Movie Monday: Priceless Movie Memorabilia

Moana 2 topped this weekend’s box office with another record $52M in its second weekend. Totals now reach over $600M globally.

Not far behind however, in second place, is Wicked. It’s still going strong bringing in another $34.9 million in its third weekend in theaters. Debuting over the Thanksgiving holiday, it now has become the top-grossing Broadway musical adaptation of all time. Grease was the previous record-holder at $188 million (not adjusted for inflation).

Add to that, Wicked has now earned $455.5 million globally.

But move over Moana and Elphaba because Dorothy still lands the top spot. Or rather, her ruby slippers do.

Dorothy’s iconic ruby slippers featured in the 1939 movie “The Wizard of Oz” sold at auction recently for $32 million! That price-tag includes the $28 million dollar winning bid plus the auction house’s fee.

The shoes are one of four surviving pairs that Judy Garland (the actress playing the role of Dorothy) wore while filming the movie. The auction was held by Heritage Auctions on December 7th. With that price-tag, the ruby slippers now become the most “valuable movie memorabilia ever sold at auction,” according to Heritage Auctions.

Live bidding began at $1.55 million but soon surpassed that seconds later. Originally thought to sell for perhaps $3 million dollars, those iconic slippers still have what it takes to turn heads and rake in money, even in 2024.

If money were no object, what piece of movie history would you love to own someday? Email anytime, Laura would love to hear from you: Laura.McKenna@civicmedia.us
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