A piece of cinematic history is back in the spotlight, and this time it’s on the auction block. The ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland in the beloved 1939 film, ‘The Wizard of Oz,’ are up for grabs, nearly two decades after they were stolen from a museum. The thief, Terry Jon Martin, a man who was 76 at the time of his death, believed the slippers were adorned with real jewels, making them a valuable target for his “one last score.”
Martin, convinced of the slippers’ immense worth, smashed through the display case at the Judy Garland Museum in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, in 2005. The theft sent shockwaves through the entertainment world, leaving the iconic footwear’s whereabouts a mystery for years. However, the FBI finally recovered the slippers in 2018, bringing an end to the saga of the stolen treasure.
Now, the slippers, one of only four pairs that survived from the filming of the movie, are being auctioned off by Heritage Auctions in Dallas. Online bidding is open and will continue until December 7th, 2023. The auction company received the slippers from Michael Shaw, the memorabilia collector who originally owned them.
Adding a layer of poignancy to the auction, the Judy Garland Museum is among the bidders. The museum, which raised funds for the slippers at its annual Judy Garland festival, is hoping to return the precious artifact to its rightful place. The museum’s bid is supported by $100,000 set aside this year by Minnesota lawmakers for the acquisition.
The auction of movie memorabilia includes other treasures from classic films, such as a hat worn by Marilyn Monroe and the screen door from Dorothy’s Kansas home in ‘The Wizard of Oz.’ The auction is a testament to the enduring allure of these iconic artifacts, reminding us of the magic and nostalgia they represent. It remains to be seen whether the slippers will find a new home or return to the museum where they once resided, but one thing is certain – the iconic ruby slippers continue to captivate audiences and inspire a sense of wonder.
