Judy Garland’s Ruby Slippers From ‘The Wizard of Oz’ Sell for $28 Million at Auction

As a seasoned movie enthusiast who’s seen more “Wizard of Oz” remakes than I can count on one hand, this latest auction of Judy Garland’s iconic ruby slippers has left me absolutely spellbound! The price tag of $32.5 million is enough to make even the Tin Man weep for joy.

On Saturday, a beloved pair of ruby slippers that Judy Garland wore in the 1939 movie “The Wizard of Oz” fetched an astounding $28 million at auction.

In a communication with CBS News, Robert Wilonsky, Vice President of Communications at Dallas-based Heritage Auctions, disclosed that the total cost of the famous slippers, taking into account the buyer’s premium, came to $32.5 million.

At first, Heritage’s projections put the value at a humble $3 million. However, within just a few days, the bidding soared to an astounding $1.55 million, with more than 800 interested parties keeping tabs on the piece.

Back in 2005, Terry Martin, a former gangster, made off with Judy Garland Museum’s slippers. He thought they were adorned with real rubies due to his misconception that they were insured for $1 million. However, this wasn’t the case. Later in October 2023, Martin faced charges for stealing a significant piece of art when he was indicted by the Minnesota U.S. District Court. Fortunately, the FBI retrieved the stolen slippers in the year 2018.

Heritage Auctions describes the Ruby Slippers as a classic, antique pair of heels from Innes Shoe Co., featuring red silk faille uppers and heels intricately hand-sequined with silk georgette. The inner lining is white leather, while the sole is painted red and has orange felt accents at the front base of each shoe. The bows are unique, made from hand-cut buckram cloth, and they differ slightly in size. They’re adorned with rhinestones along the edges, and inside, there are bugle beads surrounding three central jewels.

As a die-hard movie fan, I’ve got to say that the newest addition to the “Ozverse” series, titled “Wicked,” has been nothing short of a blockbuster triumph for Universal Studios! This captivating prequel to the original “Oz” tale, focusing on Elphaba (the future Wicked Witch of the West) and Glinda’s storyline before Dorothy’s arrival, has amassed an impressive $392 million globally across its first three weeks in cinemas. Simply put, it’s a must-see for any fan of magical adventures!

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2024-12-08 04:16