Jerry of the Circus - Zeke Leaves the Circus Fast

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Jerry of the Circus – Zeke Leaves the Circus Fast

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Harolds Old Time Radio
Episode Date: May 16, 2026
Episode Focus: A dramatic episode from the classic radio serial “Jerry of the Circus,” where a mischievous prank leads to chaos in the circus, and a suspect flees the scene.

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Overview

In this engaging episode, the tranquil routines of circus life are upended when Gertie the elephant runs amok, leading to suspicion, quick thinking, and ultimately, the uncovering of sabotage. Jerry, the young protagonist, assists in resolving the crisis and helps the crew recover. The main theme revolves around loyalty, quick decision-making under pressure, and the importance of teamwork in the face of adversity.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. Morning Routine & Hints of Suspense (02:07–03:48)

• Jerry is tending to the circus horses, chatting with his friend Whitey.
• Jerry mentions his curiosity about a mysterious box his father kept at the bank, pondering its contents.
• Notable Insights:
  • Discussion on keepsakes and hidden treasures.
  • Whitey gently advises Jerry not to set his hopes too high:

    “Sometimes people keep things that don't mean a thing to outsiders but mean a lot to them.” – Whitey (03:04)

• Touching moment about trust and keepsakes:

  “Well, he's good to me, so we're even, aren't we, Rag?” – Jerry about his dog (02:32)

2. Crisis with Gertie the Elephant (04:44–07:40)

• Suddenly, chaos erupts as Gertie the elephant charges through a soft drink stand.
• The circus crew, led by Olson and others, acts fast to subdue Gertie with chains.
• The team investigates the cause of Gertie’s rampage.
• Jerry notices a suspicious powder around Gertie’s eyes—a clue to foul play:

  “Looks like powder, kind of brownish. And her eyes are awful funny color.” – Jerry (06:56)

• Olson concludes someone tampered with Gertie, likely using snuff (a powdered tobacco product), and suspects Zeke.
• High-tension teamwork and relief when the elephant is calmed:

  “That Olson sure knows what to do, all right. I wish she'd done it before she ruined me business.” – Mike, soft drink stand owner (05:54)

3. Investigation & Confrontation (07:40–09:40)

• Olson leads an investigation, determined to find out who’s responsible and holding evidence (the powder).
• Discussion confirms Zeke is a suspect, especially due to his snuff habit:

  “Well, it looks to me like snuff… And if I remember correctly, Zeke used to chew it. Of all the low down stunts.” – Olson (08:09)

• Zeke is discovered to have fled the circus grounds on a slow freight train, all but confirming his guilt.
  • The circus workers express relief that greater harm was avoided.

4. Aftermath & Recovery (09:41–12:57)

• Attention turns to fixing the damage—Murray is now short-handed with Zeke gone.
• Casual banter about finding a new assistant:

  “Well, I guess I’ll have to pick me up another one in this town. You want the job?” – Murray (09:44) “Sure, I'd like it!” – Jerry (09:48)

• Jerry goes on a search for a “husky looking guy” to help with the canvas work.
• Jerry’s helpfulness results in finding a suitable candidate and connecting him with Murray.

5. Final Moments: Kindness & Community (12:45–13:00)

• The new worker thanks Jerry for helping him find a job, demonstrating the supportive circus community.

  “Thanks, kid, for telling me about the job.” – New worker (12:55) “Oh, that’s nothing. Glad to do Murray a favor. Hope you’ll do.” – Jerry (12:57)

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Memorable Quotes & Moments

• “Don’t count too much on it, Jerry. I’d hate to have you be disappointed.”—Whitey (02:51)
• “Any kid that can keep his head in an emergency and use it. And it’s too valuable not to be kept around here.”—Jerry’s Friend (04:24)
• “It’s lucky she didn’t kill someone. Blinded like that and frightened to death.”—Olson (08:16)
• “Well, it’s just one of the things the circus will have to make good.”—Olson, on the damages (09:33)
• “You can trust them.”—New worker, about dogs (12:47)

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Key Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment | |-----------|-----------------------------------------------------------------| | 02:07 | Jerry and Whitey discuss the day and Jerry’s secret box | | 04:44 | Gertie the elephant causes a commotion | | 06:56 | Jerry observes powder around Gertie’s eyes; Olson collects evidence | | 08:09 | Snuff is identified; suspicion falls on Zeke | | 08:45 | Zeke is discovered to have run away | | 09:44 | Murray and Jerry discuss filling Zeke’s job | | 12:55 | Jerry helps a new worker join the circus |

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Tone & Style

The episode maintains a classic, wholesome tone—a blend of homespun wisdom, camaraderie, and suspense characteristic of vintage radio drama. The language is earnest, occasionally humorous, always heartwarming, and full of the subtle moral lessons of the genre.

