Martin Jurow Oral History

Martin Jurow (1911-2004) graduated from Harvard Law School in 1936 and, after representing several show business clients as an attorney in New York City, transitioned to Hollywood to become a film producer. During his career, he produced such notable films as Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961), The Pink Panther (1963) and The Great Race (1965). After moving to Dallas, he passed the Texas bar exam and became a Dallas County assistant district attorney in the 1970s. In that capacity, Jurow was invited to tour the empty sixth floor of the Texas School Book Depository building when it was being considered for purchase and renovation by Dallas County. More than a decade later, he returned to the Depository project to use his skills as executive producer on the six documentary films featured in The Sixth Floor exhibit. As of 2024, five of the six short films that Jurow executive produced in 1988-89 remain on view. (The sixth film, "The Legacy," was replaced by a new film from original documentarians Allen and Cynthia Mondell in 2013). Martin Jurow passed away on February 12, 2004. - Stephen Fagin, Curator