Mel Brooks plays a billionaire and Lesley...

Mel Brooks plays a billionaire and Lesley Ann Warren is a bag lady in “Life Stinks.” In the comedy--written by Brooks, Rudy DeLuca and Steve Haberman--Brooks plays a billionaire who bets he can live among the homeless with none of his wordly possessions for a month. The film, which Pathe will distribute domestically, begins filming in Los Angeles under Brooks’ direction on June 11.

Stephanie Zimbalist has the title role in “The Norma Shearer Story,” a film biography of the poised and elegant MGM star. Peter Riegert will portray her husband, producer Irving Thalberg, and Rose Marie will play Marie Dressler, the No. 1 box-office attraction in the country during the early ‘30s. Screenwriter Melvin Howard is adapting Lawrence J. Quirk’s biography for producer Curtis Roberts. No director has been signed. Filming begins locally in early September for C.G. Films and Ilro Prods.

In IRS Media’s revenge spoof, “The Chair,” Rod Steiger runs his own private electric chair. The black comedy-thriller was written by Charles Gale and will be produced by Randy Gale (brothers of Bob Gale of “Back to the Future” fame). The film rolls under the direction of Sam Irvin in August in Los Angeles. Another project greenlighted this week by IRS Media President Paul Colichman is “Shakes the Clown,” a comedy drama about an alcoholic clown who entertains at children’s birthday parties. Bobcat Goldthwait will write, direct and star; his wife, Ann Goldthwait, will produce with Colichman. Shooting is scheduled to begin in early September.

Scott Valentine, Joan Severance, Chris Mulkey and G.W. Bailey star in Sugar Entertainment’s “With Deadly Intent.” Valentine plays a struggling writer whose brother’s death makes him act in vengeance. Ruben Preuss directs Miguel Tejanda-Flores’ script for producer Larry Sugar. Cameras roll in L.A. next month.

Peter Coyote joins Vincent D’Onofrio, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Peter Berg and Nosh Wyle in “Crooked Hearts,” a family drama produced by A&M; Films for MGM/UA. Writer-director Michael Bortman calls for action June 11 in Vancouver.