Jerry of the Circus - Tom Finds His Father

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Jerry of the Circus – Tom Finds His Father"

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Air Date: May 22, 2026
Episode Theme:
A classic children’s radio drama from the Golden Age, this episode follows Jerry and his friend Tom in their emotional quest at the Fordham fairgrounds to locate Tom’s long-lost father. Set amid the vibrant backdrop of circus life and horse racing, the adventure highlights themes of friendship, hope, and reunion.

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1. Main Theme & Purpose

• Theme: The emotional journey of two boys—Jerry helping Tom find his father, Jack Rogers.
• Purpose: To rekindle the spirit of family adventure radio, showcasing camaraderie and perseverance in the face of uncertainty, set against a nostalgic American fairground.

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2. Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

Arriving at the Fairgrounds & The Search Begins (02:06–03:48)

• Jerry and Tom strategize to search the racetrack stables, believing Tom’s father may be there due to a tip about him owning a horse.
• The boys marvel at the fair, the horses, and the Russian Cossack trick riders, with vivid excitement:
  • “They're real Russian Cossacks, the best trick riders in the world.” (D, 02:34)

Seeking Help & Meeting “Ham” (03:48–06:01)

• The boys speak with a friendly policeman who encourages them to check the stables and offers to help.
• They bond with Hamilton ("Ham"), a stable worker, who tries to assist but with comical confusion about local horse owners:
  • “His name? Mr. Rawlins is his name, but my name is Hamilton. Folks all calls me Ham.” (E, 04:39)

Breakthrough: “Jack Rogers” is Identified! (06:01–07:36)

• A second stable worker helps connect the dots, confirming Jack Rogers owns the horse “Blaze.”
• Excitement as Tom spots his father across the track:
  • “It looks like him all right. It is him, Jerry. There’s my dad.” (C, 07:25)

Reunion: Tom and His Father (07:36–10:49)

• Emotional reunion as Tom calls out to his father, who recognizes him and embraces him.
• Tom recounts his story: how Jerry helped expose Mr. Platt (the real train robber), leading to Tom’s journey to the circus and ultimately Fordham.
  • “Mr. Platt was a crook, dad... he’s in jail now.” (C, 08:20)
  • “Jerry here found out all about it and finally had Mr. Platt arrested.” (C, 08:30)
• They discuss the misunderstandings and hardships Tom endured while separated, especially about missing letters and money:
  • “I never got any letters.” (C, 10:09)
  • “All the time you were with him, I sent him money for your keep.” (B, 10:27)
  • “Oh, that’s all right. Now that we’re together again, it doesn’t matter.” (C, 10:42)

Blaze the Horse – Backstory & Stakes (10:49–12:23)

• Discussion about the supposedly “laughable” racehorse Blaze, who was once a fire department captain’s horse.
  • “He was with the fire department all right, but he was the captain’s horse. Pulled the captain’s buggy.” (B, 11:00)
• Jack Rogers explains how he acquired Blaze and entered him in the high-stakes race:
  • “I figured there wasn’t any sense in having a racehorse and not being able to race him, so I entered him in the big handicap race for tomorrow.” (B, 11:33)
• The tension of tomorrow’s race: If Blaze doesn’t win, Jack faces financial ruin.
  • “If Blaze doesn’t win tomorrow, I don’t know what I’ll do. I’ll be broke.” (B, 11:45)
  • “That Blaze just has to win the race.” (B, 11:53)
• Jerry and Tom express keen excitement and support.

