In a dazzling display of Hollywood history, a pair of ruby red slippers, famously worn by Judy Garland in the beloved 1939 film *The Wizard of Oz*, has sold for a staggering $28 million at a recent auction in the United States—far exceeding initial estimations.

The auction, conducted by Heritage Auctions, saw the online bidding kick off a month prior, with expectations resting around $3 million. This astounding final bid not only shocked everyone present but also positioned the slippers as the most valuable piece of movie memorabilia ever sold at auction. Enthusiastic applause erupted in the auction room in Dallas, marking a significant moment in cinematic history.

The slippers are one of only four surviving pairs from the film, a testament to their iconic status. While one pair is currently displayed at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History, the pair auctioned off has a particularly tumultuous backstory. After being loaned to the Judy Garland Museum in her native Grand Rapids, Minnesota, the slippers were stolen in 2005, igniting a thrilling saga of theft and recovery.

Terry Jon Martin, the man behind the heist, thought the slippers’ insured value of $1 million indicated they were adorned with actual gemstones. Upon smashing the display case, he discovered they were merely glass and subsequently attempted to offload them. The shoes garnered attention in 2018 when they were finally recovered through an FBI sting operation, after being missing for over a decade.

"I would love to know what happened to them during those 13 years," said John Kelsch, curator of the Judy Garland Museum, reflecting on the slipper's extraordinary and perplexing journey.

Worn by a 16-year-old Garland, Dorothy's slippers carry immense nostalgia and significance, embodying the quest for home as she clicks her heels together, uttering, “There’s no place like home." The shoes are not just a prop; they are an essential piece of American cultural heritage that continues to resonate through generations.

As for the auction's coincidence with the release of the highly-anticipated *Wicked* prequel, interest in the *Wizard of Oz* saga has reignited, illustrating the timeless charm of this classic tale.

Would you believe it? These slippers were once part of a high-stakes crime saga that captivated the nation! With the successful auction, collectors and fans alike are left wondering what other treasures might emerge from the golden age of Hollywood. What’s next on Heritage Auctions’ agenda? Keep your eyes peeled, as the world of movie memorabilia remains enticingly unpredictable!