The ruby slippers, iconic symbols of the beloved 1939 film “The Wizard of Oz,” embarked on a journey almost as fantastical as Dorothy’s own. Stolen from the Judy Garland Museum in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, in 2005, their disappearance captivated the public for years, shrouded in mystery and speculation. The theft, a brazen act involving a smashed display case and a thief vanishing into the night, left a void in the heart of the museum and the countless fans who cherished the magical footwear. Their recovery in 2018 by the FBI marked a turning point, reigniting public interest and paving the way for their eventual return to the spotlight, this time on the auction block.
The auction, held by Heritage Auctions, became a spectacle of its own. Initial estimates projected a winning bid of around $3 million, a figure quickly eclipsed by the fervor of determined bidders. The price soared within minutes, a testament to the enduring allure of these cinematic treasures. A tense back-and-forth ensued between phone bidders, each vying for ownership of a piece of Hollywood history. After fifteen minutes of escalating offers, the gavel fell at an astonishing $28 million, a price that, with the auction house’s fee, reached a staggering $32.5 million. This final sum shattered previous records for entertainment memorabilia, surpassing even Marilyn Monroe’s iconic white dress.
The story of the slippers’ theft and recovery is intertwined with the lives of several individuals. Terry Jon Martin, a 77-year-old man from Grand Rapids, Minnesota, was revealed as the perpetrator. His motive, according to his attorney, was to pull off “one last score,” driven by the belief that the slippers were adorned with real jewels. This belief, however, proved to be false, leading Martin to dispose of the slippers in an undisclosed manner. Martin, already with a history of burglary and receiving stolen property, was ultimately sentenced to time served due to his declining health. Another figure emerged in the narrative: Jerry Hal Saliterman, a 77-year-old man from a Minneapolis suburb, indicted as the alleged fence who purchased the stolen slippers. Saliterman, also facing health challenges, awaits trial, pleading not guilty.
The ruby slippers, one of only four surviving pairs worn by Judy Garland during filming, hold immense symbolic value. They represent not only the magic of the film but also the enduring power of nostalgia and the emotional connection people forge with beloved cultural artifacts. The slippers, with their iconic sparkle and association with Dorothy’s journey home, have transcended their status as mere props to become emblems of hope, longing, and the timeless appeal of the classic film. Their journey from movie set to museum display to a thief’s grasp and back again adds another layer of intrigue to their already rich history.
The auction itself attracted significant attention, drawing bidders and spectators from around the world. Online bidding, which opened weeks prior, had already reached $1.55 million, setting the stage for the dramatic live auction. Among those hoping to acquire the slippers was the Judy Garland Museum, which had launched a fundraising campaign to bring the iconic artifacts back to their rightful home. Despite their efforts, the museum was outbid, leaving the slippers destined for a new owner. The intense bidding war underscored the slippers’ enduring cultural significance and their status as highly coveted collectibles.
The sale of the ruby slippers marked a historic moment in the world of entertainment memorabilia. The record-breaking price reflected not only the intrinsic value of the slippers themselves but also the broader cultural phenomenon surrounding “The Wizard of Oz.” The film’s timeless themes, memorable characters, and iconic imagery continue to resonate with audiences across generations. The slippers, imbued with the magic of the film, serve as tangible reminders of this enduring legacy. Their sale, coinciding with the release of the movie “Wicked,” a prequel to “The Wizard of Oz,” further amplified the renewed interest in the story and its enduring characters. The ruby slippers, once a symbol of a young girl’s journey home, now embark on a new chapter, their story intertwined with the history of Hollywood, the allure of collecting, and the magic of cinema.