Closing: Meeting Blaze (12:23–13:00)

• Jack leads the boys to see Blaze, building anticipation for the upcoming race and affirming hope for brighter days.
  • “Well boys, you’re about to see the winner of tomorrow’s big race.” (B, 12:57)

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3. Notable Quotes & Moments

• On Nervous Anticipation:
  • “Gee, I sure hope I find him.” (C, 02:17)
• On Friendship & Support:
  • “You’re never going to leave me again, Tom. I’m sorry everything worked out like it did.” (B, 10:35)
• On Hope Amid Hardship:
  • “Oh, I don’t care, dad, as long as we’re together again.” (C, 11:41)
• On Blaze:
  • “Do you like him?” (B, 12:54)
  • “Well, boys, you’re about to see the winner of tomorrow’s big race.” (B, 12:57)

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4. Timestamps for Key Segments

• 02:06: Search for Tom’s father begins
• 03:48: Meeting Ham, the stable hand
• 06:23: Confirmation about Jack Rogers and Blaze
• 07:25: Tom spots his father
• 08:20: Tom’s story about Mr. Platt
• 10:09: Revelation about the lost correspondence
• 11:00: Backstory of Blaze, the horse
• 11:45: Stakes of tomorrow’s race
• 12:43: First view of Blaze

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5. Tone and Atmosphere

• Nostalgic, warm-hearted, and direct; captures the genuine camaraderie and innocence characteristic of family radio dramas of the era.
• The dialogue is peppered with humor, reassurance, and emotional candor, making it accessible and uplifting.

---

Conclusion

This episode of "Jerry of the Circus" is an engaging family adventure filled with heartfelt moments, playful banter, and the drama of a much-anticipated race. It’s a masterful slice of classic Americana, reminding listeners of old-fashioned values—resilience, trust, and the enduring power of hope and friendship.

Transcript

[A]

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[B]

Jerry of the circus. Jerry of the circus.

[C]

Where do you figure we should look first, Jerry?

[D]

Well, let's head for those stables on the other side of the racetrack.

[C]

You think my father will be there?

[E]

Sure.

[D]

If he's got a horse like Colonel Al just said, he's sure to keep the horse in the stable over there. Come on.

[C]

Gee, I sure hope I find him.

[D]

I do, too.

[C]

What'll I do if I can't find him?

[D]

Golly, I don't know. But don't worry, we'll find your dad. Boy, this is sure some fair grounds, isn't it?

[C]

I'll say. And I'll bet it's some fair.

[D]

I bet the best thing will be the Rusoff, too.

[C]

Boy, can't they ride, though? I never saw such riding.

[D]

They're real Russian Cossacks, the best trick riders in the world.

[C]

I sure get nervous when I see Boris and Nicholas do the Roman chariot race.

[D]

And when they change horses going so fast.

[C]

Boy, that something I'll say.

[D]

They're nice to work for, too.

[C]

It sure was nice of them to let us go so early so I could look for my dad.

[D]

Hey, here comes a policeman. Oh, mister.

[F]

Yes, son?

[D]

Is that where they keep all the racehorses?

[F]

Yep, right over there at the stables. You going to have a look at them?

[C]

Well, I'm looking for my father.

[F]

And you think he might be over with the race horses?

[C]

Yes, sir.

[F]

What's his name? Maybe I can help you.

[C]

His name is Rogers. Jack Rogers.

[F]

Rogers, huh? No, I don't think I know him. You'd best go over there and take a look yourself.

[D]

Okay, thanks. Come on, Tom.

[C]

Jerry, maybe Colonel Alger was mistaken. Maybe my dad isn't even a Fordham.

[D]

Now, quit worrying till it's time. We haven't even started to look yet.

[C]

You know, there sure are a lot of horses here. Look at that one, Jerry. Gee, isn't he a beau?

[D]

I'll say. That's a real racehorse, all right.

[C]

You think it's okay to pet him? A little?

[D]

I guess so. Why not?

[C]

Nice pony.

[D]

There's his name painted on that sign over there. Flashaway.

[C]

Why, hello there. Flashaway. That's a swell name for a racehorse, huh, Jerry?

[D]

Uh huh. Come on, Tom. Let's see if we can find someone to ask about your dad.

[C]

Okay.

[D]

Doesn't seem to be anybody around.

[C]

Well, maybe it's Dorley.

