In a remarkable turn of events, Dorothy's iconic ruby slippers from the 1939 movie "The Wizard of Oz" made history at Heritage Auctions' Dec. 7 Hollywood/Entertainment Signature Auction. These slippers, which sold for an astounding $32 million, became the most "valuable movie memorabilia ever sold at auction," according to Heritage Auctions. Joe Maddalena, the executive vice president, emphasized the uniqueness of Judy Garland's Ruby Slippers, stating, "There is simply no comparison between Judy Garland’s Ruby Slippers and any other piece of Hollywood memorabilia."

Unraveling the Mystique of Auctioned Movie Memorabilia

Record-Breaking Auction

The auction set a new record for an entertainment auction, raising a total of $38.6 million. In 2011, a Hollywood icon Debbie Reynolds auction held by Heritage Auctions' Maddalena held the previous record, which was $22.8 million. Live bidding for the ruby slippers began at $1.55 million, with an estimated selling price of $3 million. However, they "surpassed that within seconds," reaching a staggering $32 million. 2: This remarkable achievement showcases the enduring popularity and value of movie memorabilia. The ruby slippers have become a symbol of the movie's legacy and have captured the imagination of collectors worldwide. Their sale not only sets a new benchmark but also highlights the significance of these artifacts in our cultural heritage.

The Stolen Slippers and Their Journey

In 2005, the famous slippers were stolen from the Judy Garland Museum in Minnesota. The FBI later recovered them in 2018 and they were taken to the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History. The shoes were stolen by Terry Jon Marti, 77, who confessed to the crime in 2023. He did it because he wanted to have "one last score." The glass display case that held the world-renowned slippers needed to be cleaned routinely due to the millions who "stand transfixed before them" each year. Since the theft, they're now known as the "The Stolen Pair." 2: This story of the stolen slippers adds an extra layer of intrigue to their already remarkable history. The fact that they were recovered and are now on display at a prestigious museum further emphasizes their importance. It also serves as a reminder of the need to protect and preserve our cultural treasures.

The Wicked Witch's Hat and Other Memorabilia

The famous hat of the Wicked Witch of the West, played by Margaret Hamilton, auctioned for $2.93 million at Saturday's auction. Maddalena described it as "the finest example of the Wicked Witch’s hat known to exist." Additionally, other memorabilia from "The Wizard of Oz" were sold at the auction, including a script belonging to Mervyn LeRoy, shooting and effects schedules, an early edition novel, and a transmittal envelope for $50,000. The screen door from Dorothy's Kansas home sold for $37,500, the wig Judy Garland wore the first week of shooting for $30,000, and an MGM Studios contact signed by Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg, who wrote "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," for $23,125. 2: These various items from the movie add to the overall allure and value of "The Wizard of Oz" memorabilia. Each piece represents a piece of the movie's history and has its own story to tell. Collectors and fans alike are drawn to these artifacts, as they offer a glimpse into a bygone era and the magic of the movie.