Jerry of the Circus - Zeke Causes Trouble with Gertie

Summary

---

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: Jerry of the Circus - Zeke Causes Trouble with Gertie
Date: May 16, 2026
Host: Harold’s Old Time Radio

---

Overview

This classic “Jerry of the Circus” radio episode transports listeners to the bustling grounds of a traveling circus just as the troupe prepares to pull up stakes in Jackson City. The story revolves around Jerry and his circus friends as tension brews between the workers—specifically, between Zeke and Gertie, a beloved circus elephant. Trouble stirs when mysterious, dangerous events put Gertie’s reputation, and perhaps her life, in jeopardy.

---

Key Discussion Points & Plot Progression

1. Circus Life: Preparations and Camaraderie

[00:35–03:34]

• Jerry visits the menagerie tent, chatting with seasoned circus workers about the hard yet rewarding life on the road.
• Conversation highlights the strong sense of community and unique dedication among circus folk.
  • “You really gotta like it to stay with it.” (B, 03:30)
• The workers discuss the challenges and rewards, revealing why they choose the circus over other easier, better-paying jobs.

2. Gertie and the Workers

[03:34–05:12]

• Olson arrives with his elephants, singling out Gertie as a star performer:
  • “Gertie...good and dependable, though. And a swell worker.” (D, 04:04)
• The process of breaking down camp is described, with elephants helping with heavy lifting and wagons.

3. Suspicion Rises: Zeke's Grudge

[05:12–07:31]

• Jerry and Olson spot Zeke lurking near the wagons; they recall a previous incident when Zeke teased Gertie and was nearly hurt.
  • “He started out just clowning, I think. And then somehow he seemed to get a real grudge against Gertie.” (D, 05:28)
• Gertie becomes agitated at Zeke’s presence, setting the stage for trouble.

4. Gertie in Peril: The Wagons Incident

[07:31–09:04]

• As the workers load wagons, Gertie is called on to help, using her strength to help with a stuck wagon.
• The wagon tips dangerously, causing panic—Zeke shouts that Gertie is dangerous:
  • “That elephant’s bad. Now, you keep out of this, Zeke. She's bad, I tell you. I almost got killed by that wagon.” (D and B, 08:22–08:38)
• Olson suspects foul play.

5. The Mystery Unfolds: Jerry’s Discovery

[09:04–11:44]

• Jerry approaches Olson, revealing he caught Zeke with a knife, seemingly tampering with something near the wagon.
  • “I saw him take out his knife and cut it quick.” (C, 09:33)
• Jerry and Olson discover a rope leading to Gertie’s tail, with a hidden piece of barbed wire responsible for injuring her and agitating her during the wagon incident.
  • “[Examining the rope and wire] Now what?... It’s barbed wire.” (C, D, 10:30–10:32)
• They deduce Zeke set up the wire to provoke Gertie and make her appear dangerous.

6. Motive and Tension: What’s Zeke’s Game?

[11:44–13:00]

• Olson pieces together Zeke’s likely motive:
  • “Why would he do that?... So she’d get shot, of course.” (C and D, 11:44–11:48)
• If Gertie was believed to be dangerous, she could be put down to protect people.
• Olson vows to be vigilant and holds onto the piece of barbed wire as evidence, though they lack concrete proof Zeke was behind the incident.

7. Resolution and Steely Determination

[13:00–13:30]

• Zeke continues to insist Gertie is dangerous as the group resumes work; Olson makes clear he won’t tolerate any more of Zeke’s mischief:
  • “Let me tell you, Zeke, this is the last time you're going to get away with anything.” (D, 12:59)

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On circus life:
  • “You really gotta like it to stay with it.” (B, 03:30)
  • “Nothing in this world is organized better than a circus.” (D, 06:18)
• On Gertie’s nature:
  • “She’s stronger than a truck, seems like.” (C, 08:17)
• Confrontation with Zeke:
  • “That bull's gonna get out of this circus or else I am!” (Zeke, 08:49)
  • “Bull’s worth more ‘n a roughneck any day.” (B, 08:51)
• Discovery of the scheme:
  • “It’s barbed wire.” (C, 10:32)
  • “No one could have done such a thing except Zeke. Listen, I’m gonna get that guy if it’s the last thing I do.” (D, 11:33)

