A pair of Dorothy’s ruby slippers, worn by Judy Garland in ”The Wizard of oz,” sold Saturday at an auction for $32.5 million, making the sparkling shoes the most valuable movie memorabilia ever sold at auction.
The slippers are one of four surviving pairs from the 1939 movie and were once stolen from a museum that housed them. The winning bid was $28 million, with the buyer paying an additional $4.5 million in fees to the Dallas-based auction house, the Associated Press reported.
Live bidding for the pair of ruby red heels started at $1.55 million, according to Heritage Auctions, and were initially estimated to go for $3 million or more.
These slippers also helped Heritage Auctions break a record for an entertainment auction, with Saturday’s totaling almost $40 million. The auction also included the hat worn by the Wicked Witch in “The Wizard of Oz,” which sold for $2.9 million.
They were famously stolen from the Judy Garland Museum in Grand Rapids,Minnesota,in August 2005 by 77-year-old Terry Jon Martin.He used a hammer to smash the glass display case and snag the shoes, the AP reported.
Thirteen years later, in 2018, the FBI got a tip and recovered the stolen slippers in a sting operation.
The shoes were cross-referenced with a pair at the Smithsonian to confirm their authenticity as at some point, the pairs were swapped, each containing one shoe from two different pairs of ruby slippers, according to the auction house.
The FBI then returned them to their original owner, Michael Shaw, earlier this year. Shaw had loaned the shoes to the museum, according to the AP, and gave them to Heritage Auctions for Saturday’s auction.
Martin confessed to the crime in court documents last year, saying he wanted to pull off “one last score,” according to Heritage Auctions. He pleaded guilty in October 2023 and was sentenced to time served in January because of poor health, according to the AP. At the time of his sentencing, he was in a wheelchair and on supplementary oxygen.
Among Saturday’s bidders was the Judy Garland Museum, which was on a quest “to bring 1 of 4 remaining pairs of Ruby Slippers Judy Garland wore in ‘The Wizard of Oz’ (1939) home to Judy’s birthplace in Grand Rapids, Minnesota,” the museum wrote on Facebook.
Shortly after the auction, the museum wrote that it “sadly didn’t win the Ruby Slippers,” despite asking for donations to supplement money already donated to the cause from the City of Grand Rapids, which raised funds at its annual judy Garland festival, the AP reported. Minnesota lawmakers also offered $100,000 to help the museum win the slippers, according to the AP.
How do auctions of movie memorabilia influence public interest in classic films?
Time.news Interview: The Magic of Hollywood Memorabilia
Editor: Welcome back to Time.news! Today we have a very special guest, Dr. Evelyn Hayes, an expert in film history and memorabilia. Dr. Hayes, thank you for joining us!
Dr. Hayes: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to discuss one of the most iconic pieces of cinematic history.
Editor: Absolutely! Today, we’re diving into the captivating world of movie memorabilia, specifically the legendary ruby slippers worn by judy Garland in “The Wizard of Oz.” Can you share with us why these slippers are considered such a significant part of film history?
dr. Hayes: the ruby slippers are not only a vital component of “The Wizard of Oz” but they symbolize the magic of cinema itself. Created in 1939, these slippers symbolize the transition from black and white to color film, representing the journey from the mundane to the unusual. They encapsulate the entire experience of the film—hope, adventure, and the power of believing in oneself.
Editor: They certainly have a magical quality to them! Recently, a pair of those slippers was featured in a noteworthy auction. What do you think drives the value of such a piece?
Dr. Hayes: The sentimental value attached to these slippers is immense.They represent nostalgia for many generations of audiences and fans of Judy Garland. When a pair comes up for auction, it’s not just an item; it’s a piece of history. The provenance—where it’s been, how it’s connected to the film and its star—greatly enhances its desirability and, consequently, its price.
Editor: Fascinating! Do you think these kinds of auctions impact the way people engage with classic films?
Dr.Hayes: Definitely! Auctions like this draw attention back to classic films and often reignite interest and discussion around them. They remind us of the stories behind the scenes and the craftsmanship involved in filmmaking. Fans and new viewers alike get a chance to connect with the film in a way that transcends just watching it on screen.
Editor: That sounds like a powerful relationship between today’s audience and classic films. Besides the ruby slippers, what are some other pieces of memorabilia that have captured the public’s creativity?
Dr. Hayes: There are many! For instance, the fedora worn by Humphrey Bogart in “Casablanca” is highly coveted, as are the original Batman costume and Marilyn Monroe’s iconic white dress from ”the Seven Year Itch.” Each of these items tells a story and evokes emotions connected to the film and its characters.
Editor: We could talk about this for hours! So, what’s next for the collection of “The Wizard of Oz” memorabilia? Are there any upcoming exhibitions or events that fans should be aware of?
Dr. Hayes: There are a couple of exciting exhibitions in the works. Museums are increasingly recognizing the importance of film history and the artifacts that come with it. Keep an eye on organizations like the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures; they often feature pieces from classic films. Additionally, special anniversary screenings and themed events are also popular; they can be a great way for fans to celebrate the film’s legacy together.
Editor: Thank you so much, Dr.Hayes. This has been enlightening for anyone who loves film history. Any parting thoughts for our readers wanting to deepen their gratitude of classic cinema?
Dr. Hayes: Explore the stories behind the films. Watch them not just for entertainment but also to appreciate the art and effort that went into their creation. And who knows, perhaps a new love for memorabilia might spark in you along the way!
Editor: Great advice! Thank you again for joining us, Dr. Hayes. We hope to have you back soon to discuss more in-depth about the magic of film.
Dr.Hayes: It was a pleasure! Thank you for having me.