UNITED STATES
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549

                                    FORM N-Q

             QUARTERLY SCHEDULE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS OF REGISTERED
                         MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANY

                  Investment Company Act file number 811-21380

           Flaherty & Crumrine/Claymore Total Return Fund Incorporated
               (Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

                      301 E. Colorado Boulevard, Suite 720
                               Pasadena, CA 91101
               (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

                               Donald F. Crumrine
                        Flaherty & Crumrine Incorporated
                      301 E. Colorado Boulevard, Suite 720
                               Pasadena, CA 91101
                     (Name and address of agent for service)

        Registrant's telephone number, including area code: 626-795-7300

                      Date of fiscal year end: November 30

                    Date of reporting period: August 31, 2010

Form N-Q is to be used by management investment companies, other than small
business investment companies registered on Form N-5 (Sections 239.24 and 274.5
of this chapter), to file reports with the Commission, not later than 60 days
after the close of the first and third fiscal quarters, pursuant to rule 30b1-5
under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (17 CFR 270.30b1-5). The Commission may
use the information provided on Form N-Q in its regulatory, disclosure review,
inspection, and policymaking roles.

A registrant is required to disclose the information specified by Form N-Q, and
the Commission will make this information public. A registrant is not required
to respond to the collection of information contained in Form N-Q unless the
Form displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget ("OMB") control
number. Please direct comments concerning the accuracy of the information
collection burden estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to the
Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC
20549. The OMB has reviewed this collection of information under the clearance
requirements of 44 U.S.C. Section 3507.


ITEM 1. SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS.

The Schedule(s) of Investment is attached herewith.

FLAHERTY & CRUMRINE/CLAYMORE TOTAL RETURN FUND

To the Shareholders of Flaherty & Crumrine/Claymore Total Return Fund:

     The combination of falling interest rates and ongoing demand for preferred
securities helped the Fund produce excellent returns during its third fiscal
period ending August 31, 2010. For the three month period, total return on net
asset value was +11.5%. Total return using market price of Fund shares was
+10.6% during the period.

     It has been quite an eventful summer in the preferred securities market.
We'll hit the highlights here, and readers willing to do a little extra-credit
homework will find more detailed discussions on the Fund's website.

     In addition to strong performance of the Fund's investment portfolio, the
monthly dividend paid to shareholders was increased to $0.132 per share from
$0.125, commencing with the August distribution. This 5.6% increase reflects the
ongoing favorable environment of relatively high yields on Fund investments and
the low cost of Fund borrowings.

     We expect the level of economic growth to remain tepid over the coming
quarters and then to show gradual improvement. We anticipate the Fund's cost of
borrowing will follow a similar path, remaining low for a period, then
increasing gradually. Of course, unless income from the Fund's investments also
increases, a rise in the cost of borrowing would negatively impact the
distribution to shareholders.

     Although economic activity has slowed recently, we do not expect the
economy to fall back into recession. In fact, we see some healthy signs, such as
a substantial increase in personal savings and steady levels of business
investment aimed at improving productivity. As individuals save more, some of
these dollars are likely to find their way into the preferred market. As
companies become more efficient, their financial condition generally improves.
These trends, along with declining interest rates, have helped boost the Fund's
investment performance.

     In the aftermath of the financial meltdown, Congress and various bank
regulators set out to establish new rules to hopefully prevent a repeat of the
crisis. We are now getting a better sense of how new regulations will impact the
market. With passage of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer
Protection Act in July, along with increasing clarification from international
bank regulators, the fog is beginning to lift on the future role of preferred
securities as a source of capital for the banking industry(1).

     Since our last letter, rule makers have indicated which security structures
they don't like, but have yet to decide what will be okay. It is now clear that
trust preferred securities, which are favored by banks as a form of capital,
will not meet the new standards. As a result, not only will there be no new
issues of this type, issuers will want to redeem or replace outstanding trust
preferreds sooner than was previously expected. In response, prices of many bank
trust preferred securities have moved higher-- contributing to the Fund's strong
performance.

     It is less clear what types of securities banks will be allowed to issue to
meet future capital requirements. We are monitoring the debate closely and
throwing in our two cents whenever appropriate. At this time, we believe the
parties are moving toward a sensible conclusion and will ultimately induce banks
to issue preferred securities suitable for the Fund's portfolio. Of course, we
will stay on top of this and report important developments in these letters or
on the Fund's website.

----------
(1)  The treatment of preferred securities issued by NON-BANKS has not changed
     in any meaningful way.



