Raised Eyebrows: My Years Inside Groucho's House

by Steve Stoliar

Book Overview

Presents an intimate portrait of the legendary comedian by a young fan who became Groucho's personal secretary during the last three years of the comedian's life.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1881649733
• ISBN13: 9781881649731
• Release Date: January 1996
• Publisher: Stoddart
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 1.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 6.3" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

Improves upon repeated readings

I just re-read this book again recently and it is always compelling, amusing, disturbing, and fascinating. You get to know other aspects of not only Groucho, but Zeppo, Gummo, and various members of Groucho's inner circle, especially the controversial Erin Fleming. Even friends of the author become interesting characters. One of my favorite books about a show business figure, and written with style, wit, clarity, and honesty. I would passionately recommend this to any Marx Brothers fan, especially those of us who recall their resurgence in the late sixties and early seventies, and who celebrated when Steve Stoliar managed to convince Universal to release the elusive Animal Crackers. An absolute must!

Steve & Groucho

A great book and different than any other Marx Brothers book. Steve Stoliar was a college student who was lucky enough to spend the last couple years of Groucho's life with him. What makes this book so fascinating is Steve could have been anybody. He was just in the right place at the right time. Steve's sincerity shines throughout. A unique look at a legend who remained in the limelight until the end.

Entertaining, Compelling, Poignant & ...oh yeah, Funny!

Just snapped this book up recently at a specialty bookstore & highly recommend it for anyone who is a Marx Brothers fan. Or an Algonquin Round table fan. Or an "Old Hollywood" fan. Anecdotes abound. But woven into the story is that of a diehard Groucho Marx buff who inhabits the tight, peculiar, often sad world of his last few years. Stoliar comes off as a decent guy with his heart in the right place, a relief since Groucho was surrounded by more than a couple of people with selfish ulterior motives towards him in the end. Erin Fleming, Groucho's companion in his last years, is intriguingly revealed as a complex, disturbing madwoman. Painfully sad read, but with the saving graces of humor & insight. Much of this was actually covered in Arthur Marx's book, but check out the different slant! I'm glad I read & own this book. I'll be back at it again.

Fantastic Story -- And I Lived Through It!

When Steve called and told me that he was finally writing a book about his years with Groucho, I wished him luck and helped with dates and places. I even let him borrow his old letters to me during our college years for specifics. Even though I remember my years with Steve as clearly as if they were yesterday, I must say that the book is riveting -- I just couldn't put it down until I turned the last page. Steve put his heart and soul into this book and I highly recommend it for Marx Brothers fans -- or for anyone who ever had an impossible dream.

Steve Stoliar presents a facinating look at Groucho's world

I loved this book! I am a fan , but not fanatic, of the Marx Bros. More so I am a fan of "classic" Hollywood and comedians in particular. I remember very well seeing old Groucho on a few talk shows in the mid 70's and was greatly saddend by his death in 1977. I was cognicent of what went on in the media before and after his demise, but was unaware of what was really going on within that household. This book lovingly and accuratly details what Groucho's world was like in his waning years. It is sometimes hard to take, but, as in life, there are so many wonderful moments that Steve Stoliar was able to put down on paper. I recommend this book to all who are interested in comediens, The Marx Bros., Groucho or just old Hollywood. You won't be dissapointed!