Dorothy’s Legendary Ruby Slippers Set A New Record—And The Wild Journey Behind Them
The 1939 classic The Wizard of Oz is one of the most iconic films in American cinema, and at the center of its magic lies Dorothy's famous ruby slippers. These sparkling shoes have captivated audiences for generations, symbolizing the longing for home and the power of self-belief.
Recently, the beloved slippers made headlines once again, but this time for a jaw-dropping reason: they fetched an astonishing $28 million at auction, setting a new record for the most valuable piece of movie memorabilia ever sold. Originally expected to go for around $3 million, these slippers—one of only four surviving pairs—blew past all expectations.
As the hype for the upcoming Wicked movie intensifies, this sale serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of The Wizard of Oz and its impact on pop culture.
Beyond their glittering surface, however, the slippers have a history filled with mystery, theft, and intrigue. Their journey from Hollywood set pieces to a prized auction item is as fantastical as the movie itself.
These shoes have been stolen, recovered, and even transformed into cultural treasures. This iconic pair now belongs to a private collector, but the story behind the slippers—along with their role in shaping The Wizard of Oz—remains an essential part of the film’s enduring legacy.
The journey of the ruby slippers begins with The Wizard of Oz itself, a groundbreaking film that combined fantastical storytelling with cutting-edge technology for its time.
Based on L. Frank Baum’s 1900 novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, the movie was a Technicolor dream, featuring a young Judy Garland as Dorothy. As she clicks her heels together three times, the slippers become the key to returning home—a symbol of both escape and self-discovery.
This simple yet unforgettable moment has lived on in pop culture, further amplified by the slippers themselves.
There are four known pairs of ruby slippers, each of which holds historical and cinematic significance. Garland wore several different pairs while filming the iconic scenes, each pair crafted with a slightly different design to suit the needs of specific scenes.
However, these shoes aren’t just beloved for their role in The Wizard of Oz. They are an important part of Hollywood history, representing the craftsmanship of the 1930s and the cultural impact of one of the most famous films ever made.
JUSTIN TALLIS/GettyIn 2005, the slippers were stolen from the Judy Garland Museum in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, in a bizarre heist that shocked the world.
The thief, Terry Jon Martin, broke into the museum with the belief that the shoes were encrusted with real rubies. However, he quickly discovered that they were made of glass and not gemstones. Despite this, the slippers were taken and sold, eventually disappearing into obscurity.
For over a decade, the whereabouts of the shoes remained a mystery until they were finally recovered in 2018 as part of an FBI sting operation.
The slippers’ return to the public eye was met with a mixture of relief and curiosity. In 2023, the shoes were sold at auction for an eye-watering $28 million, becoming the most valuable piece of movie memorabilia ever.
This sale is not just about the shoes themselves but about the enduring legacy of The Wizard of Oz. The film’s influence is still felt today, especially as the much-anticipated Wicked movie prepares to hit theaters.
As a prequel to The Wizard of Oz, Wicked delves deeper into the backstory of the Wicked Witch of the West and her complicated relationship with Glinda the Good Witch, promising a fresh take on a classic story.
MGMThe sale of the ruby slippers is more than just a price tag; it’s a testament to the enduring appeal of The Wizard of Oz and its impact on our culture. From its early days as a groundbreaking film to its current status as a beloved classic, The Wizard of Oz continues to shape the world of cinema.
As the new Wicked movie promises to add layers to this iconic world, the story of Dorothy’s slippers will remain a key piece of Hollywood’s most treasured memorabilia, proving that sometimes, the most iconic symbols come with a little bit of magic—and a whole lot of history.
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