Just when you thought 2024 couldn’t get any more exciting for collectors and fans of vintage cinema, something truly spectacular emerged from the glittering world of Hollywood memorabilia. A pair of Judy Garland’s iconic ruby slippers from the beloved 1939 film The Wizard of Oz is set to go up for auction, with bids currently exceeding $800,000. This momentous event aligns perfectly with the upcoming release of the film Wicked, which will undoubtedly draw even more attention to the legendary shoes.
These dazzling slippers are among only four pairs believed to have survived the years since the movie's release. Three pairs were sold at the 1970 MGM auction, and as of now, they are on display at The Smithsonian. The pair currently being auctioned was once owned by collector Michael Shaw, who proudly showcased them during various engagements and seminars before they were tragically stolen from the Judy Garland Museum back in 2005.
The theft was executed by Terry Jon Martin, who, after the act, thought he could sell the shoes for their precious ruby stones—only to be quelled by the hard truth: the shoes were embellished with glass, not actual rubies. He disposed of the slippers shortly after realizing the deceptive worth, which seems almost naive, doesn’t it?
The shoes remained lost for years until the FBI managed to recover them during an insurance inquiry related to their theft, bringing the saga of the ruby slippers back to the forefront. Martin was charged and pled guilty to theft of major artwork just this past October, along with being handed down probation and $23,000 restitution to the museum. Quite the fall from grace for someone associated with such iconic Americana.
These ruby slippers, lined with white leather and covered with hand-sequined silk georgette, hold significant historical weight, featuring prominently during some of the most famous scenes from The Wizard of Oz. These include the moment when Garland’s character, Dorothy Gale, clicks her heels together three times and famously states, 'There's no place like home.' The slippers’ distinct pigment is said to be darker than the other pairs due to their careful preservation away from light exposure, which is fascinating to think about, as they maintain their vibrancy, just as iconic as their role on screen.
It's also worth mentioning the intriguing twist about the slippers' origin. Interestingly, L. Frank Baum's original 1900 book, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, described the magical footwear as silver. They were changed to the vibrant red we recognize today to take full advantage of the film’s use of Technicolor—a decision creatively aimed at enhancing the visual experience.
With the upcoming film Wicked, scheduled to hit theaters on November 22, curiosity around the glittering shoes is bound to grow even more. Based on the 1995 novel by Gregory Maguire and adapted from the successful Broadway musical, Wicked tells the tale of Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, and her friendship with Glinda the Good Witch, framing them as rivals-turned-allies. Promotional materials hint at parallels to the classic Wizard of Oz, including representations of Dorothy's original costume, though teaser trailers spot her wearing silver slippers instead, retaining homage to the original plot.
This phase of auctioning the ruby slippers is not merely about the financial investment; it’s about the nostalgia and cultural significance attached to these iconic props. They represent countless childhood memories tied to The Wizard of Oz, which continues to tug at the heartstrings of audiences across generations—making them more than just shoes; they are pieces of history waiting to be cherished by the lucky highest bidder.
The ruby slippers reflect Hollywood's glitzy past, and their return to the auction block is much more than just another lot on the auction list. It’s the convergence of nostalgia, fascination with film history, and the unending allure of iconic cinema. So, even as serious collectors vie for these legendary slippers, casual fans and treasure hunters alike will be watching closely, brimming with excitement over the potential of owning such an enchanting piece of lore. Who knows? You could be walking away with more than just shoes; you could be carrying home a piece of film history.
With Wicked right around the corner and ticket sales on the rise, the ruby slippers’ new adventure is just beginning. Will they find their rightful place back where they belong or continue their wandering story, visiting new homes and hearts? Only time and the bidders can tell!