     As of this writing, roughly 24% of the Fund's portfolio is invested in
trust preferred securities issued by U.S. banks. In light of the new rules, we
think it is likely that many of these issues will be redeemed, beginning in
2013. We'll have our work cut out for us trying to replace the income on these
securities, but until we have a better idea how the banks will replace these
issues, it is difficult to predict the impact on the Fund.

     As always, we encourage you to visit www.fcclaymore.com to read our
Quarterly Economic Update as well as a more detailed discussion of factors
affecting the wonderful world of preferred securities.

Sincerely,


/s/ Donald F. Crumrine                  /s/ Robert M. Ettinger

Donald F. Crumrine                      Robert M. Ettinger
Chairman of the Board                   President

October 15, 2010


                                       2



                     Flaherty & Crumrine/Claymore Total Return Fund Incorporated
                                                              PORTFOLIO OVERVIEW
                                                     AUGUST 31, 2010 (UNAUDITED)



FUND STATISTICS
---------------
                               
Net Asset Value                   $    16.92
Market Price                      $    17.20
Premium                                 1.65%
Yield on Market Price                   9.21%
Common Stock Shares Outstanding    9,793,700




MOODY'S RATINGS            % OF NET ASSETS+
---------------            ----------------
                        
A                                 7.9%
BBB                              68.9%
BB                               19.0%
Below "BB"                        2.0%
Not Rated*                        0.5%
Below Investment Grade**         16.6%


*    Does not include net other assets and liabilities of 1.7%.

**   Below investment grade by both Moody's and S&P.

                                  (PIE CHART)



INDUSTRY CATEGORIES        % OF NET ASSETS+
-------------------        ----------------
                        
Banking                           37%
Utilities                         26%
Insurance                         25%
Energy                             5%
Financial Services                 3%
Other                              4%




TOP 10 HOLDINGS BY ISSUER   % OF NET ASSETS+
-------------------------   ----------------
                         
Liberty Mutual Group              5.4%
Banco Santander                   5.2%
Capital One Financial             4.2%
Comerica                          3.7%
Georgia Power                     3.1%
Metlife                           3.0%
Unum Group                        3.0%
HSBC Plc                          3.0%
Dominion Resources                3.0%
Enbridge Energy Partners          2.6%




                                                                      % OF NET ASSETS***+
                                                                      -------------------
                                                                   
Holdings Generating Qualified Dividend Income (QDI) for Individuals           29%
Holdings Generating Income Eligible for the Corporate Dividend
   Received Deduction (DRD)                                                   17%


***  This does not reflect year-end results or actual tax categorization of Fund
     distributions. These percentages can, and do, change, perhaps
     significantly, depending on market conditions. Investors should consult
     their tax advisor regarding their personal situation.

+    Net Assets includes assets attributable to the use of leverage.


                                        3


Flaherty & Crumrine/Claymore Total Return Fund Incorporated
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS
AUGUST 31, 2010 (UNAUDITED)



SHARES/$ PAR                                                                               VALUE
------------                                                                           ------------
                                                                                 
