In an exciting turn of events for collectors and fans of classic cinema, a pair of Judy Garland’s iconic ruby slippers from the beloved 1939 film The Wizard of Oz is set to hit the auction block with bids already surpassing $800,000. This highly anticipated auction coincides beautifully with the upcoming release of the film Wicked, promising to capture the attention of both movie buffs and memorabilia enthusiasts alike.
These stunning ruby slippers are among only four known pairs that have survived since the film’s original release. The historical significance of these shoes cannot be overstated, as they played a pivotal role in some of the most memorable scenes from the movie. Notably, they were featured when Garland’s character, Dorothy Gale, famously clicks her heels together three times and declares, ‘There’s no place like home.’
Three other pairs of ruby slippers were previously sold during an MGM auction in 1970, and they are currently displayed at The Smithsonian. The pair now up for auction was once owned by collector Michael Shaw, who showcased them at various events and seminars until they were tragically stolen from the Judy Garland Museum in 2005.
The theft was executed by Terry Jon Martin, who, after stealing the slippers, mistakenly believed he could sell them for their supposed ruby embellishments. However, he soon discovered that the shoes were adorned with glass rather than actual rubies. After realizing the true nature of their worth, Martin disposed of the slippers, a decision that seems almost naive considering their cultural significance.
For years, the ruby slippers remained lost until the FBI recovered them during an insurance inquiry related to the theft. This remarkable turn of events brought the saga of the slippers back into the public eye. In October, Martin was charged and pled guilty to the theft of major artwork, resulting in probation and a restitution payment of $23,000 to the museum.
The ruby slippers are not just visually striking; they are lined with white leather and covered in hand-sequined silk georgette. Their distinct pigment is said to be darker than that of the other known pairs, due to careful preservation away from light exposure. This preservation has allowed the slippers to maintain their vibrancy, making them as iconic off-screen as they are on-screen.
Interestingly, the slippers’ origin has an intriguing twist. In L. Frank Baum’s original 1900 book, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Dorothy’s shoes were actually silver. The choice to transform them into ruby red for the 1939 film was primarily a creative decision to take advantage of Technicolor’s capabilities, resulting in a stunning visual that has captivated audiences for generations.
As the auction date approaches, excitement continues to build around these legendary shoes. Collectors and fans are eagerly anticipating the chance to own a piece of cinematic history, especially with the renewed interest in the Wizard of Oz franchise due to the upcoming film adaptation of Wicked. The ruby slippers, with their rich history and cultural significance, are sure to be a focal point of this auction.
For enthusiasts of film memorabilia, this auction represents a rare opportunity to acquire a piece of Hollywood history that has endured through decades of pop culture. The ruby slippers are more than just footwear; they are a symbol of nostalgia, magic, and the timeless appeal of classic cinema.
As the auction nears, the anticipation surrounding the ruby slippers continues to grow, and it is expected that the final bid will reflect the shoes’ extraordinary legacy. With their storied past and connection to one of the most beloved films of all time, the ruby slippers are poised to make headlines once again.
