The name of the circus (Bungling Bros.) is a pun of Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey, a famous U.S. circus company.
The Chuck Jones directed cartoon "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" would premiere the next year. During this time frame, the characters have occasional Grinch-like expressions, as Jones was likely experimenting with the concept.
The title of the short is a play on 'Merry-go-round' (or carousel) - a standard ride for most fairs and circuses.
A re-telling of the tale of Androcles and the Lion.
Jerry makes his debut as a circus clown in this short.