Jerry of the Circus - Uncle Dan Is Cleared

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: Jerry of the Circus – Uncle Dan Is Cleared

Release Date: May 15, 2026
Podcast Host: Harold's Old Time Radio

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Episode Overview

This episode transports listeners back to the golden era of radio with an installment from the classic serial "Jerry of the Circus." The central theme is the resolution of the ongoing mystery surrounding Jerry’s Uncle Dan (formerly known as Decker), who has been wrongly suspected of robbery due to a case of amnesia and the manipulations of a criminal named Lorenz. The episode brings closure to Jerry’s quest to clear his uncle’s name and hints at new adventures for the circus crew.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Progression

1. Recap at the Circus (02:13–03:42)

• Jerry and Jason’s Conversation:
  • Jerry waits backstage, reflecting on the quality of Jason’s animal act and the recent revelation that Decker is actually his Uncle Dan.
  • Discussion about the effects of amnesia and how Dan/Decker’s accident may have restored his memory.
  • Notable Quote:
    • "Gee, isn't it funny? There I was in the wagon with him all the time, and I didn't even know Decker was my uncle." – Jerry (02:57)
• Jason explains amnesia and its effects, underscoring the strangeness and tragedy of lost identity.

2. The News Breaks – Lorenz Is Caught (03:42–04:46)

• Mr. Randall bursts in with news that the police have caught Lorenz, the real culprit, suspecting this will finally clear Uncle Dan’s name.
• Jerry insists on joining Jason and Mr. Randall at the police station, determined to see his uncle exonerated.
• Notable Quote:
  • "But, Mr. Randall, I... Well, I don't want my Uncle Dan to take the blame. Golly, I just found him..." – Jerry (04:18)

3. At the Police Station – Lorenz’s Confession (05:43–09:25)

• Captain Reed awaits the circus crew’s arrival, explaining how they intend to get a confession from Lorenz.
• Lorenz enters and is questioned about his history with Decker/Dan Dugan.
• Reluctantly, Lorenz admits to using Dan (who had amnesia), lying to him about a criminal past, and involving him in the circus act.
• Under pressure, Lorenz reveals he manipulated Dan, who in fact never wanted to commit a crime and tried to go straight.
• Memorable Moments & Quotes:
  • "He planned nothing. How could he plan? He is crazy." – Lorenz, on whether Decker planned the robbery (07:38)
  • "He wanted to go straight. He did not even want to pull the job in the first place." – Lorenz (07:58)
  • "He was always preaching to me." – Lorenz, on Uncle Dan's persistent honesty (08:39)
  • "As soon as the doctors are through with your uncle, he can walk out of the hospital a free man." – Captain Reed (09:27)
• The confession exonerates Uncle Dan, confirming he was a victim of Lorenz’s schemes and his own memory loss.

4. Resolution and a New Start (09:25–12:11)

• The group discusses the relief of Uncle Dan’s exoneration and his recovery prospects.
• Mr. Randall pledges to find work for Uncle Dan in the circus until he can return to his former life as a big game hunter, showing appreciation for Jerry’s detective work.
• Notable Quotes:
  • "Now I've really got an uncle. And he's not a crook either." – Jerry (11:15)
  • "I always did like J. And although it looked pretty much like he was in on the payroll robbery, it was kind of hard for me to make myself believe it." – Mr. Randall (11:42)
  • "I should be thanking you. Well, for finding the piece of that gun handle. That’s what really started to clear up this whole mess." – Mr. Randall to Jerry (12:15)

5. A New Mystery Emerges (12:32–13:11)

• Mr. Randall sets up the next adventure for Jerry by mentioning a mystery involving missing supplies from the wardrobe lady, Clara.
• Jerry is officially tasked to investigate, eagerly accepting his next detective challenge.
• Notable Quote:
  • "Now, you go look her up tomorrow and get her to tell you all about it. Tell her that I have assigned you to the case." – Mr. Randall (13:09)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "As soon as the doctors are through with your uncle, he can walk out of the hospital a free man."
  – Captain Reed, confirming Uncle Dan’s name is cleared. (09:27)

• "Now I've really got an uncle. And he's not a crook either."
  – Jerry, expressing joyous relief at his uncle's innocence. (11:15)

