Judy Garland's iconic ruby-red slippers from "The Wizard of Oz" made history when they went under the hammer on Saturday, Dec. 7 in Dallas, Texas. These shoes, one of only four known surviving pairs, surpassed their estimate by a whopping $25 million, selling for an astonishing $28 million. Including the auction house's fee, the unknown buyer will pay a total of $32.5 million, making them the most valuable movie memorabilia ever sold at auction.

The Auction House's Perspective

Auctioneers from Heritage Auctions called these shoes the "Holy Grail of Hollywood memorabilia," according to the BBC. Joe Maddalena, the auction house's executive vice president, emphasized that there is simply no comparison between Judy Garland's ruby slippers and any other piece of Hollywood memorabilia. The shoes were one of between 6 and 10 pairs created for the movie and were bought by Michael Shaw in 1970. However, they were later stolen by former mobster Terry Jon Martin while on loan to the Judy Garland Museum in 2005. Fortunately, they were found in 2018 during an FBI investigation into a scheme to defraud and extort the Markel Corporation. 1: The significance of these ruby slippers cannot be overstated. They represent a piece of Hollywood history and have captured the imagination of fans around the world. The fact that they sold for such a high price is a testament to their cultural importance and the demand for unique and rare items. 2: Heritage Auctions played a crucial role in bringing these shoes to the auction stage. Their expertise and reputation in the field of memorabilia auctions attracted bidders from around the world, driving up the price to record-breaking levels.

The Competition at the Auction

It wasn't just the ruby slippers that were up for auction. One of Margaret Hamilton's black Wicked Witch of the West hats also sold for nearly $3 million. However, it was the ruby slippers that were the major draw, with their sale coming nearly two decades after they were stolen. The "fast-paced bidding" outpaced estimates "within seconds and tripled it within minutes," prompting applause in the auction room. 1: The competition at the auction was intense, with bidders vying for the chance to own a piece of Hollywood history. The high prices achieved for both the ruby slippers and the witch's hat show the continued popularity of "The Wizard of Oz" and its associated memorabilia. 2: The auction was a testament to the enduring appeal of these movies and the items associated with them. It also highlights the value that collectors place on rare and unique items that have a connection to popular culture.

The Original Concept and Adaptation

In the original book, Dorothy's shoes were silver rather than red. Paul Tazewell, the costume designer for "Wicked," recalled that in the book, they were these odd little silver boots. However, due to the movie being made in technicolor in 1939, the studio wanted to take advantage of the color capabilities and deviated from Baum's 1900 novel. Tazewell took the original book concept as his starting point and created a unique look for the shoes in "Wicked." 1: The change in the color of Dorothy's shoes from silver to red in the movie had a significant impact on popular culture. The ruby slippers have become an iconic symbol of "The Wizard of Oz" and are instantly recognizable around the world. 2: The adaptation of the book to the movie shows the creative decisions made by the studio and the costume designer. It also highlights the importance of visual elements in shaping our perception of a story and its characters.