The world of movie memorabilia is buzzing once again as the legendary ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland in the beloved 1939 film The Wizard of Oz are about to hit the auction block. These iconic shoes, dazzling with red sequins and known for their pivotal role in Dorothy’s magical adventure, are set to be auctioned on December 7, 2024. True to their fame, the slippers are expected to fetch around $3 million at the Heritage Auctions event, making them not just a collectible, but potentially one of the most expensive items of its kind ever sold.
Originally crafted for the film, there are only four known surviving pairs of these slippers, each telling its own piece of cinematic history. The pair going up for auction is particularly special; owned by collector Michael Shaw, they were housed at the Judy Garland Museum located in Garland’s hometown of Grand Rapids, Minnesota. Unfortunately, the shoes weren't always on display for the world to admire. They fell victim to theft back in 2005, disappearing without a trace and prompting not just whispers of disbelief but also substantial concern from fans and collectors alike.
It wasn’t until 2018, following significant involvement from the FBI and the offering of a six-figure reward, when the slippers were finally recovered. The retrieval story adds another layer to their mystique, as Nikki Hale, the manager of special projects at Heritage Auctions, revealed, "They were recovered, apparently buried in a Tupperware box, underground." A local man named Terry Martin, who confessed to taking the slippers under the wrong impression they were encrusted with real rubies, received a suspended sentence for his crime.
Speaking about the slippers’ upcoming auction, Hale expressed the cultural significance they hold, saying, "They are legendary like no other. The Wizard of Oz really stands the test of time as a cult classic, iconic film. Anywhere across the world, people know what The Wizard of Oz is.” The ruby slippers are much more than shoes; they symbolize hope, dreams, and the classic line – "There's no place like home" – making them instantly recognizable to people of all ages.
But the auction won’t just feature the slippers. Other treasures from the film industry will be showcased as well, including Judy Garland's original wings from The Wizard of Oz, various photographs, film posters, and memorabilia from Jumanji, the famed board game featured prominently in the movie starring Robin Williams.
The excitement around this auction serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of The Wizard of Oz. Memories of watching the film have woven themselves deeply within the fabric of popular culture since its release, continuing to resonate with audiences across generations. Who can forget the whimsical characters, the enchanting storyline, and, of course, the memorable shoes? The ruby slippers epitomize the magic of Hollywood’s golden age, representing not just fashion but also film history.
Anticipation is mounting as collectors gear up for bids. The auction marks not just the potential sale of cherished items but also the celebration of cinema’s most cherished dreams and narratives. Although viewers may no longer join Dorothy on her travels through the fantastical land of Oz, they can take part now by owning part of its illustrious past.
Following the auction, these famous slippers, encased under glass and perhaps temporarily locked away from the light of day, will once again find their story metamorphosing, reflecting how objects from cinema can transcend their physical form and enter the collective imagination. The ruby slippers truly symbolize the charm and allure of film history, reminding all of us of the timeless adventures of Dorothy and her friends.