• "You're a good little detective, Jerry. You sure keep your eyes and ears open."
  – Mr. Randall, appreciating Jerry’s role in solving the case. (12:20)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• 02:13 – Jerry and Jason talk about the circus act and Uncle Dan
• 03:42 – Mr. Randall brings news that Lorenz is caught
• 05:43 – The group arrives at the police station
• 07:22 – 09:25 – Lorenz confesses and Uncle Dan is cleared
• 11:15 – Jerry reacts to Uncle Dan’s name being cleared
• 12:32 – Mr. Randall assigns Jerry the next mystery involving Clara
• 13:09 – Jerry accepts the new detective job

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Episode Tone & Style

The episode maintains a warm, earnest, and slightly adventurous tone—rich with the camaraderie and straightforward dialogue of classic radio drama. Jerry’s hopeful optimism and perseverance are central, while Mr. Randall’s leadership and Captain Reed’s formal wisdom anchor the story. The narrative blends genuine emotional beats with a spirit of problem-solving, culminating in a satisfying resolution and the promise of further mysteries to come.

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Conclusion

"Uncle Dan Is Cleared" delivers a classic radio serial experience, complete with suspense, heartfelt reunions, and the start of a fresh adventure. The episode underscores values like loyalty, honesty, and community—staples of the Golden Age of Radio—and showcases why such classics remain beloved across generations.

Transcript

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson]

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[Liberty Mutual Sidekick]

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[Mr. Randall]

Oh, no.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson]

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

[Liberty Mutual Sidekick]

Yeah, the bird looks out of your league.

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

[Liberty Mutual Sidekick]

Liberty.

[Mr. Randall]

Liberty.

[Liberty Mutual Sidekick]

Liberty. Liberty.

[Mr. Randall]

Jerry of the circus. Now for jerry of the circus.

[Jason]

Well, Jerry, what are you doing here in the pad room? You've been right here in the same spot since the show started.

[Jerry Dugan]

Oh, I. I thought I'd watch the show while I'm waiting for bumps.

[Jason]

I see.

[Jerry Dugan]

Golly, Jason, your actor. Sure swell today.

[Jason]

Well, I'm glad you like it.

[Captain Reed]

But that remark would lead me to

[Jason]

believe that my act wasn't always swell.

[Jerry Dugan]

Well, I didn't mean it that way. I mean, it seemed more exciting.

[Jason]

I know what you mean, Jerry, and you're right. Sometimes the cats are a little more unruly. Act up and roar more, and then I have to work harder, and it puts on a lot more thrill in the show.

[Jerry Dugan]

Yeah, that's what I meant to say.

[Jason]

Sure you did. But you didn't tell me why you were waiting for Bumps. You two got a business deal on?

[Jerry Dugan]

Uh huh. We're gonna go back over to the hospital to see my Uncle Dan.

[Lorenz]

Oh, so that's it.

[Jason]

I'm glad you found your uncle. I can guess how you felt when you found that Decker was Dan Dugan.

[Jerry Dugan]

Yeah. Gee, isn't it funny? There I was in the wagon with him all the time, and I didn't even know Decker was my uncle.

[Jason]

It's funny too, that he didn't recognize the name Dugan. Sure must be awful to lose your memory like that.

[Jerry Dugan]

And now he doesn't remember a thing about ever being with the circus. The last thing he remembers is years ago when he got back from a trip to South America.

[Jason]

Well, that's the way it is with amnesia. It's a bad sickness, Jerry.

[Jerry Dugan]

I sure hope I never get it.

[Jason]

Well, you just have to watch your step, you know, it's usually caused by a blow in the head or a fall.

[Jerry Dugan]

And that's the only way you can get over it too, huh?

[Jason]

Well, as a rule, it takes another blow on the head to bring back the memory. Well, that's most likely what happened to your uncle when he fell off the Train. Although the fall made him unconscious, the bump was great enough to bring his mind around. Okay. Look, here comes Mr. Anman, and in a hurry, too.

[Mr. Randall]

Say, Jason, it's you with your act yet?

[Jason]

Why, yes. Just came off a minute ago.

[Mr. Randall]

Hunter. Oh, Hello, Jerry.

