Jerry of the Circus - Warren Quits

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: Jerry of the Circus - Warren Quits
Air Date: May 21, 2026
Host: Harolds Old Time Radio

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Episode Overview

This episode of Jerry of the Circus centers around the tense build-up to a crucial horse race after a dramatic turn: Warren, the expected jockey for Blaze, suddenly quits, leaving the team scrambling for a replacement just hours before the event. The episode explores themes of trust, perseverance, and quick-thinking innovations, as Jerry and his friends rally together to give Blaze and their team a fighting chance.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Beats

1. Setting the Stage: Race Day Tensions

[02:08–03:36]

• Jerry and Tom spot their somewhat absent-minded friend Ham and exchange lighthearted banter.
  • Ham: “I was just thinking about what I'm supposed to do. I was supposed to do something, but I don't remember what it was.” (02:20)
  • Ham’s admiration for the Rusoff troupe’s Russian horse riders is highlighted.
• Jerry and Tom head to see Mr. Rogers, Tom’s father, who is preparing the horse, Blaze, for its final workout before the big race.

2. Trouble Strikes: Warren Quits

[04:44–05:26]

• Mr. Rogers anxiously awaits Warren, Blaze’s jockey, who arrives late and delivers bad news.
  • Warren: “I'm not riding for you today.” (05:00)
  • He’s been recruited by Mr. Elston to ride his rival horse, Silver Streak.
• Mr. Rogers pleads, but Warren insists, stating, “Between you and me, Mr. Rogers, Blaze hasn't got a chance. Silver Streak is going to win the race, and I'll be riding him.” (05:17)
• The devastating turn leaves Mr. Rogers feeling defeated: “I guess I'm through.” (05:31)

3. New Hope: Tom Steps Up

[05:33–07:00]

• Jerry proposes Tom as a replacement jockey, citing Tom’s skills and previous experience riding Splendor.
• Reluctant at first, Mr. Rogers is convinced to give Tom a trial run.
  • Ham offers Tom a lucky rabbit’s foot for good fortune:
    • Ham: “Here, Mr. Tom. You take this lucky rabbit’s foot... That’s gonna make sure it’s lucky. You can't go wrong now.” (06:27-06:32)
• Tom mounts Blaze with encouragement: “Help me up, dad.” (06:38)
• Under Tom, Blaze impresses with his initial speed:
  • Mr. Rogers: “Only 23 seconds. Say, that's the best time ever.” (07:53)

4. Racing Strategy and Realism

[08:17–09:10]

• Despite Tom’s strong start, Blaze tires quickly. Jerry suggests Blaze could go faster in the real race, buoyed by the crowd’s excitement.
• Mr. Rogers remains doubtful, fearing Blaze can’t compete against the faster horses, especially Mr. Elston’s Morning Sun and Silver Streak.
  • Mr. Rogers: “But to be truthful with you…I've given up hope. I'm afraid of Morning sun and Silver Streak…They're fast, Jerry, real fast.” (08:29)
• Jerry proposes a new racing strategy: holding Blaze back early to conserve energy for a strong finish.
  • Jerry: “If Tom would hold him back and not let him get away so fast, he might save some of his speed that way.” (09:04)

5. Mistake in the Stable

[11:34–12:44]

• After practice, Blaze is returned to the stable, and—due to a misunderstanding—ends up being fed oats right before the race.
• Mr. Rogers returns and is dismayed:
  • Mr. Rogers: “Oh, the idea of feeding a racehorse just before the race... That little bit is just enough to make him so slow, he won't even be able to get around the track and finish the race, let alone win it.” (12:14–12:37)
• The morale takes a hit, but Jerry and friends try to lift spirits, emphasizing that surprises can happen in racing.

6. Cliffhanger Conclusion

[12:46–13:47]

• The episode ends with Mr. Rogers doubtful about their chances but Jerry remaining optimistic.
  • Jerry: “You might be surprised. You never can't tell about a race, you know.” (12:53)
• Tom is determined to win, and Jerry hints at having an idea that may help after recalling Blaze’s spirited run the previous day, building anticipation for the next installment.

