Judy Garland’s Iconic Wizard of Oz Shoes Sell for Staggering Price, Marking Pinnacle of Movie Memorabilia
In a remarkable testament to Hollywood’s enduring magic, a pair of ruby-red slippers worn by Judy Garland in the legendary film “The Wizard of Oz” has sold for an unprecedented $28 million, shattering previous records for movie memorabilia.
The sequined pumps, described by Heritage Auctions as the “Holy Grail of Hollywood memorabilia,” not only represent a piece of cinematic history but also embody a story of theft, recovery, and cultural significance that spans decades.
The auction heard around the world
When the hammer fell in a Dallas auction room, applause erupted, marking a moment that far exceeded initial expectations. The auction house had originally projected a modest $3 million sale price—a figure ultimately dwarfed by the final astronomical sum.
In L. Frank Baum’s original 1900 children’s book, Dorothy’s magical shoes were silver. But the film’s producers, capitalizing on groundbreaking Technicolor technology, transformed them into the iconic ruby red that has since become synonymous with Hollywood magic.
Judy Garland was merely 16 years old when she portrayed Dorothy, a role that would define her career. The film, ranked second on Variety’s inaugural “100 Greatest Movies of All Time” list and has remained a cultural touchstone for generations.
The dramatic backstory of theft and recovery
These particular slippers have a narrative as dramatic as the film itself. In 2005, they were audaciously stolen from the Judy Garland Museum in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, by Terry Jon Martin, a professional thief who bizarrely believed the shoes were covered in actual gemstones.
A thirteen-year mystery
Martin’s theft led to a mysterious thirteen-year period where the shoes’ whereabouts remained unknown. In 2018, the FBI recovered the slippers in a dramatic sting operation, adding another layer to their already legendary status.
John Kelsch, curator of the Judy Garland Museum, poignantly noted the shoes’ true worth: “The value is not rubies. The value is an American treasure, a national treasure.”
Only four pairs of these iconic shoes are known to have survived from the original film production. One pair remains on exhibit at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, further underscoring their historical importance.
Timing and cultural resonance
The auction’s remarkable success coincides with a renewed interest in the Oz narrative, particularly following the recent release of the prequel musical “Wicked.”
The shoes represent more than just footwear. They symbolize the magical moment when Dorothy clicks her heels together, repeating the immortal words: “There’s no place like home.”