There’s No Place Like Home
In 2023, Terry Jon Martin, 76, pleaded guilty to stealing the “ruby slippers” worn by Judy Garland in the 1939 film, The Wizard of Oz. They were stolen from the Judy Garland Museum in Grand Rapids, Minn., in 2005, and not recovered for 13 years. Martin’s motive: he thought they were made from real rubies and he would be able to sell the stones; they are really glass beads. The slippers are just one pair of at least four made for the filming. With the case finally closed, the FBI returned the slippers to Michael Shaw, their owner, who had loaned them to the museum. They are now being auctioned off; prosecutors in the criminal case put their value at $3.5 million. Among the bidders: the Judy Garland Museum, aided by the Government of Minnesota, which is providing the first $100,000 to start the bidding. (RC/AP) ...Tip for the state: if they win, give them another $100,000 for a good security system.Story Update: The shoes brought $28 million at auction, setting a new record for entertainment memorabilia, Heritage Auctions said. The previous record was $5.52 million for the white dress Marilyn Monroe wore for a a scene in The Seven Year Itch while standing on a blowing subway grate. The buyer was not identified, but presumably such a price was way too rich for the museum, even with a bit of state money behind them.
Original Publication Date: 10 November 2024
This story is in True’s book collections, in Volume 31.
This story is in True’s book collections, in Volume 31.
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