[Jerry Dugan]

Hello, Mr. Randall.

[Mr. Randall]

Well, I just got a phone call from the chief of detectives and they've got Lorenz.

[Lorenz]

What?

[Mr. Randall]

They picked him up a little in a little town about a hundred miles from here early this morning, and they brought him here by airplane.

[Jerry Dugan]

Oh, golly, that's. Well, I mean. Well, maybe now we can get the whole story. And Decker, I mean, Uncle Dan, won't be to blame for the robbery.

[Mr. Randall]

Let's hope so, Jerry. Jason, I. I'm going to go right down to the police station. You want to come along?

[Jason]

You bet I do.

[Jerry Dugan]

I want to come, too, Mr. Randall.

[Mr. Randall]

Oh, no, Jerry. You stay in the lot. Jason will tell you all about it when he gets.

[Jerry Dugan]

But, Mr. Randall, I. Well, I don't want my Uncle Dan to take the blame. Golly, I just found him and now I.

[Jason]

Can't we take him along? He won't be in the way.

[Mr. Randall]

Well, I guess you're a little concerned now that Decker is your Uncle Dan. All right, come along, Jerry, but let's hurry.

[Jerry Dugan]

Ah, thanks, Mr. Randall.

[Jason]

I guess I'd better change out of this uniform. It'll only take a minute.

[Mr. Randall]

No, never mind that, Jason. You can come the way you are. Nobody will see you. We'll take a cab. There's usually one at the main gate.

[Jerry Dugan]

What did the policeman say about Lorenz?

[Mr. Randall]

Well, I didn't get much over the phone, but it seems that Lorenz was buying a new suit of clothes in a little clothing store. And when he went to pay for the suit, he flashed a big roll of bills and the clerk grew suspicious.

[Jason]

That clerk was mighty alert, all right.

[Mr. Randall]

It seems Lorenz wanted to wear the new suit. And while he was changing, the clerk called the police and then abbed him.

[Jerry Dugan]

There's a taxi, Jason, a taxi.

[Lorenz]

Taxi.

[Mr. Randall]

Oh, okay. He got the signal. Well, hope that police station isn't far. Police headquarters, driver. Central Station. Oh, hello, Captain Reed.

[Captain Reed]

Well, hello, Mr. Randall. And Jason.

[Jason]

Hello, Captain.

[Mr. Randall]

This is Jerry Dugan, Captain.

[Captain Reed]

Oh, hello, young man.

[Jerry Dugan]

Hello.

[Captain Reed]

Would you sit down?

[Mr. Randall]

Thank you. Thanks. Huh. Did you get any more information out of Lorenz?

[Captain Reed]

No, I didn't, Mr. Randall. I thought I'd wait until you got here to question him further. Excuse me. I'll send for him now. Have that man Lorenz in the felony ward sent into my office.

[Mr. Randall]

I Hope we can get something out of him.

[Captain Reed]

I think we will, Mr. Randall. We have a couple of methods that seem to work out quite well.

[Mr. Randall]

I hope we can get a full confession from Lorenz and some kind of a statement that will clear Decker, or rather Dan Dugan. This boy Jerry here is his nephew and, well, he thinks pretty much of his uncle and doesn't like the idea of having him connected with this robbery.

[Captain Reed]

Pretty loyal, aren't you, son?

[Jerry Dugan]

Uncle Dan is my only relative and we've been looking for him for so long and.

[Jason]

Oh, I see.

[Captain Reed]

You. You didn't know he was your uncle while he was working in the circus with you, huh?

[Jerry Dugan]

No, sir. I just found out when we went to the hospital.

[Mr. Randall]

Here's Lorenz, Captain.

[Captain Reed]

Oh, fine. Stay right here with him, will you, Fred? All right, Sit down, Lorenz.

[Mr. Randall]

Well, Lorenz, looks like you got yourself in a pretty fine mess.

[Lorenz]

Well, it is my affair. What is it to you? You got your money back, didn't you?

[Captain Reed]

Ah, now, Lorenz, that attitude isn't going to get you anywhere. Mr. Randall wants to ask you some questions. If you're smart, you'll answer them.

[Lorenz]

Well, I am not smart, but I wouldn't be here now, so I won't answer any questions.