PREFERRED SECURITIES -- 92.3%
              BANKING -- 37.0%
$ 4,850,000   Astoria Capital Trust I, 9.75% 11/01/29, Series B ....................   $  5,053,550(1)
    439,755   Banco Santander, 10.50% Pfd., Series 10 ..............................     12,793,572**(1)(2)
              Barclays Bank PLC:
$ 3,600,000      6.278%                                                                   3,028,500**(1)(2)
     65,000      6.625% Pfd., Series 2 .............................................      1,547,650**(1)(2)
     10,000      7.75% Pfd., Series 4 ..............................................        257,700**(2)
     43,800      8.125% Pfd., Series 5 .............................................      1,150,188**(1)(2)
     10,000   BB&T Capital Trust V, 8.95% Pfd. .....................................        277,025
    131,500   BB&T Capital Trust VI, 9.60% Pfd. ....................................      3,721,450(1)
$ 7,000,000   Capital One Capital III, 7.686% 08/15/36 .............................      7,087,500(1)
$ 1,500,000   Capital One Capital V, 10.25% 08/15/39 ...............................      1,629,375(1)
$ 1,643,000   Capital One Capital VI, 8.875% 05/15/40 ..............................      1,741,580(1)
$10,000,000   Colonial BancGroup, 7.114%, 144A**** .................................        265,000++
$ 9,750,000   Comerica Capital Trust II, 6.576% 02/20/37 ...........................      9,165,000(1)
      7,000   FBOP Corporation, Adj. Rate Pfd., 144A**** ...........................         27,020*+
$ 2,150,000   Fifth Third Capital Trust IV, 6.50% 04/15/37 .........................      1,870,500(1)
     21,200   Fifth Third Capital Trust VII, 8.875% Pfd. 05/15/68 ..................        561,139
      2,000   First Republic Preferred Capital Corporation, 10.50% Pfd., 144A**** ..      2,066,000(1)
      3,900   First Tennessee Bank, Adj. Rate Pfd., 144A**** .......................      2,353,406*
$   500,000   First Tennessee Capital I, 8.07% 01/06/27, Series A ..................        481,062(1)
$   600,000   First Union Capital II, 7.95% 11/15/29 ...............................        693,835(1)
$ 1,000,000   First Union Institutional Capital I, 8.04% 12/01/26 ..................      1,024,504(1)
$   500,000   Fleet Capital Trust II, 7.92% 12/11/26 ...............................        505,000
          2   FT Real Estate Securities Company, 9.50% Pfd., 144A**** ..............      1,850,000
              Goldman Sachs:
$   500,000      Capital I, 6.345% 02/15/34 . . ....................................        467,131(1)
$ 3,831,000      Capital II, 5.793% . . . . ........................................      3,098,321(1)
      1,500      STRIPES Custodial Receipts, Pvt ...................................        787,500*
    172,000   HSBC Holdings PLC, 8.00% Pfd., Series 2 ..............................      4,568,750**(1)(2)
$ 1,000,000   HSBC USA Capital Trust II, 8.38% 05/15/27, 144A**** ..................      1,054,601(1)
              HSBC USA, Inc.:
     30,000      Adj. Rate Pfd., Series D ..........................................        723,750*(1)
     43,500      6.50% Pfd., Series H ..............................................      1,097,018*(1)
     25,000   ING Groep NV, 8.50% Pfd. .............................................        621,500**(2)
$   250,000   JPMorgan Chase Capital XVIII, 6.95% 08/17/36, Series R ...............        257,311
$   500,000   JPMorgan Chase Capital XXVII, 7.00% 11/01/39, Series AA ..............        531,762(1)
     72,900   Keycorp Capital X, 8.00% Pfd. ........................................      1,895,400(1)
$ 1,000,000   Lloyds Banking Group PLC, 6.657%, 144A**** ...........................        647,500**(2)+



                                        4



                     Flaherty & Crumrine/Claymore Total Return Fund Incorporated
                                            PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
                                                     AUGUST 31, 2010 (UNAUDITED)



SHARES/$ PAR                                                                               VALUE
------------                                                                           ------------
                                                                                 
PREFERRED SECURITIES -- (CONTINUED)
              BANKING -- (CONTINUED)
$ 2,500,000   National City Preferred Capital Trust I, 12.00% ......................   $  2,772,572(1)
$   800,000   NB Capital Trust IV, 8.25% 04/15/27 ..................................        825,750
     54,995   PNC Financial Services, 9.875% Pfd., Series F ........................      1,570,795*(1)
$ 1,000,000   PNC Preferred Funding Trust III, 8.70%, 144A**** .....................      1,035,802(1)
      3,000   Sovereign REIT, 12.00% Pfd., Series A, 144A**** ......................      3,495,000
$ 1,500,000   Wachovia Capital Trust III, 5.80% ....................................      1,286,250(1)
$ 1,000,000   Wachovia Capital Trust V, 7.965% 06/01/27, 144A**** ..................      1,035,993(1)
     45,637   Wachovia Preferred Funding, 7.25% Pfd., Series A .....................      1,166,596
$ 2,800,000   Webster Capital Trust IV, 7.65% 06/15/37 .............................      2,216,497
$ 1,000,000   Wells Fargo Capital XV, 9.75% ........................................      1,096,500(1)
                                                                                       ------------
                                                                                         91,402,855
                                                                                       ------------
              FINANCIAL SERVICES -- 2.2%
$   250,000   Ameriprise Financial, Inc., 7.518% 06/01/66 ..........................        248,125
      6,200   Deutsche Bank Contingent Capital Trust II, 6.55% Pfd. ................        147,507**(2)
$ 3,000,000   Gulf Stream-Compass 2005 Composite Notes, 144A**** ...................      1,155,240
     40,000   Heller Financial, Inc., 6.687% Pfd., Series C ........................      3,890,000*
              Lehman Brothers Holdings, Inc.:
     20,000      5.67% Pfd., Series D ..............................................          5,560*++
     85,000      7.95% Pfd. ........................................................          1,445*++
                                                                                       ------------
                                                                                          5,447,877
                                                                                       ------------
              INSURANCE -- 20.5%
$ 1,250,000   Ace Capital Trust II, 9.70% 04/01/30 .................................      1,532,979(1)(2)
$ 1,775,000   AON Corporation, 8.205% 01/01/27 .....................................      1,924,453(1)
              Arch Capital Group Ltd.:
     25,750      7.875% Pfd., Series B .............................................        655,822**(1)(2)
     21,100      8.00% Pfd., Series A ..............................................        545,963**(1)(2)
              AXA SA:
$   500,000      6.379%, 144A**** ..................................................        410,000**(2)
$ 1,550,000      6.463%, 144A**** ..................................................      1,240,000**(1)(2)
     66,600   Axis Capital Holdings, 7.50% Pfd., Series B ..........................      5,937,809(1)(2)
    160,000   Delphi Financial Group, 7.376% Pfd. 05/15/37 .........................      3,546,000(1)
$ 5,760,000   Everest Re Holdings, 6.60% 05/15/37 ..................................      5,205,600(1)
              Liberty Mutual Group:
$ 1,000,000      7.80% 03/15/37, 144A**** ..........................................        890,000(1)
$ 8,300,000      10.75% 06/15/58, 144A**** .........................................      9,316,750
$ 4,000,000   MetLife Capital Trust X, 9.25% 04/08/38, 144A**** ....................      4,620,000(1)



