Dorothy's Ruby Red Shoes

SW MP15 · Oct 18, 2016

Just saw on the news. That the Smithsonian is trying to raise $300,000 to conserve and restore the original shoes worn in the Wizzard Of Oz.

I just think that's a little unrealistic? I understand they are a part of movie history. But $300k to conserve a pair of shoes? But they also want a new display case for them as well.

So they have launched a Go Fund Me Page. I say let the Screen Actors Guild or Hollyweird actors that make hundreds of millions a movie raise the money.

And in 10 years, they can just do a Hollographic Display and no one would care? I bet in 10 years not many young folks will even know or care about Dorothy or the Wizzard Of Oz.

BearBio · Oct 18, 2016

So, don't contribute. Problem solved!

I agree I won't be giving much if any. Not a big factor in my life one way or the other!

THE PILGRIM · Oct 18, 2016

Don't worry about me , I'm in.
I mean out, I'm out.
No contribution from me!
My wife Sue's claim to fame was (until she me met me) -
Once in Indianapolis she rode in an elevator with Judy Garland.

Rustyt1953 · Oct 18, 2016

steamloco76 · Oct 18, 2016

In the book the slippers are silver and were changed to red in the movie to suit the glorious new color process.

$300K to preserve a stupid movie wardrobe item. There are thousands of historic sites across America which are disparate need of adequate funding and the Smithsonian wants us to pony-up money to restore and preserve movie slippers.

JSR III · Oct 18, 2016

Tread gently boys, many out there would wonder why grown men spend thousands on old shootin irons merely to put them in a cabinet or safe......

THE PILGRIM · Oct 18, 2016

And if I win the lottery -
I will have one more car than Jay Leno.
But no Stanley Steamers.
I'm not that kind of guy!

Yaworski · Oct 18, 2016

First off one has to wonder why it would cost $300,000 to restore a pair of shoes.

Secondly, I'm with the guy who said, the the Actor's Guild or some star pony up the cash. They'll drop $300,000 on a vacation.

BearBio · Oct 18, 2016

Yaworski said:
First off one has to wonder why it would cost $300,000 to restore a pair of shoes.

Secondly, I'm with the guy who said, the the Actor's Guild or some star pony up the cash. They'll drop $300,000 on a vacation.

It's their money, earned from us. They can do what they wish=as I said, I doubt I will be contributing==need to remodel 3 bathrooms soon!

zzzippper · Oct 18, 2016

I would love to wear them but I doubt Dorothy shared my size 13s. Besides, they are so hard to accessorize!

stairstars · Oct 18, 2016

I do collect and value artifacts from films, including guns, but this riles me. With the budget those folks get to house and care for our Nation's treasures, why is this up to the public to do? I also question that amount. And, how far will the restoration go; what will be left of the original shoes? They have had the well worn, danced in ones for years. If, they deteriorated further, that was on their watch. When I worked at the auction houses, and an iconic piece would come in we knew belonged there, the answer was they will only will take if donated. A few years ago they had a stink when the Curator was spending more on parties and limos than the work at hand. Not a fan..

the ringo kid · Oct 18, 2016

SW MP15 said:
Just saw on the news. That the Smithsonian is trying to raise $300,000 to conserve and restore the original shoes worn in the Wizzard Of Oz.

I just think that's a little unrealistic? I understand they are a part of movie history. But $300k to conserve a pair of shoes? But they also want a new display case for them as well.

So they have launched a Go Fund Me Page. I say let the Screen Actors Guild or Hollyweird actors that make hundreds of millions a movie raise the money.

And in 10 years, they can just do a Hollographic Display and no one would care? I bet in 10 years not many young folks will even know or care about Dorothy or the Wizzard Of Oz.

That's strange because-they sold at auction either late last year or early this year. Buyer expressed he'd never sell them off, and I THINK owned a dress from the Wiz of Oz. This is also strange because-the shoes that sold at auction-were in great shape

stairstars · Oct 18, 2016

Ringo,

There are four known pairs.

BearBio · Oct 18, 2016

the ringo kid said:
That's strange because-they sold at auction either late last year or early this year. Buyer expressed he'd never sell them off, and I THINK owned a dress from the Wiz of Oz. This is also strange because-the shoes that sold at auction-were in great shape

But, does he WEAR them?

stairstars · Oct 18, 2016

For two million dollars, I doubt it.

The buyer was The Academy for the new museum.

the ringo kid · Oct 18, 2016

stairstars said:
Ringo,

There are four known pairs.

Figures.

Anyway, I wouldnt spend an estimated $300 grand making repairs. Just take them to Jon Von's-a local shoe guy who would gladly do preservation for far less--and I aint kidding.

the ringo kid · Oct 18, 2016

BearBio said:
But, does he WEAR them?

Id hate to find out.

the ringo kid · Oct 18, 2016

PS, if I had those shoes? id sell them off. Ive never been a Garland fan.

SW MP15 · Oct 18, 2016

I Won't

BearBio said:
So, don't contribute. Problem solved!

I only give to St Jude's Children's Cancer Hospital and a local children's charity that helps with local school kids needs, any chance I get. To me children's cancer treatment and research is far more important than a set of movie prop shoes.

If someone donates that's fine. But there are allot of stuff, like inter city kids that need school supplies and clothing, to be donating to the Smithsonian.

But that's just me!

stairstars · Oct 18, 2016

Budget for 2015: $1,379,000,000
which includes care for collection. The Ruby Slippers are the number one draw.

Dorothy's Ruby Red Shoes

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