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Memorable Quotes & Moments

• Warren’s Betrayal:

  • “I'm not riding for you today.” — Warren (05:00)
  • “Between you and me, Mr. Rogers, Blaze hasn't got a chance. Silver Streak is going to win the race, and I'll be riding him.” — Warren (05:17)

• Renewed Hope:

  • “Well, it certainly would be a lifesaver if you could, Tom.” — Mr. Rogers, authorizing Tom’s trial as jockey (06:14)
  • “Here, Mr. Tom...You take this lucky rabbit’s foot.” — Ham (06:27)

• Realism Meets Determination:

  • “Oh, it’s not the rider this time, Jerry...He just hasn't got the speed. He’s all right for about a half mile, but then he slows down.” — Mr. Rogers (08:52)
  • “No, dad, please don't. I'm going in there this afternoon to win and I'm gonna win. Hooray for you.” — Tom (10:10)

• Devastation Over a Simple Mistake:

  • “The idea of feeding a racehorse just before the race...Oh, that horse hasn't got a chance now.” — Mr. Rogers (12:14–12:30)

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Key Timestamps for Important Segments

| Timestamp | Segment | |-----------|-----------------------------------------------------| | 02:08 | Start of story: Jerry, Tom, and Ham at stables | | 04:44 | Warren arrives and quits as Blaze’s jockey | | 05:35 | Tom is suggested and tries out as new jockey | | 07:53 | Tom clocks record time in his trial | | 08:29 | Mr. Rogers expresses doubt about Blaze’s chances | | 09:04 | Jerry proposes an energy-conserving race strategy | | 11:34 | Blaze is mistakenly fed oats before the race | | 12:14 | Mr. Rogers reacts to the feeding disaster | | 12:46 | Episode winds down, optimism and doubt in the air |

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Summary & Episode Tone

The episode maintains a tone of anxious optimism, mixing humor, earnest advice, and moments of discouragement. The language reflects the 1930s radio drama style—direct, affectionate, and full of old-fashioned expressions. Listeners get a blend of behind-the-scenes circus camaraderie, the pressures of race day, and the random twists of fate that make both circuses and life so unpredictable.

This installment leaves the story on a cliffhanger, with renewed hope despite setbacks—inviting the audience back for the next chapter in Jerry of the Circus.

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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.

[D]

Liberty. Liberty. Liberty. Liberty.

[E]

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

[F]

Hey, Tom, look it.

[G]

Look at what? Jerry.

[F]

Well, there's Ham over there. See him?

[C]

Oh, yeah.

[G]

Sure is funny, isn't he?

[F]

Yeah. He acts like he's half asleep all the time.

[G]

Oh, Ham.

[C]

Yeah.

[F]

What you doing, Ham?

[C]

Oh, I'm just thinking. That's all I'm doing right now. I'm just thinking.

[G]

Well, what you thinking about?

[C]

Well, I was just thinking about what I'm supposed to do. I was supposed to do something, but I don't remember what it was. I'm just thinking to see if I can find out.

[F]

You sure forget quick.

[C]

That's cause I had my mind on your friends. Them Russians that put on the riding show yesterday. They sure are good, them Russians.

[G]

He means the Rusoff troupe.

[F]

Yeah, I know. You like them, huh, Sam?

[C]

Oh, they were really something. Say, they can ride them horses better than anybody I ever did see. When they were riding standing up, I really got scared. I never saw anything like that before. I guess that's cause I never been where they were before. And that's why I didn't see them.

[F]

They're just about the best riders in the world, I guess.

[G]

The best trick riders, anyway.

[C]

Where you boys going to now? You going someplace, I'll betcha.

[G]

Well, we were heading down the line to see my dad.

[C]

Oh, he's out there on the track with Blaze. See him?

[F]

Oh, sure. There he is, Tom. And he's got Blaze all saddled. I guess he's waiting for Warren to come and give Blaze his last workout. Come on, let's get over there.

[C]

Can I come along and watch? Or don't you think maybe I shouldn't order?

[G]

Sure. Come on along, Ham, but hurry.

[C]

You want. You mean me? I should hurry? Oh, me.

[G]

Well, Mr. Rogers, he sees us. Jerry. Coming, Ham.

[C]

I'm coming. Yes.

[G]

Poor dad. He sure is worried about that race this afternoon.

[F]

I don't blame him. It sure would be awful if he didn't win.

