Morbid Podcast Episode 651: Jean Harris and the Murder of Herman Tarnower (Part 1) - Detailed Summary

Introduction

Morbid, a true crime and creepy history podcast by Morbid Network | Wondery, delves into the dark and twisted tale of Jean Harris and the murder of Herman Tarnower in Episode 651. Hosted by Ash and Alayna, the episode intricately weaves Jean Harris's life story, exploring her upbringing, personal struggles, and the complex relationship that ultimately led to a tragic crime.

Early Life and Family Background

Jean Harris, born Jean Struven on April 27, 1923, was the second of four children in a wealthy Cleveland, Ohio, household. Her parents, Albert and Mildred Struven, provided her children with a privileged upbringing, complete with private schooling and household help. However, beneath the surface of affluence lay deep familial tensions.

"From an early age, she felt like she could never really live up to the high standard of her older sister, Mary Margaret, who was described as the family's good girl." ([12:32])

Jean's relationship with her father, Albert Struven, was fraught with conflict. Despite his brilliance and success, Albert was often perceived as a "champion tyrant, bigot, and snobby," exhibiting a notorious temper that was frequently unleashed over minor inconveniences. This volatile environment fostered constant competition among the siblings, with Mary Margaret being the only child Albert seemed to approve of.

"Shortly before her dad died in 1980, Jean put it pretty simply when she said, 'My father should not have had any children.'" ([14:25])

Jean's mother, Mildred, contrasted her father's harshness with her own stern yet nurturing demeanor. She instilled in Jean the values of respect, kindness, and the importance of intelligence over materialism.

Education and First Marriage

Jean excelled academically, finding solace and approval in her studies, which became her refuge from her tumultuous home life. She attended Smith College in Massachusetts, studying economics and minoring in Spanish. During her time at Smith, Jean maintained a relationship with Jim Harris, whom she met in high school. Jim's enlistment in the Naval Air Corps stationed him in the South Pacific, but their correspondence through letters kept their bond strong.

In 1946, Jean and Jim married and moved to Michigan, where Jim's conservative nature clashed with Jean's vibrant personality. Despite familial opposition—particularly from Jean's disapproving father—the marriage began with hopes of defying familial expectations. However, Jean later confessed that her primary motivation for marrying Jim was to rebel against her father rather than love.

"I was raised by my mother, but my father was almost never home, which is sad." ([13:08])

Jean's marriage to Jim was marked by domestic challenges, especially after Jim's widowed father moved in with them, increasing Jean's responsibilities at home. The birth of their two sons, David and Jimmy, further strained the marriage, compounded by Jean's struggle with postpartum depression—a condition poorly understood and stigmatized in the 1950s.

Divorce and Pursuit of Independence

By the early 1960s, Jean's dissatisfaction with her life and marriage became evident to those around her. The decision to divorce Jim in 1965 was driven by a desire for personal fulfillment and professional advancement. Jean sought to enhance her career, securing a position as the director of the middle school at Springsdale, an elite all-girls prep school in Pennsylvania, significantly increasing her income and social standing.

"Jean was determined to be the perfect housewife. But she also wanted to keep her regular job, which was she was a teacher at Grosse Pointe Country Day School." ([27:31])

Despite the financial difficulties posed by limited child support and her estranged father's refusal to assist, Jean remained steadfast in providing for her sons' education and future. Her move to Springsdale symbolized her commitment to rebuilding her life and distancing herself from her past.

Encounter with Herman Tarnower

In late December 1966, Jean attended a dinner party hosted by her friend Marge Jacobson in New York, where she met Dr. Herman Tarnower, a prominent cardiologist known for his charisma and professional success. Their initial interaction was marked by intellectual and romantic chemistry, leading Jean to believe she had found her ideal partner.

"Dr. Herman Tarnower. He was a charming man with an unyielding devotion from everyone around him." ([42:13])

Tarnower's attentiveness and the opulent lifestyle he embodied captivated Jean, rekindling her dreams of love and companionship that she felt were missing in her marriage to Jim. Despite only spending one evening together, their connection deepened rapidly, with Tarnower expressing his desire to continue their relationship through heartfelt letters and gestures.

