Raised Eyebrows, Groucho Marx, and the Curtain Call on Laughter

A cliché of a cliché of a cliché of a cliché goes something to the effect of "Things don't always turn out how you planned." The final years of the life of the iconic Groucho Marx probably were nothing like the sharp-witted comedian troupe leader envisioned. Known by millions, Marx's last years entailed living a life of mostly solitude behind the four walls of a California estate. His career in show business was over, and, barring the occasional get-togethers with Hollywood friends, Marx's twilight years were spent chiefly waxing on the glory days of yesteryear.

We have a document of those days in the form of an amazing book.

Raised Eyebrows: My Years Inside Groucho's House by Steve Stoliar presents an intriguing look at the last years of the iconic comedian. Stoliar was a massive fan of the Marx Brothers as a young man, and he eventually met his iconic screen hero after arranging an early 1970's screening of Animal Crackers. The scratchy, beaten-up 16mm print screening was a very special event. At the time, Animal Crackers was a Marx Brothers film unavailable for television syndication due to a rights issue. With the sold-out screening, doors were opened, and contacts made leading to Stoliar working as Groucho's archivist at the comedian's home from 1974 to 1977.

The autobiography/biography delivers a sad glimpse into the final years of the lonely screen and stage icon. This long-retired beloved figure still had legions of fans thanks to constant reruns of Marx Brothers movies on television, but the fame connected to a life he no longer lived.

Rob Zombie optioned the book for a film version, but the project appears stalled. Maybe the adaptation will rise out of "development hell" and become a realized project one day.

Cover for the book by Steve Stoliar

Retelling the book's highlights here on this blog is unnecessary and would not do the outstanding and compelling work justice. Just buy the book. Read the whole story.

What can be said about the work is it shows, in the microcosm of the last days of Groucho Marx, we learn a great life can come to a bittersweet end. Groucho sat on top of the entertainment world on stage, screen, and television. And then, one day, he got old. While it is wonderful to live a long life, Marx had to accept the world had changed around him, and he was too aged to make any transitions into the new entertainment landscape. Solace in personal relationships was not to be either.

Outstanding radio interview with Stoliar.

Raised Eyebrows is a proverbial cautionary tale for all of us. No one has to be a world-famous comedian to reach the end of days in a sad state. Faded professional and personal glory affect people of all walks of life and backgrounds. And the impact is going to be bear a considerable weight on the shoulders of anyone who experiences it. Raised Eyebrows may focus on the particulars of the final years of Groucho Marx, but the tale can be found in the home of many untold millions of people.