Judy Garland's Ruby Slippers Sold for Record $32.5M

Judy Garland's iconic ruby slippers from 'The Wizard of Oz' have been sold at auction for a record-setting $32.5 million, including taxes and fees, making them the most valuable piece of movie memorabilia ever sold. The slippers, famously worn by Garland in the 1939 film, were stolen from a Minnesota museum in 2005 and were only recovered in 2018 following an FBI sting operation. The thief, Terry Jon Martin, was not prosecuted until 2023, largely due to health issues. Heritage Auctions, which facilitated the sale, initially estimated the slippers to sell for $3 million, but the actual sale price far exceeded expectations due to enthusiastic bidding. This sale coincides with renewed interest in 'The Wizard of Oz,' spurred by the release of the film 'Wicked,' which explores the backstory of the Wicked Witch of the West. Other memorabilia sold at the auction included the Wicked Witch's hat, which fetched $2.9 million.