[Captain Reed]

Now see here, Lorenz, we have several ways of making you talk. May not be so pleasant, we have to resort to them. Now, let's be sensible. You're already guilty of the robbery and you're going to have to pay your debt to society. But if you cooperate a little, you'll find that the law is very fair.

[Lorenz]

What do you want to know? You've got me. What else?

[Mr. Randall]

Well, I'd like to know where you first met Decker.

[Lorenz]

What has that got to do with me?

[Captain Reed]

Lorenz.

[Lorenz]

All right. I picked him up in a little restaurant about five years ago.

[Mr. Randall]

He planned the robbery, didn't he?

[Lorenz]

He planned nothing. How could he plan? He is crazy.

[Captain Reed]

Was he crazy when you met him?

[Lorenz]

Yes.

[Mr. Randall]

Where is he now?

[Lorenz]

I don't know.

[Captain Reed]

He got on the train when you did, didn't he?

[Lorenz]

No.

[Captain Reed]

He did too.

[Lorenz]

Well, yes, he did.

[Mr. Randall]

Where did he get off?

[Lorenz]

He jumped off. We had a fight.

[Captain Reed]

You knocked him off?

[Lorenz]

No, no.

[Captain Reed]

He wanted half of the money and you had a fight about it.

[Lorenz]

No, he did not want any of the money.

[Mr. Randall]

What?

[Lorenz]

He wanted to go straight. He did not even want to pull the job in the first place.

[Captain Reed]

Come on, Lorenz, come clean with the whole story. It'll be a lot easier on you. Let's have it from the start.

[Lorenz]

Now I will Tell you everything if you promise.

[Captain Reed]

We make no promises, Lorenz, but you might just as well come clean.

[Lorenz]

All right. So I picked up Deca. That's the name I gave him.

[Mr. Randall]

What do you mean that's the name you gave him?

[Lorenz]

He was crazy. He did not know who he was. I told him he was. I told him he was wanted by the police, but I would look after him and he could work for me and my act.

[Captain Reed]

Go on, Ren.

[Lorenz]

I held to that story about the police record and made him do as I wanted.

[Mr. Randall]

And he didn't want to do anything crooked.

[Lorenz]

Nah, he never did. He was always preaching to me.

[Captain Reed]

You hear that, Jerry?

[Jerry Dugan]

Uh huh.

[Captain Reed]

Right ahead, Lorenz.

[Lorenz]

When we were on the train making our getaway, he was telling me how sorry he was for this Jason here. Sorry we were planted a gun to make him look guilty. He said he wanted to split up with me and go straight. If I only wouldn't turn him into the police.

[Captain Reed]

And then what happened?

[Lorenz]

Then I told him the truth. I told him he did not have a police record. Never did have. I told him his name was not Decker.

[Captain Reed]

Yes.

[Lorenz]

He wanted to know who he was. He did not know. He got mad and was going to hit me.

[Captain Reed]

You hit him first?

[Lorenz]

Yeah, I did. And he fell off the platform of the train.

[Captain Reed]

Well, there's the story you wanted, Mr. Randall. Yes, I guess that clears Decker, or Dan Dugan as you'll be calling him from now on.

[Jerry Dugan]

Then Uncle Dan can go free?

[Captain Reed]

Yes, sir. Son, as soon as the doctors are through with your uncle, he can walk out of the hospital a free man.

[Lorenz]

But what are you talking about?

[Mr. Randall]

Well, Lorenzo, it seems that Decker is Jerry's uncle, Dan Dugan, the big game hunter. He's been suffering with amnesia, loss of memory all these years that you've had him under your thumb.

[Captain Reed]

And it might also interest you to know he was picked up on the railroad tracks after you knocked him off the train. He was pretty badly banged up. And it's only a miracle that he's alive today. It's mighty lucky he is alive too. Or I'm afraid it'll go pretty hard with you, Lorenz. All right, Fred, lock him up again. Yes, sir.

[Jason]

Come on.

[Jerry Dugan]

Golly. How can a man be as mean as all that?

[Jason]

He's a pretty tough customer all right.

[Captain Reed]

Guess he won't be so tough for the next 15 years or so, though.

