Written By: Jaidan Slowik, Staff Writer
FOUND: Formerly missing for more than thirteen years, one of the original pairs of Ruby Red slippers from The Wizard Of Oz (1939) was sold at an auction a few weeks ago for an astonishing price.
The Wonderful Slippers of Oz
In 1939, one of the most well-known films in cinema history was released starring the beloved Judy Garland and including a plethora of iconic phrases and characters; The Wizard of Oz. The beautiful world created in the movie has inspired spinoff books, movies, musicals, and art for decades. One of the most popular movies in recent times, Wicked, is based on the stage production that was directly inspired by the book, Wonderful Wizard of Oz. It’s hard to avoid references to the renowned film with its distinguishable Yellow Brick Road, Emerald City, and of course, Dorothy´s Ruby Red Slippers. While several pairs of shoes were used during the filming process, only a few are confirmed to be originals. Of the four authentic pairs of slippers, two are housed in museums to honor the film´s contribution to movie culture and one is currently in a fan’s movie collection. As for the last pair, the story is complicated.
I’ve a Feeling We’re Not in Minnesota Anymore
Originally housed at the Judy Garland Museum within her childhood home in Grand Rapids Minnesota, the shoes were part of an exhibit meant to honor the famous actress and officially owned by collector Micheal Shaw. Unfortunately, a break-in occurred in 2005 and with no camera footage, security alarms, or compelling evidence, the theft of the ruby red slippers became a mystery; until a miracle happened. Thirteen years later the shoes were recovered from an FBI sting operation in Minneapolis. Two former organized criminals, Terry Martin and Jerry Saliterman claimed to have committed the crime as ¨One last score¨, believing that the shoes were made of ruby.
Going once… going twice… Sold!
After being authenticated and safely returned to their former owner, Micheal Shaw, they were then put up for auction. Online bidding began on November 1st, and the estimated value of the slippers was approximately USD 3 million. The competition rapidly increased until Heritage Auctions finally had the Ruby Slippers sold for a whopping $28 million, not including the 4.5 million dollars worth of fees that the auction house charged the anonymous buyer. The total came out to $32.5 million for what is without a doubt, one of the most famous Hollywood memorabilia in the world. Even though again the slippers have made their way out of the private eye, their importance in cinematic history is rich and full. Let’s just hope that this is the end to the drama surrounding the shoes.