The Unforgettable Journey of Judy Garland’s Ruby Slippers

Introduction

In the world of movie memorabilia, there is arguably no piece as iconic as the ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland in the 1939 film, The Wizard of Oz. These shimmering shoes, which played a central role in the beloved film, recently found their way to a new home via a noteworthy auction. Let’s embark on the fascinating tale of these legendary slippers.

The Auction of the Century

The ruby slippers were auctioned off, fetching an astonishing $28 million. The auction was managed by Heritage Auctions, and with the inclusion of the buyer’s premium, the price tag reached a staggering $32.5 million.

The Significance of the Ruby Slippers

“There is simply no comparison between Judy Garland’s Ruby Slippers and any other piece of Hollywood memorabilia,” said Joe Maddalena, Heritage Auctions EVP. He emphasized the significant role movies and movie memorabilia play in our culture. The sale of the ruby slippers was not just an auction, but an epic journey that ended in a new home for this treasured piece of Hollywood history.

The Stolen Slippers

Interestingly, these ruby slippers are one of only four known pairs that have survived since Garland wore them during the filming of The Wizard of Oz. The pair auctioned off by Heritage had a particularly interesting backstory. They were famously stolen from the Judy Garland Museum in 2005 and recovered 13 years later by the FBI. Michael Shaw, who handed them over for auction, attracted over 1,800 bidders worldwide.

The Creation of the Iconic Slippers

The slippers that Dorothy wore were the creative product of Gilbert Adrian, MGM’s chief costume designer. They were crafted by the Western Costume Company using white silk pumps from the Innes Shoe Company based in Los Angeles.

The Wicked Witch’s Hat

Alongside the ruby slippers, The Wicked Witch’s Hat, also a part of Shaw’s collection, was auctioned and sold for $2.93 million after a lengthy bidding war. This unique hat featured the inscription “M. Hamilton 4461-164” inside its brim, referring to Margaret Hamilton, the actress who played the Wicked Witch.

The Designer Behind the Iconic Pieces

Adrian, the designer of Dorothy’s slippers, also designed this iconic piece of Hollywood history during his historic tenure at MGM. His designs have stood the test of time, remaining as captivating today as they were over 80 years ago.

Conclusion

The tale of Judy Garland’s ruby slippers is as enchanting as the film in which they starred. From their creation to their theft and eventual auction, these iconic shoes have journeyed as much off-screen as they did on-screen in The Wizard of Oz. They remain a cherished piece of Hollywood history, symbolizing the magic and nostalgia of classic cinema.

FAQs

Q: How many pairs of ruby slippers were made for The Wizard of Oz?
A: Four pairs of ruby slippers are known to have survived since the filming of The Wizard of Oz.

Q: Who designed the ruby slippers?
A: The ruby slippers were designed by Gilbert Adrian, MGM’s chief costume designer.

Q: How much did the ruby slippers sell for at auction?
A: The ruby slippers were auctioned off and fetched $28 million. Including the buyer’s premium, the final sale price was $32.5 million.

Credit: deadline.com