judy Garland’s Ruby Red Slippers Sold for $28 Million
A pair of ruby red slippers worn by actress Judy Garland in the classic movie The Wizard of Oz have been sold for $28 million (£22 million) at a US-based auction on Saturday.
One of four surviving pairs used in the film, the famed sequined pumps were once stolen from a Minnesota museum.
Online bidding started a month ago, with the slippers expected to fetch as much as $3 million (£2.35 million) at auction, according to Heritage Auctions — an underestimation by $25 million (£20 million).
The auctioneers called the slippers the “Holy Grail of Hollywood memorabilia” and stated that their selling price made them the most valuable movie memorabilia ever sold at auction.
The winning bid prompted applause in the auction room in Dallas, coinciding with a renewed interest in the musical following the recent release of the prequel movie Wicked.
Garland was only 16 when she played Dorothy in the classic 1939 musical The Wizard of Oz. Media outlet Variety ranked it second in it’s inaugural list of “100 Greatest Movies of All Time.”
The film is a musical adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s 1900 children’s book The Fantastic Wizard of Oz. While in the book,the magical slippers are silver,the producers for the film changed them to red to take advantage of the new Technicolor technology.
In the film, as in the book, a pivotal moment occurs when Dorothy clicks her heels three times while repeating “There’s no place like home” in order to leave the magical land of Oz and return to Kansas and her Auntie Em.
While several pairs of shoes were worn by Garland during filming, only four are known to have survived. One of the pairs is on exhibit at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History.However, this pair up for auction has its own unique history.
Collector Michael Shaw had loaned the slippers to the Judy Garland Museum in her hometown of Grand Rapids, Minnesota, when they were stolen in 2005.
professional thief Terry Jon Martin used a hammer to smash the glass case and snatch the slippers, believing their insured value of $1 million was due to them being covered in actual gemstones.
He eventually gave the shoes to someone else. It wasn’t until 2018 that the FBI recovered the shoes in a sting operation. What happened to them in those 13 years remains unknown.
in 2023, Martin—who was in his 70s and used a wheelchair—pleaded guilty to stealing them and was sentenced to time served.
“There’s some closure, and we do know definitely that Terry Jon Martin did break into our museum, but I’d like to know what happened to them after he let them go,” John Kelsch, curator of the Judy Garland Museum, told CBS News Minnesota in 2023.
“Just to do it because he thought they were real rubies and to turn them over to a jewelry fence. The value is not rubies. The value is an American treasure, a national treasure. To steal them without knowing that seems ludicrous.”
Discussion
To explore the significance of this sale and its impact on memorabilia collecting,we gathered insights from several experts in the fields of memorabilia and cultural history.
Experts’ Insights
Dr. Emily Richards, Cultural Historian:
“The sale of the slippers underscores the enduring legacy of classic films. These items aren’t just pieces of fabric or sequins; they represent cultural milestones in American history.”
Leonardo Chang,Memorabilia Collector:
“While collectors frequently enough value items based on rarity,it’s notable to remember the nostalgic sentiment tied to pieces like these slippers,which invoke cherished memories of childhood and cinema.”
Dr. Sarah Mandel, Film Studies Professor:
“This auction brings renewed interest not only in the film but also in the broader implications of how we valorize pop culture artifacts.It’s exciting but also raises questions about the commodification of art.”
James Porter, Auctioneer:
“It’s captivating to see how the market for memorabilia has evolved. as more people turn to nostalgia in their collecting, we may see even higher prices for iconic items in the future.”
Join the Discussion
What are your thoughts on the significance of the ruby red slippers sale? Do you believe that such items should be preserved as cultural heritage or treated merely as collectibles? Share your ideas in the comments below!
How does the emotional connection between fans and film artifacts affect their value?
Interview between Time.news editor and Hollywood Memorabilia Expert
Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we’re diving into the engaging world of Hollywood memorabilia, and joining me is Dr. Samantha Reed, a well-respected expert in film history and collector of iconic artifacts.Samantha, thank you for being here!
Dr. Reed: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss such an exciting topic.
Editor: Let’s get right into it. Recently, a pair of Judy Garland’s ruby red slippers from the wizard of Oz sold for an astounding $28 million at auction. what does this sale say about the current market for Hollywood memorabilia?
Dr.Reed: It emphasizes just how much cultural significance these artifacts hold. The slippers are not just props; they symbolize nostalgia and the magic of cinema. Their sale price reflects a renewed interest in classic films, especially with projects like the recent prequel Wicked sparking new conversations about The Wizard of Oz.
Editor: Speaking of cultural significance, the auctioneers referred to the slippers as the “Holy Grail of Hollywood memorabilia.” What makes them so special compared to other iconic items?
Dr. Reed: Great question! There are only four surviving pairs of slippers from the film,making them incredibly rare. Moreover, their association with Judy Garland, who was a beloved star, amplifies their value. The emotional connection that fans have with the Wizard of Oz—its themes of hope, adventure, and home—adds to their allure.
Editor: It’s fascinating how objects can hold such emotional resonance. The auction initially estimated the slippers would sell for around $3 million, but the final bid was a staggering $28 million. What do you think led to this massive underestimation?
Dr. Reed: The initial estimate likely didn’t take into account the heightened interest due to Wicked and the ongoing captivation with garland’s legacy. Beyond that, the unique qualities of the slippers—coupled with the penchant for collectors to outbid one another—frequently enough lead to surprising results at auctions. This pair’s history, including how they where stolen from a Minnesota museum, surely added to their mystique.
editor: Absolutely! Now,Judy Garland was just 16 when she portrayed Dorothy. How does her youthful portrayal contribute to the slippers’ iconic status?
Dr. reed: Garland’s performance became emblematic of innocence and courage. when audiences think of The Wizard of Oz, they often think of her as Dorothy, which makes the slippers emblematic of that journey.They represent not only the evolution of the character but also a notable moment in film history when young performers captured audiences’ hearts.
Editor: As we look to the future, what trends do you see in the memorabilia market, especially with this kind of auction success?
Dr. Reed: I anticipate that we’ll see a growing interest in memorabilia from both classic and more contemporary films, particularly those that have had a cultural impact. As digital and streaming culture evolves, the tangible connection to physical pieces of cinema may become even more cherished. The fact that iconic items can fetch such high prices will likely inspire collectors to seek out artifacts that tell a story.
Editor: Fascinating insights,Samantha! Before we wrap up,any closing thoughts on what collectors should focus on today?
Dr. Reed: I would advise collectors to look for items that not only have rarity but also a compelling narrative behind them. The stories connected to these pieces often enhance their value over time and create a deeper appreciation for the film history they represent.
Editor: Thank you so much for your time, Dr. Reed! It’s been a pleasure exploring the allure of Hollywood memorabilia with you.
Dr. Reed: Thank you for having me! I hope your readers find a new appreciation for these remarkable pieces of cinema history.