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Summary

“Zeke Leaves the Circus Fast” is a stand-out episode exemplifying the values and excitement of 1930s-era radio storytelling. With quick thinking and teamwork, Jerry and the circus crew overcome sabotage, care for their animals, and come together in the wake of adversity—proving, once again, that the circus is as much about its people as it is about the show.

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Transcript

[Liberty Mutual Agent]

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.

[Jerry]

Hey, everyone.

[Circus Worker Mike]

Check out this guy and his bird.

[Jerry]

What is this, your first date?

[Olson]

Oh, no.

[Liberty Mutual Agent]

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

[Jerry]

Yeah, the bird looks out of your league.

[Liberty Mutual Agent]

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

[Circus Worker Mike]

Liberty. Liberty. Liberty.

[Lady/Helper]

Liberty.

[Murray]

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

[Circus Worker Mike]

How you doing, Jerry?

[Jerry]

Okay.

[Circus Worker Mike]

Most through.

[Jerry]

Golly. Seems like these horses are specially thirsty this morning.

[Circus Worker Mike]

Going someplace?

[Jerry]

No, why?

[Lady/Helper]

Oh, no. Don't know. Seems like the horses are usually much thirstier days when you've got something special to do.

[Jerry]

Yeah, I guess you're right, Whitey. As a matter of fact, I kind of promised Rags we'd go for a walk.

[Lady/Helper]

Seems like you're pretty good to that dog of yours.

[Jerry]

Well, he's good to me, so we're even, aren't we, Rag? I haven't had much chance to take him walking with me. Golly, back there in Jackson City, we had so much business at the bank. My lawyer here, lady.

[Lady/Helper]

Your lawyer? You sound like a big businessman.

[Jerry]

I may be one yet. You never can't tell what's in that box my dad kept in that bank so long.

[Lady/Helper]

Don't count too much on it, Jerry. I'd hate to have you be disappointed.

[Jerry]

Oh, I won't be. Whatever it is, it's more than I thought I'd have.

[Lady/Helper]

I know, but sometimes people keep things that don't mean a thing to outsiders but mean a lot to them.

[Jerry]

How do you mean?

[Lady/Helper]

Oh, well, you know, for instance, lots of mothers keep their baby's purse, shoes or a lock of the baby's hair.

[Jerry]

You mean as a keepsake?

[Lady/Helper]

Yeah.

[Jerry]

Okay, lady, I'll get you some more. Say, she is thirsty. Well, but people don't keepsakes in safety deposit boxes.

[Lady/Helper]

Why, sure they do. Lockets with pieces of hair in them.

[Jerry]

But I thought a box in the bench would be just for money or bonds or papers or something.

[Lady/Helper]

It's for most anything anybody's A mind to hide away just a second till

[Jerry]

I get this water turned on again. Yeah, I never thought of that. It might be just something you always wanted to keep.

[Lady/Helper]

It might. You see, Jerry, don't count on it too much. If it's something special, it'll be surprised. And if it don't mean nothing, then you Won't mind so much.

[Jerry]

Yeah, Golly, it might be most anything. Might even be something dad didn't want anyone else to see.

[Lady/Helper]

That's true.

[Jerry]

Then I. I shouldn't open it if it's a secret. I. I wouldn't want to do anything, dad. I'd rather I. I didn't.

[Lady/Helper]

Well, now, don't you worry, Jerry. Your dad wasn't the kind of a person that'd have anything he wouldn't want his son to know about.

[Jerry]

Yeah, I guess that's true, all right.

[Circus Worker Mike]

Look out what you're doing.