---

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:35] – Start of the story, Jerry joins the menagerie tent crew
• [03:34] – Olson and the elephants arrive
• [05:12] – Zeke’s arrival and backstory
• [07:31] – Gertie helps with wagon, chaos erupts
• [09:04] – Jerry discovers Zeke’s sabotage
• [10:32] – Barbed wire found tied to Gertie
• [11:44] – Olson discusses Zeke’s probable motives
• [12:59] – Olson’s warning to Zeke

---

Tone & Atmosphere

The episode is laced with authentic circus banter, a tight-knit camaraderie, and suspenseful storytelling—combining nostalgia for old-time radio with a lesson in loyalty and justice under the big top. The dialogue is earnest, straightforward, and colored by the working class, warm tone characteristic of “Jerry of the Circus.”

---

Conclusion

This “Jerry of the Circus” episode skillfully blends the drama of circus logistics and personalities with a gripping plot about sabotage, friendship, and standing up for what’s right. Listeners are left rooting for Jerry, Olson, and especially Gertie, as the camp packs up under the shadow of Zeke’s misdeeds—a compelling slice of radio history.

---

Transcript

[A]

I'm Kiana. And I leveled up my business with Shopify. Once I figured out that Shopify was a thing, I never turned back. I can create a site with my eyes closed. Shopify thinks ahead of us, you know, and it thinks about the customer more than anything. Every day I'm thinking about some other new business. But Shopify is doing it to me because it's so easy to use. It's like I can't stop. I'm addicted. Start your free [e-mail].

[B]

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

[C]

Hi there, Jerry. What you doing around the menagerie tent?

[D]

Waiting for Olson to get through putting his elephants through their act.

[C]

He's about due here now.

[D]

Yeah, that's what I figured. I know. Cause I've been watching the show. But. But how can you tell?

[C]

Well, we got all the cages out of this menagerie tent except that one over there. Yeah, but those seals have to do their turn before they can go to the runs.

[D]

Yeah, I know. Their act goes on late in the show. I suppose you're gonna take down this tent now, huh?

[C]

You ought to know, Jerry, you never see me around. Listen, I'm putting up or taking down some canvas.

[D]

Yeah, I know. We've been in Jackson City so long, Kalia. I guess I haven't seen you for almost four days now.

[C]

That's right.

[D]

Mind if I hang around while you load?

[C]

You bet I don't mind. Of course, there's always the danger of your being put to work, you know.

[D]

I like that.

[C]

You're certainly a glutton for punishment when it comes to working around the circus.

[D]

It's fun for me.

[C]

As a matter of fact, we must all kind of like it, Jerry, or we wouldn't be doing it.

[D]

It's a big job, isn't it?

[C]

Yeah, but there's lots of better and easier jobs if it's just a job we're thinking of.

[D]

You mean you could be doing something better?

[C]

I've had lots of offers at better money and shorter hours.

[D]

Well, why didn't you take those other jobs then?

[C]

Sometimes when we're all stuck in the mud, or when we're struggling to get our canvas up or down in the wind or rain, I ask myself that question.

[D]

Well, what do you answer yourself?

[C]

You ought to know. You're only a newcomer. But if you ain't got the circus in your blood, I never saw a young un that did.

[D]

Yeah, I know why you keep this job. Guess you really gotta like it to stay with it.

[C]

Uh. Oh, Here comes Olson with his bulls. That means we gotta get busy. Hey, Olson.

[E]

Well, I see we got you back on the job, Murray.

[C]

Yep, like a bad penny.

[E]

Yeah. So we're moving again. Golly. These stands where we hang around a couple of days sure lower our morale.

[D]

What do you mean, morale?

[E]

I mean we get soft and lazy.

[D]

Oh, I see.

[E]

See, Slim.

[B]

Oh, Slim. Yeah.

