G]

Look. Look on the door. On the back of the door.

[D]

A dagger and a note.

[F]

Gee whiz. A note pinned to the door with a dagger.

[B]

What does the note say? Come.

[G]

I do not know. I just see it there.

[C]

Here. Here. I read it. This is a final warning. Leave the circus right away. This is your last chance.

[D]

Look at that dagger, Carlos. It is an old one with a carved handle.

[C]

It is the kind you see in the old country. But not here.

[G]

Oh, this is bad. I am afraid.

[C]

Do not be afraid, Carmen. Alfredo and I, we will find out all about this.

[D]

No. And we lay a hand on you while your brothers are.

[B]

It really does look bad, Carlos.

[F]

Hey, wait, wait. Alfredo, don't take that dagger down with your hands.

[D]

Well, how else will I take it down?

[F]

I mean, put a handkerchief over it first. There may be fingerprints on it.

[C]

Ah, smart boy. You see, in our excitement, we forget all about that.

[G]

Maybe we should get the police right away.

[C]

Not yet. But don't worry. Please. Don't worry, Carmen. We will not get out of your sight so no one will harm.

[F]

Well, what are you going to do?

[B]

Something should be done about this. You can't tell what kind of a person is sending these notes.

[C]

Just give me time to think, Alfredo and I will get to the bottom of this if it is the last thing we do.

[D]

We will find out who in the circus keeps knives or daggers like this one.

[F]

You could get the fingerprints off it. And then maybe the police would take the fingerprints of everybody in the circus. That way you could find out who it is.

[G]

That is right, Jerry. The police could find out who it is.

[C]

But how can you tell the police? We are leaving here in a couple of hours tomorrow. Tomorrow? When we get to the next stand, we will find out right after breakfast.

[D]

Yes, we find out after breakfast tomorrow.

[F]

Can I look at that note?

[D]

Sure, Jerry.

[G]

Here.

[B]

Hmm.

[F]

It's sort of printed with pencil too.

[B]

Well, maybe you could find out some way who prints like that.

[F]

Golly, this is sure funny paper. Well, I don't think I've ever seen paper like this before.

[C]

Geez, I didn't notice that.

[G]

That is a sort of rice paper. I know. We have that kind in Europe.

[C]

You are right, Carmen. They do not often sell this kind of paper here in this country. I have not seen some like this since we are over here.

[F]

Then whoever is sending the notes and writing them on this kind of paper must be from Europe too.

[G]

Sam. Ram. Sam.

[H]

During Memorial Day at Lowe's Shop Household must haves for less. Save $80 on a Char Broil Performance Series 4 Burner Grill to chef up something special plus get up to 45% off select major appliances to keep things fresh. Our best lineup is here at Lowe's Lowe's we help you save valid through 527 while supplies last selection varies by location. See lowe's.com for details.

[B]

Visit your nearby Lowe's

[H]

Want to keep up with everything trendy? From breaking news to shareable jokes, pop culture bites to viral food spots, it's all on TikTok. Download TikTok now to explore.