                                        5



Flaherty & Crumrine/Claymore Total Return Fund Incorporated
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
AUGUST 31, 2010 (UNAUDITED)



SHARES/$ PAR                                                                               VALUE
------------                                                                           ------------
                                                                                 
PREFERRED SECURITIES -- (CONTINUED)
              INSURANCE -- (CONTINUED)
$ 2,250,000   MetLife, Inc., 10.75% 08/01/39 .......................................   $  2,852,604
              Principal Financial Group:
     87,800      6.518% Pfd., Series B .............................................      2,208,390*(1)
     23,000      5.563% Pfd., Series A .............................................      1,962,188*
    109,000   Scottish Re Group Ltd., 7.25% Pfd. ...................................        677,849**(2)+
$ 1,750,000   Stancorp Financial Group, 6.90% 06/01/67 .............................      1,511,162(1)
$ 3,615,000   USF&G Capital, 8.312% 07/01/46, 144A**** .............................      4,239,795(1)
$ 1,800,000   XL Capital Ltd., 6.50%, Series E .....................................      1,374,840(1)(2)
                                                                                       ------------
                                                                                         50,652,204
                                                                                       ------------
              UTILITIES -- 25.9%
     33,700   Baltimore Gas & Electric Company, 6.70% Pfd., Series 1993 ............      3,390,011*(1)
    105,000   Calenergy Capital Trust III, 6.50% Pfd. 09/01/27 .....................      5,029,500(1)
$ 3,700,000   COMED Financing III, 6.35% 03/15/33 ..................................      3,306,601(1)
     66,170   Constellation Energy Group, 8.625% Pfd. 06/15/63, Series A ...........      1,805,779(1)
$ 2,500,000   Dominion Resources Capital Trust I, 7.83% 12/01/27 ...................      2,528,510(1)
              Dominion Resources, Inc.:
$ 3,500,000      7.50% .............................................................      3,574,175(1)
     46,000      8.375% Pfd., Series A .............................................      1,326,640(1)
     83,000   Entergy Arkansas, Inc., 6.45% Pfd. ...................................      2,007,563*(1)
     55,000   Entergy Louisiana, Inc., 6.95% Pfd. ..................................      5,295,471*(1)
              FPL Group Capital, Inc.:
$ 2,500,000      6.65% 06/15/67 ....................................................      2,378,167(1)
$ 1,975,000      7.30% 09/01/67, Series D ..........................................      2,007,344(1)
     72,810   Georgia Power Company, 6.50% Pfd., Series 2007A ......................      7,579,070*(1)
     30,445   Indianapolis Power & Light Company, 5.65% Pfd. .......................      2,732,439*(1)
     95,000   Interstate Power & Light Company, 8.375% Pfd., Series B ..............      2,756,187*
$ 4,000,000   PECO Energy Capital Trust IV, 5.75% 06/15/33 .........................      3,390,140(1)
$ 6,000,000   Puget Sound Energy, Inc., 6.974% 06/01/67 ............................      5,577,828(1)
     17,000   Southern California Edison, 6.00% Pfd., Series C .....................      1,612,875*(1)
$ 4,850,000   Southern Union Company, 7.20% 11/01/66 ...............................      4,401,375(1)
$ 3,405,000   Wisconsin Energy Corporation, 6.25% 05/15/67 .........................      3,222,029(1)
                                                                                       ------------
                                                                                         63,921,704
                                                                                       ------------