[Lady/Helper]

You're getting all wet.

[Jerry]

Oh, golly, I'll say I am. Guess I'd better keep my mind on what I'm doing if I'm going to make a good impression on my boss.

[Lady/Helper]

Oh, don't you worry. You made a pretty good impression that first night.

[Jerry]

I did?

[Circus Worker Mike]

How?

[Lady/Helper]

Don't you remember the fire in the horse tent?

[Jerry]

I'll never forget it.

[Lady/Helper]

Hey, any kid that can keep his head in an emergency and use it. And it's too valuable not to be kept around here.

[Jerry]

Did you hear that, rag? Now I guess you'll appreciate your man. Awesome. You appreciate me already, huh?

[Lady/Helper]

Well, I got some work to do. I'll see you later, Jerry.

[Jerry]

Okay. I'll be through soon. I'll be back before the matinee.

[Lady/Helper]

All right, I'll be seeing you then.

[Jerry]

Here you are, lady. Now drink to your heart's content. Christ, you'd say, until you can keep quiet. All right, don't be through in a minute, and then we'll go. What's the matter with you? Say, that is funny. Sounds like something's wrong. Just a minute, lady. I'll be. Ben. Here, I'll put this on the floor for you. Rags, stay here with me. Here, Rags. Good night. Look at that bull Here. Here's down. Rags. Stay here. She charged right into that soft drink stand. All those bottles and things. Where's Olsen? Hey, Mike.

[Circus Worker Mike]

Blast that bull. It ruined me stand. That's what she's done.

[Jerry]

Well, what happened?

[Circus Worker Mike]

I don't know myself. I just got here in time to see that bull go through me juice stand like it was paper.

[Jerry]

Oh, where's Olson?

[Circus Worker Mike]

Oh, there he is. And Jeff and Mike are right behind him with the bull hooks. Yeah, I guess that'll quiet her, all right.

[Jerry]

Look out. Here she comes. Right for the horse stand.

[Olson]

The horse stand.

[Circus Worker Mike]

She's crazy, Gertie. Yes.

[Olson]

Get her on the other ear.

[Jerry]

You're right, Squint. They taught her. Wilson's got her.

[Circus Worker Mike]

Quick. Those chains Here, that's it.

[Jerry]

Look. They're going to hobble her with those chains.

[Circus Worker Mike]

Well, that Olsen sure knows what to do, all right. I wish he'd done it before she ruined me business.

[Jerry]

That's Gertie, all right. I just wonder if Zeke had something to do with this.

[Circus Worker Mike]

Zeke?

[Murray]

Now, who is he?

[Jerry]

He helps with a canvas. He's gotten into trouble before with these elephants.

[Circus Worker Mike]

Oh, yes, I remember the men were talking about him.

[Jerry]

Well, they sure got her fast.

[Circus Worker Mike]

Wonder what's wrong with her.

[Jerry]

Think it's safe to get in the air now?

[Circus Worker Mike]

Probably, but I'm staying away. I'm taking no chances with an animal that can go through a house like it wasn't even there.

[Jerry]

Come on, Ray, let's see if we can help. Hey, Olson, can I do something?

[Olson]

Oh. Oh, it's you, Gary. Blamed if I can see what's wrong with her. Unless someone gave her poison.

[Jerry]

Sounds like she searched something awful.

[Circus Worker Mike]

I guess she's gone bad, all right.

[Olson]

No, she's not. Someone's been tampering with this bull. I'll bet my life on it. And I'm plenty sure I know who done it.

[Circus Worker Mike]

Hey, Jeff, go get some.

[Jerry]

Olson, look out there.

[Olson]

Jerry, you get hit with that trunk hers, the way she's swinging it around, something awful. She don't seem to know what she's doing.

[Jerry]

Look here. See?

[Circus Worker Mike]

Help.

[Olson]

What?

[Jerry]

Look around her eyes. Careful of that trunk.

[Olson]

I don't see nothing.

[Jerry]

It looks like powder, kind of brownish. And her eyes are awful fine color.

[Olson]

You're right, Jerry. Say, quick with the hose, someone.

[Circus Worker Mike]

Yeah, get that hose over here.

[Jerry]

Hey, before you wash it off, want me to save a little of it?

