A pair of ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland during the filming of the iconic 1939 film _The Wizard of Oz_ has set auction records by selling for $28 million. This astonishing figure, announced on December 7th, was far beyond initial expectations, as the auction house, Heritage Auctions, had estimated the collectible would fetch around $3 million. With buyer's premiums factored in, the total cost for the successful bidder rose to approximately $32.5 million, solidifying the slippers' status as the most valuable piece of movie memorabilia sold at auction.
The sale unfolded amid the buzz generated by the latest release of the musical adaptation _Wicked_, attracting more than 800 bidders vying for the coveted item. The auction's excitement escalated quickly, with the bidding fluctuated dramatically as participants, some on-site and others via phone, pushed the price higher.
According to Joe Maddalena, Executive Vice President at Heritage Auctions, "There is simply no comparison between Judy Garland’s ruby slippers and any other piece of Hollywood memorabilia. The breathtaking result reflects just how important movies and movie memorabilia are to our culture and to collectors." With nearly 1,000 people tracking the slippers prior to the auction, it became evident just how significant these shoes are to film history.
These ruby slippers aren't just any shoes; they hold deep cultural significance and history, believed to be one of only four surviving pairs worn by Garland as Dorothy Gale. Their allure is complemented by their craftsmanship, which includes silk, sequins, and leather.
The slippers previously had a tumultuous past. They were stolen from the Judy Garland Museum in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, back in 2005. The thief, Terry Martin, smashed the glass case housing the slippers, believing the insured value of $1 million indicated they were adorned with real rubies. Unfortunately for him, he later discovered the stones were mere glass. Their fate remained unknown until 2018, when the shoes were recovered by the FBI, following a sting operation. Martin, now 77 years old and with a lengthy record of burglaries, was sentenced after his guilt was established.
The slippers' history was recounted by Rhys Thomas, the author of _The Ruby Slippers of Oz_, stating, "The shoes have seen more twists and turns than the Yellow Brick Road." His sentiment echoes the importance of the slippers not just as collectibles but as landmarks of cinematic achievement.
This auction outshone the previous record for entertainment memorabilia, which was held by Marilyn Monroe's iconic white dress from _The Seven Year Itch_, sold at $5.52 million. Alongside the slippers, the auction also featured other significant memorabilia, including Margaret Hamilton’s hat from _The Wizard of Oz_, which sold for $2.93 million.
The success of this auction not only highlights the slippers' iconic status but also reflects the enduring interest and passion for film history, especially pieces connected to such beloved films. Fascination with _The Wizard of Oz_ endures, as fans continue to connect withfulfilling the nostalgic appeal of the film, which has become part of America’s cultural fabric. Witnessing the slippers reach such incredible heights at auction is just another reminder of the magic encapsulated within them, especially as one of the most memorable aspects of the film is Dorothy's poignant farewell to Oz as she clicks her heels and repeats, "There’s no place like home."
Even the Judy Garland Museum attempted to reclaim the slippers, having fundraised to acquire enough resources to repurchase the shoes. They expressed disappointment after the bidding concluded at such exorbitant prices. Minnesota lawmakers had initially set aside $100,000 to assist the museum’s efforts, yet the astronomical price for the slippers rendered this plan futile.
Among those who shared their thoughts on the auction was Robert Wilonsky, Vice President of Public Relations and Communications for Heritage Auctions, stating, "At $32.5 million, the slippers are the most valuable movie memorabilia worldwide and have helped to make this auction the most successful ever held in the entertainment industry." This sale doesn't just serve as individual triumph; it also marks the continuous evolution of how film memorabilia is valued within the market.
The ruby slippers possess historical significance reflective of the film and Hollywood's rich past. They represent not only Judy Garland's talent and the cultural phenomenon of _The Wizard of Oz_ but are also vivid reminders of how film can leave lasting impressions on generations. For the lucky buyer—whose identity has not been publicly disclosed—the acquisition of the slippers is more than just ownership of another expensive item; it is acquiring a tangible piece of cinematic history and cultural legacy.
Looking forward, the enduring appeal of _The Wizard of Oz_ and its magical elements, such as these slippers, continues to resonate deeply with audiences. The iconic image of Dorothy’s magic shoes would likely feel at home among any collection centered on cinema—a celebration of creativity and its power to transport viewers to places where dreams become realities.