[E]

Take these bulls on over to the runs. I'll keep Gertie around till the last wagon pulls out. Okay, Boy.

[D]

Guess Gertie's your favorite elephant, huh?

[E]

I don't know. Good and dependable, old and a swell worker.

[C]

I don't say she is. I remember. Many's the time I've seen her pull us out of a bad spot. Well, I got to get busy.

[D]

I'm hanging around.

[C]

Okay, Jerry.

[B]

Hey there, man.

[C]

Get busy on that canvas now, some of you.

[D]

I'm going to watch him take down this stand.

[E]

I may as well watch, too. Won't need Gertie for a while. Come on, Jerry, let's go on the outside. This will all be floating down pretty soon.

[D]

Yeah, I know.

[E]

All right, come on, Gertie. Come on. We'll take you out near these wagons they're loading with the stakes and the ropes and the canvas. All right, come on. Atta girl. Come on, Aunt. That's it. There we go.

[D]

Look, we can sit right here on this bale of hay.

[E]

As good spot as any. It'll keep pretty occupied while we're waiting. Well, what's the matter there, Gertie?

[D]

That's funny. Look how she's looking around.

[E]

Yeah. There now, Gertie. Take it easy.

[D]

Well, she's going for the hay. Guess it's not so bad. Hey, look. They're about ready to let the menagerie top down.

[E]

Sure enough, they are. Oh, there goes that guy.

[C]

Zeke.

[E]

Never liked him. Where? See over there by the first pole? He just run in from back of these wagons.

[D]

Oh, yeah. Say, isn't he the fellow that almost got killed by one of your elephants?

[C]

Yep.

[E]

Yeah, it was Gertie. I remember. We was at the runs. Loading or unloading.

[D]

Golly, I'll never forget it. I was scared to death.

[E]

Yeah, I guess Zeke was, too. He had it coming, though.

[D]

Someone said he was always teasing her.

[E]

Yeah, and he was. I hope he's learned his lesson by now. He started out just clowning, I think. And then somehow he seemed to get a real grudge against Gertie.

[D]

Imagine getting a grudge against an elephant.

[E]

Well, Jerry, folks are funny.

[D]

Gee willikers, they're about ready to let her down.

[E]

Who?

[D]

The menagerie top. Sure enough, one minute we're talking about elephants and the neck. Say, isn't that pretty, though, the way that canvas floats down.

[E]

Let her go. Hey. Hey there, Gertie. Gertie, what's wrong there? Oh, now, be quiet there, Gertie. Oh, you'll have plenty to do pretty soon.

[D]

Imagine asking for more work.

[E]

Seems to me you're always looking out for something more to do, Gary.

[D]

Oh, well, me, that. That's different.

[E]

No. No, it ain't. Bulls get restless, too.

[D]

Gee, they work just like an army, don't they? See, they got the canvas all in lace and now they're folding it up.

[E]

Yep. Nothing in this world is organized better than a circus.

[D]

See how tough they can roll it?

[E]

Well, they got to if they want to get it in this wagon.

[D]

Imagine folding that big thing up. Big enough for a lot of animals and people to be in. Then putting it all in these little wagons.

[E]

They're not so little. And they're plenty heavy when they're loaded.

[D]

Yeah, I know. Takes 16 horses to pull them. And they pull hard, too, because I watched them.

[E]

Yeah, you can see by their muscles that they're pulling their level best. All of them. Oh, circus animals always do their share.

[D]

Guess you ain't got room for lazy animals.

[E]

Or people, either. Hey, Gertie. Hey, what the dickens has gotten into you, anyway?

[D]

Hey, Olson, look. Gertie's got her eye on Zeke.

[E]

See?

[D]

He's just putting that load in the wagon. Golly. Look at her trunk and ears flashing.

[E]

He's mad, sure enough. Say, Zeke. Yeah?

[B]

I'm talking to you. Oh, what do you want?

[E]

You've been fooling around.

[B]

These elephants again. What do you think I am, a fool? Listen, that bull you got there's a killer. No, thanks. I don't want no part of her. She's no killer.