[E]

Hello, boys.

[G]

Hiya, Dan.

[F]

Hello, Mr. Rogers.

[E]

Who's your friend there in back of you?

[G]

Oh, Ham. He wanted to watch Blaze do his workout.

[C]

Yes, Master Rogers. If you don't mind, sir.

[E]

Oh, glad to have you, Ham. Say, Tom, did you happen to see Warren over by the stable?

[G]

No, sir, I didn't.

[E]

I wish that boy would be a little more prompt. He's 10 minutes late already.

[C]

I saw Mr. Rogers, sir. You did?

[E]

Where?

[C]

He was down at the other end of the line talking with Mr. Elston just a while ago, sir.

[E]

Talking with Elston, you say?

[C]

Yeah. Sir.

[F]

Who's that?

[E]

Mr. Rogers, Elston owns the two fastest horses in the state.

[G]

Well, which ones are they?

[E]

He's the owner of Morning sun and Silver Streak.

[F]

Really?

[E]

Yep. But lucky for the rest of us, he's only entering one. He's just running Morning sun under his colors.

[F]

Say, I heard someone talking about those two horses yesterday.

[E]

Oh, that. Morning sun is the one big threat of the race this afternoon. He can win it all right.

[C]

My boss says his horse is going to win the race and he knows what he's talking about, and that's what it told me. He said that to me.

[E]

Well, Ham, everybody that enters a horse hopes that his entry will win. But there's just going to be one winner when the race is over.

[G]

Look at dad. Here comes Warren now.

[E]

About time, I'd say. Come on, Warren.

[F]

He sure has taken his time.

[E]

I'm waiting for you, Warren. I've had Blaze out here on the track for 10 minutes already.

[D]

I got something to tell you, Mr. Rogers. Bad news, I'm afraid.

[E]

What's the matter?

[D]

I'm not riding Blaze.

[E]

What are you talking about? You heard me.

[D]

I'm not riding for you today.

[E]

But you've got to. You can't let me down just hours before the race. There isn't another jockey available.

[D]

I'm sorry, but Mr. Elson's going to enter both of his horses in the race, and I'm gonna ride Silver Street.

[E]

Oh, how can you do a thing like this to me?

[D]

I'm sorry.

[E]

Listen, Warren, if you ride Blaze, and Blaze wins, I'll give you. Well, I'll make it worth your while.

[D]

Between you and me, Mr. Rogers, Blaze hasn't got a chance. Silver Streak is gonna win the race, and I'll be riding him.

[E]

Oh, now, listen to me, Warren.

[D]

I'm sorry, Mr. Rogers. I'm in a hurry now.

[F]

Jiminy Crickets, that's awful.

[G]

Oh, dad, what are you gonna do?

[E]

I don't know, son. I guess I'm through.

[F]

I know.

[G]

What?

[F]

Why don't you ride Blaze, Tom.

[G]

Say, that's an idea.

[C]

Excuse me, sir, but Mr. Tom is just about the same size as was Warren.

[E]

Yes, but he's not a jockey. Why, you couldn't ride in a big race like the handicapped, Tom.

[G]

Sure I could, dad.

[F]

Yes, he could, Mr. Rogers. He's a good rider.

[E]

What? What's this?

[F]

You say he rode Splendor and did jumps with him?

[G]

Whitey says I'm a natural born jockey. Honesty did, dad.

[E]

Whitey? Who's Whitey?

[G]

He's the man who has charge of all the horses with the circus.

[F]

Really, Mr. Rogers, Tom will surprise you. He can ride keen.

[C]

Why don't you let him try to ride the horse now? And if he can ride, well.

[E]

Well, I don't know what else to

[F]

do, but don't let him try.

[G]

Yeah, Death, let me try. It won't hurt to see if I can ride him.

[E]

Well, it certainly would be a lifesaver if you could, Tom.

[G]

Can I try?

[E]

Well, all right. Go ahead.

[C]

Hey, wait a minute. But before you get on that horse, I got something I wanted to give you. Was gonna turn the trick.

[F]

What are you talking about, Ham?

[C]

Here, Mr. Tom. You. You take this lucky rabbit's foot.

[F]

What are you rubbing it on your head for?