[Olson]

Yes, I was just thinking of that. Here, give me your handkerchief.

[Jerry]

Here you are.

[Olson]

Thanks. All right, now, careful there, Gertie.

[Circus Worker Mike]

Hey, Olson, be careful. You'll get killed.

[Olson]

I won't either. There, I got some of it.

[Jerry]

Here's the hose.

[Olson]

All right, over here, boys. Turn it on around her face. Wash out her eyes.

[Circus Worker Mike]

Good.

[Olson]

That's it.

[Jerry]

You see? That was it. She's stopping crying, poor devil.

[Olson]

You just wait till I get my hands on the fella that did this.

[Circus Worker Mike]

Yeah, that's it, Gertie.

[Olson]

Yeah, that's good, boys. Yeah, that's enough. All right, turn it off, will you?

[Jerry]

Poor thing. He just had something in her eyes. No wonder she went crazy.

[Olson]

I thought I was watching out for Gertie.

[Jerry]

Where were you?

[Olson]

Well, for 10 minutes I left while there was walking Gertie around the main top. Say, Sam, was Zeke on the job this morning?

[Lady/Helper]

Yeah, helping Murray on the main top.

[Circus Worker Mike]

Uh huh.

[Olson]

I thought that was it. Well, I'm heading for that tent. You want to come? Jerry, you're in on this, too, after last night?

[Jerry]

Sure thing. Come on, Ray. What's that stuff on the handkerchief?

[Olson]

Well, it looks to me like snuff.

[Jerry]

Snuff?

[Olson]

Yep, snuff. And if I remember correctly, Zeke used to chew it. Of all the low downs.

[Jerry]

Must burn pretty bad.

[Olson]

Well, like fire. Poor Gertie. It's lucky she didn't kill someone. Blinded like that and frightened to death.

[Jerry]

Guess that what he was trying to do, get Gertie in so much trouble they'd have to kill her, huh?

[Circus Worker Mike]

Why, sure.

[Olson]

That's just what he was trying to do. Hey, Murray.

[Murray]

What's on your mind? Orson? You look like you've been in an earthquake.

[Olson]

No, worse than that. Where's that guy Zeke?

[Lady/Helper]

Zeke? Yeah.

[Murray]

Yeah, he was around here. He could be working over on that side.

[Circus Worker Mike]

Hey, Zeke, are you looking for Zeke? Yeah, he lit out of here half hour ago. Said he was tired of working and was taking it under land.

[Murray]

Running away? But why?

[Olson]

There's no question who done it now.

[Murray]

Done what?

[Olson]

Put snuff in Gertie's eyes. He went amuck over by the horse tents a little while ago.

[Murray]

Don't say.

[Olson]

Yes, I do say.

[Murray]

See, I heard a lot of noise over there, but we were busy, so I didn't pay much attention.

[Olson]

Say, you. Hey, do you know where Zeke was heading for?

[Circus Worker Mike]

Sure. He caught that freighter that was loafing by here a while ago.

[Murray]

That's right. There was a slow freight on the

[Olson]

track, so he skipped town. Well, it's lucky for him. You know, I think if I could lay my hands on him right now.

[Jerry]

You shouldn't feel so bad. After all, Gertie's all right now.

[Olson]

Yes, when I think of what might have happened. Well, I guess I better go and explain this whole mess to Randall.

[Jerry]

What do you do about that soft drink stanch you wrecked?

[Olson]

It's just one of the things the circus will have to make good. You want to come along?

[Jerry]

No, I guess Rags and I'll stay here and help Murray.

[Olson]

Well, all right, Jerry. I'll see you later.

[Murray]

Think I'll need some help.

[Jerry]

Well, you're shy one hand.

[Murray]

That's so. I guess I'll have to pick me up another one in this town. You want the job?

[Jerry]

Sure, I'd like it.

[Murray]

What about Whitey?

[Jerry]

Oh, that's right. I almost forgot about our horses.

[Murray]

Well, I guess I'll have to get me a good husky Fellow that can give me all his time and not be spending half of it with horses and trick dogs.

[Jerry]

Really? Can I help now?

[Murray]

Sure, you can walk around the lot and keep your eye out for any husky looking men that look as if they might like a job.