[D]

Hey, there's a pretty horse in that second stall there.

[C]

Well, his name is Chum. Hello there, Chum. You seen anybody around this morning?

[D]

Do you expect to get an answer?

[C]

Hell no. But I thought that.

[E]

Did you ask me something?

[D]

Oh, golly, you scared me for a second. I didn't know anybody was in here.

[E]

It ain't nobody. It's only me. Didn't you say something?

[C]

Oh, yeah, I did. I was talking to the horse, though.

[E]

Well, the horse, he don't understand no questions that you ask him. You better ask over again and ask me this time.

[D]

We were just wondering where everybody is.

[E]

You mean the trainers and the owners and the jockeys and all them kind of folks?

[C]

Yeah.

[E]

Well, they gonna be here pretty soon. They get here right quick.

[D]

Now, you know any of the owners?

[E]

I knows my own boss. I knows him for a long time.

[C]

What's his name?

[E]

His name? Mr. Rawlins is his name, but my name is Hamilton. Folks all calls me Ham.

[C]

Well, this is Jerry here and my name is Tom.

[E]

I'm powerful glad to meet up with you boys. If you'll tell me who you're looking for special, maybe I can help you out some.

[C]

Well, I'm looking for my father. His name is Jack Rogers. Do you know him?

[E]

Jack Rogers is his name. Huh? Let me think. Now let me see.

[D]

He's supposed to own a horse that's going to race in the big handicap tomorrow.

[E]

What'd you say his name was? I forgot already.

[C]

Rogers. Jack Rogers.

[E]

Yeah, that's right. That's what you told me. Now, which horse is he the owner of?

[C]

Well, I don't exactly know that.

[E]

Hmm, that's funny. I don't either.

[D]

Haven't you heard anybody around here mention the name Rogers?

[C]

You must have.

[E]

Well, now, maybe I did and maybe I didn't. Maybe I was someplace else when they was talking about him. Maybe they didn't talk about him when I was here or a lot of things could happen.

[D]

Oh, try to think. Now, what are the names of some of the horse owners?

[E]

The names you want to know who's got which horse?

[C]

Yeah.

[E]

Well, I guess I can't help you out on an account of I don't know nobody else except my own boss. And his name?

[D]

Yeah, we know. His name is Rollins.

[E]

Well, I. Say, who told you that?

[C]

You did, Ham, just a minute ago.

[E]

Oh, yeah, I guess I did.

[D]

Come on, Tom, we better just keep looking.

[E]

No, wait. Wait a minute. Here comes somebody. You can find out from him or something what you want to know?

[C]

Okay, ask this man, Jerry.

[D]

All right. Say, do you know this man that's coming? Him?

[E]

Well, if he says hello to me, then I know him. But if he don't say hello to me, then I don't know if I know.

[D]

Excuse me, mister.

[F]

Yes, son?

[D]

We're looking for Jack Rogers. Do you happen to know where we can find him?

[F]

Jack Rogers? Jack Rogers? Why, yeah, sure. He's down there. Let's see. I think you'll find him down there at the far end of the stables. That is, if he's there yet.

[E]

You mean the man down to the end that owns the horse? That fire horse called Blade?

[C]

Yeah, that's him.

[D]

Yeah.

[F]

Yeah, that's right.

[E]

Well, he was here a while ago, but he's going to get something to eat. He said he'd be right back.

[D]

Well, why didn't you tell us him?

[E]

I didn't know who you was talking about at all.

[C]

Gee, thanks, mister.

[F]

Okay, boys.

[D]

Oh, Ham, didn't you know this? That his name was Rogers?

[B]

No.

[E]

All I know that he owns the horse. Folks is making fun of. The horse's name is Blaze.

[C]

Well, when did he say he'd be back?

[E]

He just went to get something to eat. He be right back. You best stay here now if you don't want to miss him.

[D]

Why are people making fun of Mr. Rogers horse, Ham?

