Jerry of the Circus

Recently I received an email from a parent regarding a blog post I wrote about Speed Gibson of the International Secret Police. I had suggested that this old time radio show from the 1930's, written for the younger set, might be something that parents and their children could share by listening to it together.

This Mom who emailed me took that challenge.  It worked!  Now every night at bedtime she and her son listen to a 15-minute episode together.  She does not have to remember to play the episode each evening.  Her son reminds her.  He told his Mom that it is a great way to end the day helping him to settle down, but at the same time opening up his imagination.


That's wonderful and exactly what I hope would happen.  It could not have been so unless the Mom was motivated to try it.  I am so glad that she did, and I would encourage others to give it a try also.

Another radio series is Jerry of the Circus.  According to the Old Time Radio Researchers Group, ... Jerry of the Circus is a wonderfully heartwarming and delightful children's series, syndicated in 1937. The show is fifteen minutes in length and follows the adventures of Jerry Dugan and his dog, Rags. Jerry and Rags join Sam Randall's Circus after the death of his family.

In the premier episode, Jerry brings a note to Sam from his father saying that Jerry "has the circus in his blood." Which is how Jerry and his dog, Rags, become members of circus.

I believe that this may be another show that can be used by some parents as a catalyst for quality "together time."  Radio, as I have said before, stimulates the imagination, something that video does not do nearly as well.

Here, then, for your consideration is Jerry of the Circus.  As always, these old radio shows must be taken in the context of their time.  Occasionally there may be some stereotypes that are foreign to our 2013 "hearing."  Any such instances are excellent opportunities to discuss such stereotypes.

Following is a media player containing Jerry of the Circus episodes.  If you have any trouble with the player, you can download individual episodes here.




I hope you will find these enjoyable.  Please let me know if you give them a listen.