                                        6



                     Flaherty & Crumrine/Claymore Total Return Fund Incorporated
                                            PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
                                                     AUGUST 31, 2010 (UNAUDITED)



SHARES/$ PAR                                                                               VALUE
------------                                                                           ------------
                                                                                 
PREFERRED SECURITIES -- (CONTINUED)
              ENERGY -- 4.9%
$ 6,500,000   Enbridge Energy Partners LP, 8.05% 10/01/37 ..........................   $  6,532,610(1)
              Enterprise Products Partners:
$   650,000   7.00% 06/01/67 .......................................................        599,949
$ 4,750,000   8.375% 08/01/66, Series A ............................................      4,898,157(1)
                                                                                       ------------
                                                                                         12,030,716
                                                                                       ------------
              MISCELLANEOUS INDUSTRIES -- 1.8%
     40,000   Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc., 6.25% Pfd., 144A**** ..................      3,520,000*(1)
$ 1,000,000   Stanley Works, 5.902% 12/01/45 .......................................      1,003,149(1)
                                                                                       ------------
                                                                                          4,523,149
                                                                                       ------------
              TOTAL PREFERRED SECURITIES
                 (Cost $229,269,910) ...............................................    227,978,505
                                                                                       ------------
CORPORATE DEBT SECURITIES -- 5.9%
              FINANCIAL SERVICES -- 0.4%
     15,000   Ameriprise Financial, Inc., 7.75% 06/15/39 ...........................        411,638
$ 4,726,012   Lehman Brothers, Guaranteed Note, Variable Rate, 12/16/16, 144A**** ..        649,354++
                                                                                       ------------
                                                                                          1,060,992
                                                                                       ------------
              INSURANCE -- 4.3%
$ 3,400,000   Liberty Mutual Insurance, 7.697% 10/15/97, 144A**** ..................      3,169,902(1)
$ 7,000,000   UnumProvident Corporation, 7.25% 03/15/28, Senior Notes ..............      7,460,789(1)
                                                                                       ------------
                                                                                         10,630,691
                                                                                       ------------
              MISCELLANEOUS INDUSTRIES -- 1.2%
     16,500   Corp-Backed Trust Certificates, 7.00% 11/15/28, Series Sprint ........        377,025(1)
              Pulte Homes, Inc.:
     25,844   7.375% 06/01/46 ......................................................        587,145
$ 2,160,000   7.875% 06/15/32 ......................................................      1,922,400(1)
                                                                                       ------------
                                                                                          2,886,570
                                                                                       ------------
              TOTAL CORPORATE DEBT SECURITIES
                 (Cost $18,116,329) ................................................     14,578,253
                                                                                       ------------



                                        7



Flaherty & Crumrine/Claymore Total Return Fund Incorporated
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
AUGUST 31, 2010 (UNAUDITED)



SHARES/$ PAR                                                                               VALUE
------------                                                                           ------------
                                                                                 
COMMON STOCK -- 0.2%
              BANKING -- 0.2%
     13,500   CIT Group, Inc. ......................................................   $    495,180*+
                                                                                       ------------
              TOTAL COMMON STOCK
                 (Cost $2,533,093) .................................................        495,180
                                                                                       ------------
MONEY MARKET FUND -- 1.5%
  3,588,418   BlackRock Provident Institutional, T-Fund ............................      3,588,418
                                                                                       ------------
              TOTAL MONEY MARKET FUND
                 (Cost $3,588,418) .................................................      3,588,418
                                                                                       ------------
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (Cost $253,507,750***) ...............................    99.9%       246,640,356
OTHER ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Net) .....................................     0.1%           349,988
                                                                           -----       ------------
NET ASSETS BEFORE LOAN .................................................   100.0%+++   $246,990,344
                                                                           -----       ------------
LOAN PRINCIPAL BALANCE .............................................................    (81,300,000)
                                                                                       ------------
TOTAL NET ASSETS AVAILABLE TO COMMON STOCK .........................................   $165,690,344
                                                                                       ============


----------
*    Securities eligible for the Dividends Received Deduction and distributing
     Qualified Dividend Income.

**   Securities distributing Qualified Dividend Income only.

***  Aggregate cost of securities held.

**** Securities exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act
     of 1933. These securities may be resold in transactions exempt from
     registration to qualified institutional buyers. At August 31, 2010, these
     securities amounted to $43,041,363 or 17.4% of net assets before the loan.
     These securities have been determined to be liquid under the guidelines
     established by the Board of Directors.

(1)  All or a portion of this security is pledged as collateral for the Fund's
     loan. The total value of such securities was $181,584,898 at August 31,
     2010.

