Welcome back to Silver Screen Secrets, where we uncover the most jaw-dropping stories from Hollywood! Today, we’re stepping into the land of Oz with a tale that’s pure movie magic: did you know the ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz were stolen? Let’s follow the yellow brick road to this cinematic mystery.
In 1939, The Wizard of Oz dazzled audiences with its Technicolor magic, and Dorothy’s ruby slippers—worn by Judy Garland—became one of the most iconic props in film history. But in 2005, a pair of the original slippers, on loan to the Judy Garland Museum in Minnesota, was stolen in a daring heist. The thief smashed a display case, grabbed the slippers (insured for $1 million), and vanished, leaving behind just a single red sequin. For 13 years, the slippers were missing, sparking wild theories about their fate—some even thought they’d been tossed into a lake.
The FBI finally recovered the slippers in 2018 after a sting operation, though the thief’s identity remains a mystery. The recovered pair, one of only four known to exist, is now valued at over $3 million and has been displayed at the Smithsonian. This real-life drama proves that some movie props are as magical off-screen as they are on, and we’re thrilled to share it here at Silver Screen Secrets.
What’s your favorite Wizard of Oz moment? Drop us a line at contact@movie-trivia.com—we’d love to hear from you! If you enjoyed this tidbit, share it with your fellow movie lovers and stick around for more Hollywood secrets that’ll surprise you.