[E]

But I'm warning you, she's not taking anything from you, so you better watch your step.

[D]

Gee, sure mean, isn't he?

[E]

Yeah. Funny Gertie. Should have got you upset. Sure. Nervy.

[D]

Tonight, Zeke was acting kind of scared of her.

[E]

Well, he'd better not to be up to any more of his tricks, or we'll have plenty more trouble on our hands.

[D]

Funny how you can make elephants work so easy. But I suppose they get out of control now and then.

[E]

Well, when an animal's sick or hurt or scared, it doesn't stop to think. Just follows its instincts, which is usually pretty dangerous for folks who don't know how to Handle them, I'll tell you.

[C]

Okay, boys, close up the wagon.

[E]

All right.

[B]

Olson. Didn't get that bull today.

[C]

Busy.

[E]

Okay, Murray.

[D]

Does she always up? Get the wagon started?

[E]

Oh, not on a fast lot. You see, this ground's kind of sandy. Once Gertie gets this wagon started, the horses can keep it moving. If they don't get into a bad spot. Well, come on, Gertie, old girl, get it moving. All right, now, here you are. All right, now, push. Atta girl. Keep her moving. Hey, get them horses started.

[D]

Golly.

[E]

She.

[D]

She's stronger than a truck, seems like.

[B]

Yeah.

[E]

See? See? Gertie. Gertie girl. Take it easy there.

[C]

Wagon.

[E]

It's going over.

[B]

Look out, Ger. Stop it. Stop it, Gertie. She's gone bad. That offer's bad. How you keep out of this, Zeke. She's bad, I tell you. She's bad. I almost got killed by that wagon.

[C]

Well, you're still alive.

[E]

Just a minute now. Something's funny here. Zeke, have you been doing anything around here? If you have, I'll break.

[B]

I don't feel bull. Huh? Don't slay and lay the blame on me. That bull's gonna get out of this circus, or else I am.

[E]

That's not a bad idea. Bull's worth more than a roughneck any day.

[C]

You guys quit scrapping. We gotta get this wagon fixed.

[B]

I ain't gonna work around that Blue.

[E]

No, no, me either.

[C]

Okay, Olson, move Gertie over there when we need her, we'll get these softies out of the way and let Gertie work. Come on, fellas, get busy. Acelyn, you get on our nets.

[E]

I see something awful funny here. And you bet your last bottom dollar I'm going to find out what happened. Oh, hello, Gary. Where have you been?

[D]

Come on over here. I want to talk to you.

[E]

Okay. Come on, Gertie. This way.

[D]

Look at what I found.

[E]

Well, what about it? It looks like a rope to me.

[D]

Yeah, I caught Zekna with a knife.

[E]

Oh, when? Where?

[D]

Well, you know, when the wagon turned over.

[E]

Yeah.

[D]

Well, he was on that other side. Almost got crushed.

[E]

I guess Murray yelled just in time.

[D]

Well, then when it got settled, he run back and was following this rope when he heard me coming. I saw him take out his knife and cut it quick.

[E]

Where's the rest of it?

[D]

Run under that wagon.

[E]

What about this?

[D]

Don't pull this rope, but follow it. See where it leads you.

[E]

To buy gum. Well, what do you know it. Why, it's attached to Gertie.

[D]

Yeah, to her tail. Isn't that kind of funny?

[E]

Say it is. Let's see. Oh, there now, Gertie. Take it easy.

[D]

Can I help?

[E]

Yeah, here's my flashlight. I want to see.

[D]

Yep, it's tied to her tail, all right.

[E]

Jerry, climb up on this box. That's right. Gertie, get a little closer to these boxes there. I'll stand by her.

[C]

Here.

[E]

You think you can get that rope off all right?

[C]

Sure.

[D]

Oh, j. Golly.

[E]

Hey, what happened?

[D]

I cut myself.

[E]

Cut yourself? What? On.

[D]

Hey, get that light over here. More. Jiminy williker.

[E]

Now. Now what?

[D]

It's barbed wire.

[E]

It's barbed wire.

