Judy Garland’s ‘Wizard of Oz’ Ruby Slippers Sold for $28 Million at Auction

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As a longtime cinephile who has spent countless hours immersed in the golden age of Hollywood, I can wholeheartedly attest that the recent sale of Judy Garland’s ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz is nothing short of a momentous occasion. These iconic shoes have not only captivated generations of moviegoers but also symbolize the enduring appeal and cultural significance of classic cinema.

In a fascinating display of Hollywood history and cinematic nostalgia, Judy Garland’s ruby slippers, which she wore in the 1939 movie The Wizard of Oz, were recently auctioned off for a staggering $28 million. The auction, held at the renowned Dallas-based auction house Heritage Auctions, saw the iconic slippers rounded out to a remarkable $32.5 million after including buyer’s premium and taxes.

The ruby-red shoes are iconic cinematic memorabilia that represent the lasting appeal of a classic film. Initially valued at $3 million by Heritage Auctions, these shoes attracted over 800 prospective buyers in just a few days, keeping tabs on the bidding process. The auction house’s description highlights their unique charm:

These Ruby Slippers are an antique pair of red silk faille heels from Innes Shoe Co., adorned with hand-sequined silk georgette on the uppers and heels. The inner lining is made of white leather, while the soles have been painted red and feature orange felt at the front foundation of each shoe. The bows are crafted from hand-cut buckram cloth and vary slightly in size. Rimming these bows are rhinestones, with bugle beads encircling three central jewels.

Crafted by Gilbert Adrian, a renowned costume designer at MGM, and manufactured by Western Costume Company, these slippers evoke the glamorous era of classic Hollywood cinema. After their auction, Heritage Auctions Executive Vice President, Joe Maddalena, commented:

Without a doubt, Judy Garland’s Ruby Slippers outshine any other Hollywood memento. The significance of this item underscores the profound impact movies and movie memorabilia have on our culture and collectors. It has been an honor for us at Heritage to guide these iconic slippers through their incredible journey across the rainbow, ultimately finding a new home.

Judy Garland’s Ruby Slippers Have Weathered Many Storms

The ruby slippers are not just an iconic prop; they carry with them a storied history. Crafted with immense care, the slippers shimmered under the technicolored lights of Oz and carried Dorothy down the Yellow Brick Road. Michael Shaw, a collector who owned the slippers, lent them to the Judy Garland Museum in the actress’s hometown of Grand Rapids, Minnesota, and in a remarkable twist of fate, the slippers were stolen from there on August 27, 2005. The incident sparked nationwide interest and the FBI set up a sting operation, eventually recovering the slippers in Minneapolis in July 2018.

Terry Martin, a Minnesota resident, was charged and admitted guilt for a theft case. It turned out that the rubies he intended to sell were actually made of glass. In the making of ‘The Wizard of Oz’, no less than four replicas of the famous slippers were crafted for Judy Garland to wear, with each pair being sold at different times through auctions.

It’s worth noting that a highly valuable item from the iconic movie was up for grabs in the latest auction. This unique piece, known as The Wicked Witch’s Hat, was once owned by Shaw and now belongs to a lucky collector who cherishes it. Previously part of Shaw’s collection, this hat was sold for an impressive $2.93 million.

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2024-12-08 22:04