(2)  Foreign Issuer.

+    Non-income producing.

++   The issuer has filed for bankruptcy protection. As a result, the Fund may
     not be able to recover the principal invested and also does not expect to
     receive income on this security going forward.

+++  The percentage shown for each investment category is the total value of
     that category as a percentage of total net assets before the loan.

ABBREVIATIONS:

PFD.    -- Preferred Securities
PVT.    -- Private Placement Securities
REIT    -- Real Estate Investment Trust
STRIPES -- Structured Residual Interest Preferred Enhanced Securities


                                        8


                     Flaherty & Crumrine/Claymore Total Return Fund Incorporated
                 STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS AVAILABLE TO COMMON STOCK(1)
        FOR THE PERIOD FROM DECEMBER 1, 2009 THROUGH AUGUST 31, 2010 (UNAUDITED)



                                                                                       VALUE
                                                                                   ------------
                                                                                
OPERATIONS:
   Net investment income .......................................................   $ 11,601,348
   Net realized gain/(loss) on investments sold during the period ..............      1,898,262
   Change in net unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments ...........     21,957,579
                                                                                   ------------
   NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS ........................     35,457,189
DISTRIBUTIONS:
   Dividends paid from net investment income to Common Stock Shareholders(2) ...    (10,634,255)
                                                                                   ------------
   TOTAL DISTRIBUTIONS TO COMMON STOCK SHAREHOLDERS ............................    (10,634,255)
FUND SHARE TRANSACTIONS:
   Increase from shares issued under the Dividend Reinvestment and Cash
      Purchase Plan ............................................................        278,005
                                                                                   ------------
   NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS AVAILABLE TO COMMON STOCK RESULTING FROM
      FUND SHARE TRANSACTIONS ..................................................        278,005
                                                                                   ------------
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS AVAILABLE TO COMMON STOCK
   FOR THE PERIOD ..............................................................   $ 25,100,939
                                                                                   ============
NET ASSETS AVAILABLE TO COMMON STOCK:
   Beginning of period .........................................................   $140,589,405
   Net increase in net assets during the period ................................     25,100,939
                                                                                   ------------
   End of period ...............................................................   $165,690,344
                                                                                   ============


----------
(1)  These tables summarize the nine months ended August 31, 2010 and should be
     read in conjunction with the Fund's audited financial statements, including
     footnotes, in its Annual Report dated November 30, 2009.

(2)  May include income earned, but not paid out, in prior fiscal year.


                                        9



Flaherty & Crumrine/Claymore Total Return Fund Incorporated
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS(1)
FOR THE PERIOD FROM DECEMBER 1, 2009 THROUGH AUGUST 31, 2010 (UNAUDITED)
FOR A COMMON STOCK SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT THE PERIOD.


                                                                                
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE:
   Net asset value, beginning of period ........................................   $      14.38
                                                                                   ------------
INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
   Net investment income .......................................................           1.19
   Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments ......................           2.44
                                                                                   ------------
   Total from investment operations ............................................           3.63
                                                                                   ------------
DISTRIBUTIONS TO COMMON STOCK SHAREHOLDERS:
   From net investment income ..................................................          (1.09)
                                                                                   ------------
   Total distributions to Common Stock Shareholders ............................          (1.09)
                                                                                   ------------
   Net asset value, end of period ..............................................   $      16.92
                                                                                   ============
   Market value, end of period .................................................   $      17.20
                                                                                   ============
   Common Stock shares outstanding, end of period ..............................      9,793,700
                                                                                   ============
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS AVAILABLE TO COMMON STOCK SHAREHOLDERS:
   Net investment income+ ......................................................           9.97%*
   Operating expenses including interest expense ...............................           2.12%*
   Operating expenses excluding interest expense ...............................           1.40%*
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:++
   Portfolio turnover rate .....................................................             21%**
   Net assets before loan, end of period (in 000's) ............................   $    246,990
   Ratio of operating expenses including interest expense to net assets
      before loan ..............................................................           1.41%*
   Ratio of operating expenses excluding interest expense to net assets
      before loan ..............................................................           0.93%*


----------
(1)  These tables summarize the nine months ended August 31, 2010 and should be
     read in conjunction with the Fund's audited financial statements, including
     footnotes, in its Annual Report dated November 30, 2009.

*    Annualized.

**   Not annualized.

+    The net investment income ratios reflect income net of operating expenses,
     including interest expense.

++   Information presented under heading Supplemental Data includes loan
     principal balance.


