Legendary Ruby Slippers Up for Auction

A legendary pair of ruby red slippers famously worn by Judy Garland in the beloved 1939 film *The Wizard of Oz* is poised to make headlines once again as they are set to be auctioned off this Saturday. These iconic sequinned shoes are not just mere props; they represent a significant piece of cinematic history.

The Fascinating Backstory

Originally, these one-of-a-kind slippers were stolen in 2005 from a museum in Garland's hometown of Grand Rapids, Minnesota. They are now anticipated to fetch an astonishing price of up to $3 million at Heritage Auctions. As of the latest update, online bidding has already reached $1.55 million, and excitement is building as the auction date approaches.

Cinematic Significance

Heritage Auctions has dubbed these slippers the 'Holy Grail of Hollywood memorabilia'—and with good reason. The film, adapted from L. Frank Baum's children’s book *The Wonderful Wizard of Oz*, is a cornerstone of American cinema. Interestingly, while Baum's original story describes the magical slippers as silver, filmmakers opted for red to exploit the vivid colors offered by Technicolor, enhancing the visual spectacle.

A Pivotal Moment in Film

In a touching scene that has enchanted viewers for decades, Dorothy must click her heels together three times while reciting the phrase, 'There's no place like home,' to return to her beloved Kansas. This moment is not just pivotal to the plot but also symbolizes the longing for comfort and belonging.

The Mystery of the Missing Slippers

Despite the existence of multiple pairs of slippers used during filming, only four are known to survive today. One pair is preserved in the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History, but the pair going under the hammer has a particularly captivating backstory.

Theft and Recovery

In 2005, thief Terry Jon Martin broke into the Judy Garland Museum, believing the slippers, insured at $1 million, must be encrusted with real gemstones. However, after taking them to a dealer, he learned they were merely glass. Instead of keeping the shoes, he handed them over to another individual, and their whereabouts remained a mystery for 13 years.

FBI Sting Operation

It wasn't until 2018 that the FBI executed a sting operation that led to the recovery of the slippers. In a twist of fate, Martin, now in his 70s and confined to a wheelchair, pleaded guilty to the theft in 2023, receiving a sentence of time served.

Curator's Perspective

John Kelsch, the curator of the Judy Garland Museum, expressed both relief and curiosity regarding the years the slippers went missing. 'There’s some closure. We do know definitely that Terry Jon Martin did break into our museum, but I’d like to know what happened to them after he let them go,' he remarked in an interview. 'The value is not just in the jewels; it's an American treasure.'

The Bidding War

As bidding continues, enthusiasts and collectors alike are eagerly watching to see if the slippers will shatter previous auction records, reaffirming their status as cherished pieces of cinema lore. Will you be the one to secure this iconic piece of history? Stay tuned!