[E]

All I know is that the horse was once with the fire department. And folks just think he ain't much good.

[C]

Look, Jerry. I think that's my dad now, cutting across the track over there.

[D]

Really?

[C]

It looks like him all right. It is him, Jerry. There's my dad.

[D]

Come on, then, let's go meet him. See you later, Ham.

[E]

All right, I'll see you next time. You call to him, Tom.

[C]

Well, go on and call to him, Tom. It's him all right, Jerry.

[D]

Yeah, he sees you now.

[C]

Dad. Dad, it's Tom.

[E]

Tom.

[B]

Tom, my boy.

[C]

Hurry up, Jerry.

[E]

I'm coming.

[D]

I'm right behind you, Tom, my boy. I'm winded.

[C]

Oh, dad.

[B]

Oh, it's good to see you, Tom. Say, this is a surprise. How come you're here in Fordham?

[C]

Well, it's a long story.

[B]

Well, where's Mr. Platt? Is he with you?

[C]

I'll tell you all about it.

[B]

Sure glad to see you, son. And you're looking fine.

[C]

Oh, I forgot. This is my pal, Jerry.

[B]

I'm mighty glad to know you, Jerry.

[D]

I'm glad to meet you, Mr. Rogers.

[B]

Let's sit down on these boxes and talk a while.

[D]

Okay.

[B]

Tell me, Tom, how did you happen to come here to Fordham? And how did you know I was out here at the fair?

[C]

Well, I'll start right from the first.

[B]

That's the boy.

[C]

Well, Mr. Platt was a crook, dad.

[F]

What?

[C]

Yeah, he was. And, well, he's in jail now. He's the real one who held up that train about four years ago, and

[D]

he made it look like another man did it.

[C]

Well, Jerry here found out all about it and finally had Mr. Platt arrested.

[B]

I can't believe my ears.

[C]

Well, it's true.

[B]

Yes, go ahead, son.

[C]

Well, when they took Mr. Platt to jail, I didn't have any place to go. And so I asked Jerry what to do, and he got me a job with the circus.

[B]

You're not with the circus that's coming to town today?

[C]

Yes, sir. That is, I was.

[F]

Well?

[C]

Well, you see, Mr. Randall, he's the owner of the circus.

[B]

Yes.

[C]

Well, he put me on and gave me a job so I could work my way to Fordham to look for you. Jerry belongs to the circus.

[B]

Well, Jerry, I sure appreciate what you did for Tom.

[D]

Oh, that was nothing.

[B]

Oh, it was quite a bit. He would have been in a fine fix if you hadn't been able to get him a job with the circus.

[C]

Well, the reason Jerry is out here is because he's gonna help the Russian Cossack riders with their horses.

[B]

That's right. There's been quite a bit of talk about them coming out here and putting on a show.

[D]

And it'll be a show, all right. They're the best riders you ever saw.

[C]

That's right, dad. And, boy, are they good.

[D]

Can we go and see your horse now?

[F]

Well.

[B]

So you know all about my horse, huh?

[C]

Oh, sure. We found out from Colonel Alger.

[B]

Now, who could Colonel Alger be?

[D]

Oh, he's the advanced man for the circus. He's the one who arranged to have the Russoff troupe come out here to the fair.

[B]

Oh, I see. He most likely saw me out here, is that it?

[C]

Uh huh. And then he came back to the circus and told us all about the fair. And, well, he told us. Well, he said that.

[F]

Come on now.

[B]

What is it, son?

[E]

Out with it.

[C]

Well, he said that everyone was making fun of your horse.

[B]

Yes, well, I've heard that before. But don't let that bother you any. I think I know what I'm doing.

[D]

Is he a pretty good horse, Mr. Rogers?

[B]

You bet he is a good horse. Jerry. Don't you listen to what anyone says.

[C]

Can't we go see him now?

[B]

Well, first I'd like to hear some more about Platt.

