Rob Zombie is expanding beyond the horror genre. Zombie and producer Miranda Bailey have acquired the rights to Steve Stoliar’s book Raised Eyebrows: My Years Inside Groucho’s House. Love & Mercy co-writer Oren Moverman is set write the screenplay, with Zombie attached to direct.
The memoir tells the story of the last few years of comedian Groucho Marx’s life, told through the eyes of fan Stoliar, who acted as Marx’s personal secretary. Stoliar found himself in a world surrounded by stars like Groucho’s brothers Zeppo and Gummo, Mae West, George Burns, Bob Hope, Jack Lemmon, Steve Allen, and many other stars of screen, stage, and television. He was also witness to Groucho’s turbulant relationship with Erin Fleming, who was in charge of Groucho’s personal and professional life. The book essentially tells the precautionary tale of getting too close to your idol.
Rob Zombie has proven himself to be a decent director, and as a life-long Groucho fan, it could be a good film for him to test the non-horror waters. Or it can show his limitations a filmmaker. Guess we’ll find out. But if you’re not familiar with Groucho Marx’s work, then you’re doing yourself a disservice.