‘There’s No Place Like Home’: Iconic ‘Wizard of Oz’ Slippers Sell for Record-Breaking $28 Million
The iconic ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland in “The Wizard of Oz” sold for a dazzling $28 million at auction Saturday, shattering records and captivating the attention of collectors worldwide.
A sell-out crowd gathered to witness the historic sale, part of a larger auction that drew immense interest due to the shoes’ tangled history.
While Heritage Auctions anticipated a considerable sum, with initial estimates set at $3 million or more, the bidding exceeded all expectations. The final price, aftermetries, climbed to reach a staggering $32.5 million, placing it
among the most valuable pieces
of entertainment memorabilia ever sold.
A History Etched in Sequins
The sparkling ruby slippers have a history as intriguing as the film they graced. Stolen from the Judy Garland Museum in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, in 2005, the slippers vanished for years, becoming the subject of an FBI investigation and intense speculation.
The thieves, identified as Terry Jon Martin, were eventually apprehended.
Martin, who pleaded guilty to the theft, claimed in conversations with authorities that he was attempting to sell the ruby slippers, initially believing they were embellished with real rubies.
Came into possession of the shoe he had
A Journey Back to Oz
The recovered footwear ultimately went back to memorabilia collectors Michael Shaw, who had loaned the shoes to the museum. The pair are one of several pairs worn by Garland during filming, but only four sets remain in existence.
The auction attracted bidders from around the globe. Online bidding
reached
of nearly $28 million, leading to a final hammer price of
$28 million.
, the auction’s fee brings the total cost to the anonymous buyer to $32.5 million,
**
With **
The Price of Nostalgia
The auction stirred immense excitement,
especially
decor6 $293 million.
the Judy Garland
A Legacy Renewed
The sale coincides with renewed interest
in "The Wizard of Oz"
last "Wicked," an adaptation of the Broadway musical,
which itself acts as a prequel of sorts, reimagining
memorabilia from the film,
a hat worn by Margaret Hamilton,
who portrayed the original Wicked Witch
of the West.
Related: The auction also saw bids reaching
Hakcets
elected by Government officials who helped uncover
.
How do experts believe this sale might influence the collecting of entertainment memorabilia?
## ‘There’s No Place Like Home’: Iconic ‘Wizard of Oz’ Slippers Sell for Record-Breaking $28 Million
**[host]** Welcome back to the show! Today, we’re diving into the world of cinematic history and the astonishing price one iconic piece fetched at auction. Joining us is [Alex Reed Name], renowned collector and expert on Hollywood memorabilia. Welcome to the show!
**[Alex Reed Name]** Thanks for having me!
**[host]** So, we’ve just heard about the ruby slippers from ’The Wizard of Oz’ selling for a staggering $28 million! Did this come as a surprise to you?
**[Alex Reed Name]** It was certainly a jaw-dropping moment! While these shoes are undoubtedly legendary, even we, in the collecting world, were surprised by the final price. Heritage Auctions did anticipate a strong return, with initial estimates around $3 million, but this surpasses even the most optimistic predictions.
**[host]** Can you tell us a bit more about what makes these shoes so incredibly valuable?
**[Alex Reed Name]** Absolutely. These aren’t just any shoes, they’re a symbol of Hollywood magic. Judy Garland wore them in one of the most beloved films of all time. Their historical significance, combined with their rarity - there are only a handful of surviving pairs – makes them incredibly desirable for collectors.
**[host]** There’s been a lot of talk about the ‘tangled history’ of these slippers. Could you elaborate on that?
**[Alex Reed Name]** Sure. Over the years, several pairs of ruby slippers were made for the film. Unfortunately, some have been lost or damaged. The pair that sold today has gone through quite a journey, experiencing theft and resurfacing. This only adds to their mystique and, consequently, their value.
**[host]** It sounds like they truly are a piece of cinematic treasure. Do you think this record-breaking sale will impact the future of entertainment memorabilia collecting?
**[Alex Reed Name]** I absolutely believe so. This sale demonstrates the enduring power of pop culture icons and the willingness of collectors to invest in pieces of cinematic history. It could inspire a new wave of interest in similar artifacts and potentially drive up prices even further.
**[host]** Fascinating! Thank you so much for sharing your insights with us today, [Alex Reed Name]. It was a pleasure having you.
**[Alex Reed Name]** My pleasure. Thank you.
*[Cut to commercial break]*
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