[C]

That's gonna make sure it's lucky. You can't go wrong now.

[G]

Gee, thanks, Ham. Help me up, dad.

[E]

Okay, up you go. There now. Now, take it easy until you get the field. Are you all right?

[G]

Sure. Come on, Blaze.

[F]

You'll see how good he can ride.

[E]

He sure seems to know what he's doing.

[C]

It's the best thing that could happen. I mean, that Warn, he done quit on you. Now, Mr. Tom sure gonna win for you. He's gonna try hard. And with that rabbit's foot, he can't miss. No, sir.

[E]

I hope you're right, Ham.

[C]

Ham is never almost at a time. Only sometimes.

[F]

Just look how nice he rides. Bring him back here.

[E]

Oh, but, Jerry, I'm really afraid to let Tom write him.

[F]

Don't be afraid. I tell you, he's a good rider.

[E]

I wish I were sure of that.

[F]

Well, just like Tom told you Whitey said he was a natural born jockey.

[G]

Should I try him out now?

[E]

All right, son, but be careful.

[G]

I will. Time us now.

[E]

All right. Go ahead. Anytime.

[G]

Get out there, Blaze.

[F]

Golly, look at him go. Well, that's faster than he took off when Warren was riding him.

[E]

Say, I believe you're right, Jerry.

[C]

I do declare, that boy is all right.

[E]

Hey, it might work.

[F]

What?

[E]

Mr. Rogers, I mean, I think Tom might be able to ride him this afternoon.

[F]

Sure, he can.

[E]

Wait. Wait now, Let me clock him at the quarter turn there.

[F]

What did he do then?

[E]

Let's see.

[F]

Well, say, how long did it take him?

[E]

Only 23 seconds. Say, that's the best time ever.

[F]

I told you Tom could ride.

[E]

Oh, looks like you're right, Jerry.

[C]

Right. See, that bull is good. He's flying with that horse.

[F]

You know he'll try hard to win.

[E]

Sure he will. He'll try hard. That's what he'll do.

[F]

See? He'll try harder than Warren would have.

[E]

What looked like bad luck has turned to good luck.

[C]

Excuse me, sir. Don't forget to get his time at the half mile, sir.

[E]

Oh, thanks, Ham. I nearly did forget it. There he goes now.

[F]

How long did it take him?

[E]

Hmm, 27 seconds. That's not so good. He seems to slow down. He's tiring, Jerry.

[F]

Maybe this afternoon when the race is on and all the folks are yelling and hollering. Well, it'll keep him going.

[E]

Let's hope so, Jerry. But, oh, to be truthful with you. Yeah, well, Jerry, I've given up hope. I'm afraid of Morning sun and Silver Streak, Mr. Elston's horses. They're fast, Jerry, real fast.

[C]

How about Flashaway, my boss's horse?

[E]

Oh, yes, Sam, Flashaway is fast, too. No, Jerry, I don't think we have much of a chance.

[C]

That boy. You can ride him all right, though, Mr. Rogers.

[F]

I'll say he can. And it might make a difference, too.

[E]

Oh, it's not the rider this time, Jerry. The folks that have all been kidding me about Blaze are right. He just hasn't got the speed. He's all right for about a half mile, but then he slows down.

[F]

Still, there may be a way to overcome that.

[E]

Well, can you think of a way, Jerry?

[F]

Well, I was thinking that if Tom would hold him back and not let him get away so fast, he might save some of his speed that way.

[E]

Oh, but then all the other horses would get so far ahead of him, he wouldn't have a chance.

[C]

Here it comes. Here he comes. Mr. Rogers, sir.

[E]

You did all right, son.

[G]

How long did it take us to do the half mile?

[E]

Exactly 50 seconds.

[G]

Wow. That's pretty good, isn't it?

[F]

Sure it is.

[E]

Well, it's not so good when you figure you did the quarter mile in 23 seconds, and then it took 27 to do the second quarter. That only means one thing, Tom. Blaze slows down. He tires. The race is too long for him.

[C]

Hear Master Tom I'll help you down.

[G]

But. But I was holding him back. He wanted to go faster.

[E]

Holding him back? Tom, why did you do that? You knew I was timing him.