                                       10



                     Flaherty & Crumrine/Claymore Total Return Fund Incorporated
                                                FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (CONTINUED)
                                           PER SHARE OF COMMON STOCK (UNAUDITED)



                          TOTAL                                   DIVIDEND
                        DIVIDENDS   NET ASSET       NYSE        REINVESTMENT
                           PAID       VALUE     CLOSING PRICE     PRICE(1)
                        ---------   ---------   -------------   ------------
                                                    
December 31, 2009 ...    $0.1160      $14.97        $14.52         $14.64
January 29, 2010 ....     0.1160       15.52         14.87          14.98
February 26, 2010 ...     0.1160       15.58         15.82          15.58
March 31, 2010 ......     0.1160       16.17         16.00          16.17
April 30, 2010 ......     0.1160       16.57         16.93          16.57
May 28, 2010 ........     0.1250       15.53         15.91          15.53
June 30, 2010 .......     0.1250       15.79         16.64          15.81
July 30, 2010 .......     0.1250       16.42         17.44          16.57
August 31, 2010 .....     0.1320       16.92         17.20          16.92


----------
(1)  Whenever the net asset value per share of the Fund's Common Stock is less
     than or equal to the market price per share on the reinvestment date, new
     shares issued will be valued at the higher of net asset value or 95% of the
     then current market price. Otherwise, the reinvestment shares of Common
     Stock will be purchased in the open market.


                                       11


Flaherty & Crumrine/Claymore Total Return Fund Incorporated
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

1. AGGREGATE INFORMATION FOR FEDERAL INCOME TAX PURPOSES

     At August 31, 2010, the aggregate cost of securities for federal income tax
purposes was $254,066,889, the aggregate gross unrealized appreciation for all
securities in which there is an excess of value over tax cost was $25,027,246
and the aggregate gross unrealized depreciation for all securities in which
there is an excess of tax cost over value was $32,453,779.

2. ADDITIONAL ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

     FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT: The inputs and valuation techniques used to measure
fair value of the Fund's investments are summarized into three levels as
described in the hierarchy below:

     -    Level 1 - quoted prices in active markets for identical securities

     -    Level 2 - other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices
          for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit
          risk, etc.)

     -    Level 3 - significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund's own
          assumptions in determining the fair value of investments)

     The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily
an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.
Transfers in and out of levels are recognized at market value at the end of the
period. A summary of the inputs used to value the Fund's investments as of
August 31, 2010 is as follows:



                                                                 LEVEL 2        LEVEL 3
                                   TOTAL          LEVEL 1     SIGNIFICANT     SIGNIFICANT
                                  VALUE AT         QUOTED      OBSERVABLE    UNOBSERVABLE
                              AUGUST 31, 2010      PRICE         INPUTS         INPUTS
                              ---------------   -----------   ------------   ------------
                                                                 
Preferred Securities
   Banking                      $ 91,402,855    $50,116,132   $ 41,259,703    $   27,020
   Financial Services              5,447,877        147,507      4,145,130     1,155,240
   Insurance                      50,652,204     15,106,628     35,545,576            --
   Utilities                      63,921,704      9,462,781     54,458,923            --
   Energy                         12,030,716             --     12,030,716            --
   Miscellaneous Industries        4,523,149             --      4,523,149            --
Corporate Debt Securities         14,578,253      1,375,808     12,553,091       649,354
Common Stock
   Banking                           495,180        495,180             --            --
Money Market Fund                  3,588,418      3,588,418             --            --
                                ------------    -----------   ------------    ----------
Total Investments               $246,640,356    $80,292,454   $164,516,288    $1,831,614
                                ============    ===========   ============    ==========


     The Fund did not have any significant transfers in and out of Level 1 and
Level 2 during the period.


                                       12



                     Flaherty & Crumrine/Claymore Total Return Fund Incorporated
                           NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) (CONTINUED)

     The Fund's investments in Level 2 and Level 3 are based primarily on market
information, where available. This includes, but is not limited to, prices
provided by third-party providers, observable trading activity (including the
recency, depth, and consistency of such information with quoted levels), and the
depth and consistency of broker-quoted prices. In the event market information
is not directly available, comparable information may be observed for securities
that are similar in many respects to those being valued. The Fund may employ an
income approach for certain securities that also takes into account credit risk,
interest rate risk, and potential recovery prospects.