[C]

Well, that's all there is to tell.

[B]

Tom, why didn't you answer my letters?

[C]

I never got any letters.

[B]

What?

[C]

No, sir, I never got a one.

[B]

And how about the money I sent you?

[C]

I never got any money. In fact, Mr. Platt said you never wrote to me. And then I wanted to write to you and he wouldn't tell me where you were. He said he didn't know.

[B]

Well, that explains it.

[C]

What?

[B]

All the time you were with him, I sent him money for your keep. Oh. But we'll talk this over some other time. I guess Jerry isn't interested in our troubles.

[D]

Oh, I don't mind. Go ahead and talk.

[B]

No, no. Tom and I'll have plenty of time to talk later on. You're never going to leave me again. Tom, I'm sorry everything worked out like it did.

[C]

Oh, that's all right. Now that we're together again, it doesn't matter. Please tell us about the horse now.

[D]

Yeah, tell us all about Blaze.

[B]

Oh, I see. You know his name.

[C]

Uh huh. Tim told us.

[B]

Ham told you, huh? He's a great one, that Ham.

[E]

Is.

[C]

Is he really a fire horse like everyone says?

[B]

Well, yes and no.

[D]

What do you mean?

[B]

Well, he was with the fire department all right, but he was the captain's horse. Pulled the captain's buggy.

[C]

Well, you mean the buggy that goes on ahead of the fire department?

[B]

That's it exactly.

[D]

Well, that doesn't make him a fire horse. Well, those horses are fast.

[B]

And Blaze is fast. Faster than a lot of folks think.

[C]

Well, how'd you happen to get him, dad?

[B]

Well, there's a story to that. You see, I was working for a man, and when I got through the job, this man couldn't pay me all the money I had coming. He was the owner of Blaze. And, Well, I just took a fancy to the horse. I figured he had racing blood in him, so I made the man a deal. I took Blaze for the money he owed me.

[D]

Imagine getting a racehorse like that.

[B]

That's just the way it happened. Then I figured there wasn't any sense in having a racehorse and not being able to race him, so I entered him in the big handicap race for tomorrow.

[C]

Golly, I'm anxious To see him.

[B]

Well, we'll go over in a minute. It took every penny I could scrape up to get the money for the entrance fee. And if Blaze doesn't win tomorrow, I don't know what I'll do. I'll be broke.

[C]

Oh, I don't care, dad, as long as we're together again.

[B]

That's nice of you to say that, Tom, but that Blaze just has to win the race.

[D]

Is there a big prize?

[B]

You bet there is, Jerry. A thousand dollars.

[D]

Wow. A thousand dollars. Boy, that's a lot of money.

[C]

You bet it is.

[D]

Who's gonna ride Blaze?

[B]

I've got a very fine jockey, Jerry. One of the best. And he's been giving Blaze some splendid workouts. Which reminds me, I'd better get over to the stable now and see about giving Blaze an early workout this morning. I always like to get him out early before the rest of the horses get on the track.

[C]

Well, come on then, let's go. I can hardly wait to see him.

[B]

Okay, over this way boys. We'll cut right across the track here and there's the stable right ahead of us.

[D]

Is Blaze as fast as some of the other horses, Mr. Rogers?

[B]

Pretty near, Jerry. Pretty near. He's been improving every day. Seems to make faster time each time he gets out on the track. You boys are going to watch him work out this morning, aren't you?

[D]

You bet we are. Huh Tom?

[C]

I'll say.

[B]

Well, there he is. There's Blaze in person.

[C]

Well which one? There's three horses, heads sticking out of the doors.

[B]

Well, he's the one on the end.

[C]

Well, that pretty black one with a white forehead.

[B]

That's Blaze all right.

[D]

He sure has got a pretty head.

[B]

Do you like him?

[C]

Uh huh. What I could see of him.

[B]

Well boys, you're about to see the winner of tomorrow's big race It.

[G]

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[A]

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