[Jerry]

Sure, you bet I will.

[Murray]

If you find anyone, bring them right over to me.

[Jerry]

You bet. And I'll find you someone too.

[Murray]

That's swell. And I'll be seeing you.

[Jerry]

Yep. Come on, Riggs. We gotta go scouting for a husky looking guy that wants a job. Let's walk on back and see what happened to Gertie.

[Circus Worker Mike]

Do you want me?

[Jerry]

Yeah, I just wondered what you were gonna do about the soft drinks.

[Circus Worker Mike]

I'm just now heading for a phone. I got to order some things so I can get it fixed up.

[Jerry]

Was much stuff broken?

[Circus Worker Mike]

Yeah, all the bottles in the place. Say, Gertie's feet went through those cases like they was eggs.

[Jerry]

Oh, gee, that's tough.

[Circus Worker Mike]

Well, it's all part of the game. First accident I've had in years. So I guess maybe I've got me turn coming. But I wonder what got into her.

[Jerry]

A fella threw some snuff in her eyes.

[Lady/Helper]

No.

[Jerry]

Yeah, it was all around her lid.

[Circus Worker Mike]

Well, no wonder she went berserk.

[Jerry]

It was that Zeke I told you about. Olsen and I went to check a few minutes ago and it looks like he skipped the show.

[Circus Worker Mike]

You don't say.

[Jerry]

Yeah. Now Murray's shorthanded and I'm not looking for some strong fellow who might like a job at the circus.

[Circus Worker Mike]

Well, say, there was a guy looking for a job. I heard him asking Jim Bennett at the office wagon not an hour ago for something to do.

[Jerry]

Really? I wonder if he's still around.

[Circus Worker Mike]

He was hanging around when that elephant went off her head. I saw him.

[Jerry]

What's he look like?

[Circus Worker Mike]

Oh, nothing special. He had a cap pulled down over his head and face. It looked kind of pale, but he was a great big fellow.

[Jerry]

Gee, wish I could find him.

[Circus Worker Mike]

Say, there he is now, over there talking to Whitey. You must be asking him for a job.

[Jerry]

See? Thanks, Mike. I'll see he looks like a big enough if he's kind of white.

[Circus Worker Mike]

And feet though, they all get fat and healthy looking after they've been with this outfit for a while.

[Jerry]

Yeah, I guess you're right. Well, I'll be seeing.

[Olson]

Okay, Jerry.

[Circus Worker Mike]

And say, when I get set up again, come on over and have a bottle of pop on the house.

[Jerry]

Really? Say, thanks, I'll be there. Come on, Reggie, we got a big day ahead. Gee, we're in luck finding someone so easy. Well, he looks like he might do all right. Oh, Mike's right. And he really wants a job. Hi there, Whitey.

[Circus Worker Mike]

Hello there, Jerry.

[Lady/Helper]

Hey, I didn't expect to see you again till after lunch. What about that walk?

[Jerry]

Well, guess we kind of got sidetracked with all excitement with Gertie. Did you see it?

[Lady/Helper]

Nope. I just got back in time to see him sweeping up the bottles to Mike stand. Sorry, Bo, but I guess I can't help you none. I got all the hands we can use now.

[Jerry]

Excuse me for button in, but are you looking for a job?

[Lady/Helper]

Yeah. I guess. It's not my lucky day though.

[Jerry]

Well, the boss canvasman just sent me out scouting for an extra man. He's got a job over there. For someone who's not afraid to work, don't say yeah. Want to meet him?

[Lady/Helper]

I sure do.

[Jerry]

Well, I'm still walking Whitey back after lunch.

[Circus Worker Mike]

Okay, Jerry.

[Lady/Helper]

Is this your dog?

[Jerry]

Yeah. India. Beaut.

[Lady/Helper]

Good friends, dogs. You can trust them.

[Jerry]

You bet you can.

[Lady/Helper]

Guess I traveled around too much to ever have one. I like them though. Say thanks kid, for telling me about the job.

[Jerry]

That's nothing. Glad to do Murray a favor. Hope you'll do.

[Lady/Helper]

Yeah, so do I. I eat it plenty bad. And I'm willing to work too.

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