     The following is a reconciliation of Level 3 investments for which
significant unobservable inputs were used to determine fair value:



                                                   PREFERRED SECURITIES
                                                   ---------------------
                                       TOTAL                   FINANCIAL   CORPORATE DEBT
                                     INVESTMENTS    BANKING    SERVICES      SECURITIES
                                     -----------   --------   ----------   --------------
                                                               
BALANCE AS OF 11/30/09                $1,237,309   $ 38,500   $  703,050      $495,759
Accrued discounts/premiums                    --         --           --            --
Realized gain/(loss)                          --         --           --            --
Change in unrealized appreciation/
   (depreciation)                        594,305    (11,480)     452,190       153,595
Net purchases/(sales)                         --         --           --            --
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3            --         --           --            --
                                      ----------   --------   ----------      --------
BALANCE AS OF 8/31/10                 $1,831,614   $ 27,020   $1,155,240      $649,354


     For the period ended August 31, 2010, total change in unrealized
gain/(loss) on Level 3 securities still held at period-end and included in the
change in net assets was $594,305.


                                       13



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DIRECTORS
   Donald F. Crumrine, CFA
       Chairman of the Board
   David Gale
   Morgan Gust
   Karen H. Hogan
   Robert F. Wulf, CFA

OFFICERS
   Donald F. Crumrine, CFA
       Chief Executive Officer
   Robert M. Ettinger, CFA
       President
   R. Eric Chadwick, CFA
       Chief Financial Officer,
       Vice President and Treasurer
   Chad C. Conwell
       Chief Compliance Officer,
       Vice President and Secretary
   Bradford S. Stone
       Vice President and
       Assistant Treasurer
   Laurie C. Lodolo
       Assistant Compliance Officer,
       Assistant Treasurer and
       Assistant Secretary
   Linda M. Puchalski
       Assistant Treasurer

INVESTMENT ADVISER
   Flaherty & Crumrine Incorporated
   e-mail: flaherty@pfdincome.com

SERVICING AGENT
   Guggenheim Funds Distributors, Inc.
   1-866-233-4001

QUESTIONS CONCERNING YOUR SHARES OF FLAHERTY & CRUMRINE/CLAYMORE TOTAL RETURN
FUND?

     -   If your shares are held in a Brokerage Account, contact your Broker.

     -   If you have physical possession of your shares in certificate form,
         contact the Fund's Transfer Agent --

             BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc.
             1-800-331-1710

THIS REPORT IS SENT TO SHAREHOLDERS OF FLAHERTY & CRUMRINE/CLAYMORE TOTAL RETURN
FUND INCORPORATED FOR THEIR INFORMATION. IT IS NOT A PROSPECTUS, CIRCULAR OR
REPRESENTATION INTENDED FOR USE IN THE PURCHASE OR SALE OF SHARES OF THE FUND OR
OF ANY SECURITIES MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT.

                      (FLAHERTY & CRUMRINE/CLAYMORE LOGO)
                               TOTAL RETURN FUND

                                    Quarterly
                                     Report

                                 August 31, 2010

                               www.fcclaymore.com


ITEM 2. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

     (a)  The registrant's principal executive and principal financial officers,
          or persons performing similar functions, have concluded that the
          registrant's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule
          30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the
          "1940 Act") (17 CFR 270.30a-3(c))) are effective, as of a date within
          90 days of the filing date of the report that includes the disclosure
          required by this paragraph, based on their evaluation of these
          controls and procedures required by Rule 30a-3(b) under the 1940 Act
          (17 CFR 270.30a-3(b)) and Rules 13a-15(b) or 15d-15(b) under the
          Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (17 CFR 240.13a-15(b) or
          240.15d-15(b)).

     (b)  There were no changes in the registrant's internal control over
          financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the 1940 Act
          (17 CFR 270.30a-3(d)) that occurred during the registrant's last
          fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely
          to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial
          reporting.

ITEM 3. EXHIBITS.

Certifications pursuant to Rule 30a-2(a) under the 1940 Act and Section 302 of
the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 are attached hereto.


                                   SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the
Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be
signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

(Registrant) Flaherty & Crumrine/Claymore Total Return Fund Incorporated


By (Signature and Title)* /s/ Donald F. Crumrine
                          -----------------------------------------------------
                          Donald F. Crumrine, Director, Chairman of the Board
                          and Chief Executive Officer
                          (principal executive officer)

Date October 25, 2010

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the
Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the
following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the
dates indicated.


By (Signature and Title)* /s/ Donald F. Crumrine
                          -----------------------------------------------------
                          Donald F. Crumrine, Director, Chairman of the Board
                          and Chief Executive Officer
                          (principal executive officer)

Date October 25, 2010


By (Signature and Title)* /s/ R. Eric Chadwick
                          -----------------------------------------------------
                          R. Eric Chadwick, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer
                          and Vice President
                          (principal financial officer)

Date October 25, 2010

*    Print the name and title of each signing officer under his or her
     signature.