"Dr. Tarnower was a man of superior intelligence and education, warm-hearted and passionate, yet protective." ([37:56])

Jean's growing affection for Tarnower led her to marry him in March 1967, uprooting her life once again and relocating to New York. However, the relationship was fraught with underlying tensions, particularly Tarnower's reluctance to commit fully and his continued pursuit of other women.

Emerging Tensions and Harassment

As Jean tried to balance her demanding career at the Madeira School, her deteriorating health due to chronic back pain, and her strained relationship with Tarnower, harassment began to escalate. Anonymous callers started making threatening and obscene remarks, ultimately leading Jean to suspect Tarnower's involvement.

"Jean started receiving harassing phone calls at home and at work, anonymously insulting her and referencing Tarnower's affairs." ([79:35])

These harassing behaviors, including slashed clothing and feces found on her garments, intensified Jean's paranoia and depression. Her attempts to dismiss these incidents often led to confrontations with Tarnower, who remained emotionally distant and unresponsive to her pleas for understanding.

"Jean's feelings of jealousy were often exacerbated by the overlapping presence of her and Lynn in Dr. Tarnower's life." ([77:13])

Jean's reliance on prescription painkillers, specifically Dysoxin (methamphetamine), further complicated her mental state, making her more susceptible to anxiety and obsessive behaviors.

Conclusion of Part 1

Part 1 of the episode sets the stage for the impending tragedy by painting a vivid portrait of Jean Harris's life—her early struggles, quest for independence, and the complex dynamics of her relationship with Herman Tarnower. The escalating harassment and Jean's deteriorating mental health hint at the dark events that are to unfold, leading listeners to anticipate the gripping continuation in Part 2.

Notable Quotes

• "Shortly before her dad died in 1980, Jean put it pretty simply when she said, 'My father should not have had any children.'" ([14:25])

• "Her mother would tell her, 'A curtsy doesn't mean one doggone thing. I want you to always look people in the eye and tell them the truth. Measure people from the neck up, Gene.'" ([16:39])

• "After leaving Jim, Jean and the kids moved in with one of her close friends, Jody Blaine." ([35:03])

• "Most of the time, Gene took whatever Herman was willing to give, but otherwise focused her attention on her career." ([76:24])

• "When feces enters the chat, you leave." ([86:03])

Speaker Attribution

• Ash: One of the hosts of Morbid, providing narrative and analysis.
• Alayna: The other host, contributing personal insights and reactions.
• Shane Alexander: Journalist commenting on Jean's character and circumstances.
• Marge Jacobson: Jean's friend who hosts the pivotal dinner party.
• Jephthah Sherman: Jean's lawyer assisting in her divorce.
• Leslie McDougal: Jean's friend who provides insights into her marriage.
• Sig Gerhardt: Psychiatric social worker concerned about Jean's well-being.

Timestamp Highlights

• [12:08]: Introduction to Jean Harris and the episode's focus.
• [14:25]: Jean's feelings about her father's abusive nature.
• [16:39]: Influence of Jean's mother on her character.
• [27:31]: Jean's dedication to her teaching career.
• [37:56]: Tarnower's introduction and initial courtship.
• [42:13]: Jean's fascination with Tarnower's charisma.
• [77:13]: Onset of harassment and its impact on Jean.
• [86:03]: Escalation of harassment with feces on clothing.

Conclusion

Part 1 of Morbid's Episode 651 skillfully navigates Jean Harris's journey from a privileged yet troubled upbringing to her tumultuous marriage and eventual relationship with Herman Tarnower. The episode highlights the psychological complexities and societal pressures that shaped Jean's life, setting the foundation for the ensuing dramatic and tragic events. Listeners are left anticipating the resolution and deeper exploration of the motives and consequences that culminate in the infamous murder case.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of "Jean Harris and the Murder of Herman Tarnower" in Episode 652 for the continuation and conclusion of this riveting true crime story.