[Mr. Randall]

He'll be too old to ever work in the circus again when he gets out of jail. Looks like his life is finished. Well, thank you, Captain. I guess we made Jerry pretty happy. How about it, Jerry?

[Jerry Dugan]

Golly, I'll say thanks, Captain.

[Captain Reed]

Ah, it was a pleasure to be of service to you. Most of the time we try to prove men guilty around here, but this time we've proven your uncle innocent. And it's great to be able to render that kind of help.

[Mr. Randall]

Well, I guess we'd better be getting back to the circus. Don't forget to drop around and see our show, Captain, as my guest.

[Captain Reed]

Oh, thank you, sir. I'll do that. Goodbye.

[Jason]

Goodbye, Captain.

[Mr. Randall]

Goodbye.

[Captain Reed]

Goodbye. And goodbye to you, young man.

[Jerry Dugan]

So long.

[Mr. Randall]

Well, I guess we're through with the police for a while now.

[Jason]

It's nice to get that over all right.

[Mr. Randall]

Come along, Jerry.

[Jason]

Say, looks like we're in luck again. Here comes the cab.

[Lorenz]

Taxi.

[Mr. Randall]

To the circus, driver.

[Lorenz]

Yes.

[Jason]

Well, getting back before the show's over.

[Mr. Randall]

Well, Jerry, I guess you're pretty happy now, huh?

[Jerry Dugan]

I sure am. Now I've really got an uncle. And he's not a crook either.

[Mr. Randall]

I told you it'd work out all right. Always does.

[Jason]

The only thing to think about now is getting Dan Dugan well and out of the hospital.

[Mr. Randall]

Oh, he'll come along, all right. May take him a while to adjust himself to his new personality, or rather his old one, but he'll be as good as new in a short while.

[Jerry Dugan]

Yeah, but he hasn't got any money and no place to go and no job or anything. What's he gonna do?

[Mr. Randall]

I don't think we'll have to worry much about that, Jerry. I always did like J. And although it looked pretty much like he was in on the payroll robbery, it was kind of hard for me to make myself believe it.

[Jason]

He'll most likely go back into his old business, a big game hunting. He was tops in that field.

[Mr. Randall]

Well, until the time he feels he's ready to take up where he left off. I'll find a place for him in the circus.

[Jerry Dugan]

You will? Aw, gee, Mr. Randall, that's your swelling. I sure thank you for it.

[Mr. Randall]

Yes, sir. We're not going to let your uncle down. I'll do all I can to help him regain his foothold in life.

[Jerry Dugan]

Golly, I just don't know how to thank you, Mr. Randall.

[Mr. Randall]

Oh, forget it, Jerry. I should be thanking you.

[Jerry Dugan]

Thanking me? For what?

[Mr. Randall]

Well, for finding the piece of that gun handle. That's what really started to clear up this whole mess. You're a good little detective, Jerry. You sure keep your eyes and ears open.

[Jerry Dugan]

I like being a detective. It's fun.

[Jason]

Fun finding things out, huh?

[Captain Reed]

Jerry.

[Jerry Dugan]

Yeah, and clearing up mysteries.

[Mr. Randall]

Speaking of mysteries, Jerry, there's another mystery around the circus that needs clearing up.

[Jerry Dugan]

Your is. What is it?

[Mr. Randall]

Have you met Clara yet?

[Jerry Dugan]

Clara? I don't think so. Who is she?

[Mr. Randall]

She's the wardrobe lady. Takes care of all the costumes and does the sewing in her fair uniforms.

[Jerry Dugan]

You know, I haven't met her. Why?

[Mr. Randall]

Well, I just happen to remember she told me there's been several p spools of tinsel and a box of spangles taken from her workbench. She's also noticed that someone has been going through her box of supplies at night.

[Jerry Dugan]

Gee, who could? A bee.

[Mr. Randall]

Well, I don't know, Jerry. That's something for you to find out. Now, you go look her up tomorrow and get her to tell you all about it. Tell her that I have assigned you to the case.

[Jerry Dugan]

You bet I will. And I'll find out what it's all about, too. Just watch and see.

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[Liberty Mutual Sidekick]

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[Mr. Randall]

Oh, no.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson]

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

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