[D]

So that's what happened. But, Jiminy, I. I don't see how on earth he could have done it.

[E]

What? What are you talking about?

[D]

Jerry, hand me your knife, will you?

[E]

Yeah, sure.

[C]

Just a minute.

[E]

There. All right, here it is.

[D]

Thanks. There. Now I got that rope cut. Lucky we didn't pull this ourselves. Might have gotten killed.

[E]

Hey, get down from that box, Jerry. I want to see what this is all about.

[D]

Look, it's just as simple. Here, help me down.

[E]

All right, give me your hand.

[D]

I'll show you.

[B]

All right.

[D]

There. You see that nasty piece of barbed wire?

[E]

Yeah, I see it.

[D]

That was right on Gertie's tail. Now, you see, there was a piece of rope tied to both ends of this wire.

[E]

Looks like a slipknot on this end.

[D]

It was. Now, you see how it was done.

[E]

I'll be darned if it makes sense yet. Look.

[D]

Someone made a big loop with this rope.

[C]

Yes.

[D]

Then lassoed Gertie's tail. And then as soon as he got it around her tail, he pulled the rope tight.

[E]

And then the minute it was tight, the wire cut her.

[D]

You see?

[E]

Yeah, I see. And no one could have done such a thing except Zeke. Listen, I'm gonna get that guy if it's the last thing I do. Trying to make it seem like Gertie's gone bad.

[D]

But why would he do that?

[E]

Why? Why, so she'd get shot, of course.

[D]

You mean they'd kill her?

[E]

Why, yes. They'd have to if she killed anyone or if it looked as if she was dangerous.

[D]

But that's awful.

[E]

You bet it is.

[D]

Jerry, what you gonna do?

[E]

Well, now, I'm not right sure yet. It'll be awful hard to make anyone believe our story.

[C]

We.

[E]

You know, we didn't actually see Zeke do it.

[D]

I saw him cut the rope, yes,

[E]

and I'm darn certain that he did do it too. But I'll have to have more proof but you can bet that I'll keep my eyes peeled from now on.

[D]

What you doing with that wire?

[E]

Well, I'm just going to keep it just in case.

[C]

Hey, Olson.

[E]

You think that bull's safe? I know darn well she's safe.

[C]

Okay, bring her over. We need a lift.

[B]

I ain't going to stay around that blow. She's a killer.

[E]

Yes, well, Zeke, what makes you think she's a killer?

[B]

Well, didn't she just try to kill us all by pushing our wagon over?

[E]

Yeah, well, you listen here. This bull's been working for me for 10 years. I ain't never had no trouble with her till you came on this lot and began pesting her with your fool idea of a joke.

[B]

You can't blame this on me.

[E]

Oh, can't I though I smell a rat. And I'm not gonna lose the best bull and the best elephant friend I ever had just cause I'm measly roughneck, mind you.

[C]

Guys, stop scrapping. We've been held up long enough. We gotta get these wagons over to the runs before the crowd comes out.

[E]

Okay, Murray. But let me tell you, Zeke, this is the last time you're going to get away with anything.

[F]

Tired of overpaying with DirecTV? Dish offers a reliable low price every month without surprises. Get the TV you love and start watching live sports news and the latest movies. Plus your favorite streaming apps all in one place. Switch to DISH today and lock in the lowest price in satellite TV starting at 89.99amonth with our two year price guarantee. Call 888, add dish or visit dish.com today.

[G]

I'm here on the job site with Dale, who's a framing contractor.

[F]

Hey, good morning.

[G]

Dale traded up to Geico Commercial Auto Insurance for all his business vehicles. We're here where he needs us most.

[F]

Yep, they sure are.

[G]

We make it easy for him to save on all his insurance needs. All in one place with coverage that fits his business and bottom line. Oh, I shouldn't have looked down.

[E]

It's all right.

[G]

We're so far up here.

[C]

Look at me.

[F]

Take a deep breath.

[E]

I'm good. So good.

[F]

Get a commercial auto insurance quote [e-mail]

[E]

and see how much you could save.

[F]

It feels good to Geico.