[G]

Well, I thought it would be better if I held him back. But why? Well, I didn't want him to get used to getting his rein so soon. You see, if I let him out now, well, then he'd think I was gonna let him out in the same place when the race was on this afternoon.

[F]

Good boy. See, Mr. Rogers, that's just what I said.

[G]

Sure, I wanted him to save all his speed for later.

[E]

Well, I don't know, Tom. You do as you please. You seem to know how to ride him all right.

[F]

Don't be so discouraged.

[G]

No, dad, please don't. I'm going in there this afternoon to win and I'm gonna win. Hooray for you.

[C]

You sure enough ain't gonna give up.

[E]

Well, you've got the right spirit, son. But I'm afraid spirit alone can't win the race. You'd better take Blaze back to his stable now and cover him up. I've got to go to the officials and tell them I've changed jockeys. I'll be back, though, in a little while.

[G]

Okay, dad. Come on, Jerry.

[F]

Right with you. Coming in.

[C]

Yowza. Yeah, I'm right here.

[F]

Your dad is sure discouraged, all right.

[G]

Oh, I think we've got a chance to win. I know for sure Blaze could go faster than he did.

[C]

You sure enough gonna carry that rabbit foot I gave you. And you're gonna be the most surprises boy in the whole world.

[F]

Hey, wait a second. I'll open the gates.

[G]

We'll do it, won't we, Blaze? Hey, Jerry.

[F]

Yeah?

[G]

Yesterday when Blaze ran after the fire department, you said you had an idea.

[F]

I have.

[G]

Well, what is it?

[F]

Well, I can't tell you now, but you'll find out after the race is over this afternoon.

[C]

Come on, boys, let's put the horse up and get his blanket on him.

[G]

In you go, Blaze.

[F]

Here's his blanket.

[G]

Let's take his saddle off first.

[C]

Okay, I'll get his bridle off for you all.

[G]

There we are. Now, hand me that blanket.

[F]

Yep, here it is.

[G]

There. Now you just take it easy, Blaze. Take a good rest so you can do your best this afternoon. We've just gotta win that race.

[C]

Don't you think you best feed him some oats now so he'd be good and strong?

[G]

I don't know. Maybe dad fed him already.

[F]

He didn't yesterday before he tried out. Remember? He said he never fed Blaze until after he ran.

[G]

Yeah, I guess that's right. Well, go ahead and pour some oats in his bin, Hans.

[C]

Yeah, that's what I'm gonna do. That's just what I'm going.

[F]

I think you'd better take a rest too, Tom. Not going to be so easy riding Blaze with all those other horses in the race.

[G]

I guess I'll have to keep my eyes open.

[C]

All right.

[G]

I have to do a lot of steering.

[F]

I'll say you will.

[C]

Just look at that horsey. He was sure enough hungry, all right. My goodness. Looks like he didn't have nothing to eat for a long time.

[F]

Here comes your dad. Back again so soon?

[G]

Uh huh.

[E]

You boys in there with Blaze?

[G]

Yeah, here we are, dad.

[E]

Well, you're okay with the officials, Tom. I'll get you your riding outfit later. Hey, what's going on here?

[G]

What's the matter?

[E]

Who gave Blaze all those oats?

[G]

Well, golly, we thought.

[C]

That sounds wrong, sir. Wrong?

[E]

Wrong. I'll say there is. We're as good as finished now. Oh, the idea of feeding a racehorse just before the race.

[F]

Oh, we didn't think you'd fed him yet.

[E]

Oh, I thought you boys knew better than that.

[G]

Well, did you feed him already?

[E]

Oh, of course I fed him. I fed him real early this morning and I just gave him a little bit. Oh, that horse hasn't got a chance now. He won't be able to run at all after eating all those oats.

[C]

He only had a little bit. Just a little bit?

[E]

Yes, just a little bit. That little bit is just enough to make him so slow, he won't even be able to get around the track and finish the race, let alone win it.

[F]

Golly, we're awful sorry, Mr. Rogers.

[E]

Oh, it's all right, boys. I suppose I should have known better than to enter Blaze in the race in the first place.

[F]

Aw, cheer up, Mr. Rogers. You might be surprised. You never can't tell about a race, you know.

[H]

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[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?

[E]

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.

[D]

Liberty, Liberty, Liberty, Liberty.