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Legendary Ruby Slippers Fetch Record Price at Auction
In a remarkable event that underscores the enduring appeal of film memorabilia, one of the last surviving pairs of ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland in the classic movie “The Wizard of Oz” has been auctioned for an astonishing $32.5 million. This auction, held by Heritage Auctions, took place on Saturday and marks a significant moment in entertainment history.
The iconic slippers started with an initial bid of $1.55 million and were anticipated to reach around $3 million. The final sale price not only shattered these expectations but also set a new record for entertainment memorabilia, far surpassing the previous high of $5.52 million for Marilyn Monroe’s famous costume from “The Seven Year Itch” in 2011.
Joe Maddalena, Executive Vice President of Heritage Auctions, expressed the uniqueness of the Ruby Slippers, stating, “There is simply no comparison between Judy Garland’s Ruby Slippers and any other piece of Hollywood memorabilia.” He highlighted the significant cultural value of such items, emphasizing how this auction reflects the deep connection between cinema and its audience. Maddalena described it as a privilege for the auction house to be involved in the slippers’ storied history and their transition to a new owner.
The pair of ruby slippers that auctioned for this remarkable sum has a fascinating backstory. They were originally purchased over 50 years ago for $2,000 by collector Michael Shaw after having been discovered along with two other pairs by fellow collector Kent Warner. These pairs were part of the original film’s production. The slippers were loaned to the Judy Garland Museum in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, in 2005 but were stolen shortly thereafter, only to be recovered in 2018.
Among the other pairs of slippers, one is displayed in the Smithsonian Institution, and another is held by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which was acquired by notable figures Steven Spielberg and Leonardo DiCaprio for $2 million before being donated. A different pair, utilized for rehearsals, was purchased by actress Debbie Reynolds for $300 and was sold to a private collector for $627,300 in 2011.
Additionally, during the same auction, one of Margaret Hamilton’s Wicked Witch hats from “The Wizard of Oz” was sold for $2.93 million. The event also featured various items from an array of films, ranging from “Back to the Future Part II” to “King Kong,” demonstrating the wide interest in cinematic treasures throughout the years.
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extratv.com