You may or may not be aware that, in August 2005, 'Dorothy's iconic Ruby Red Slippers were stolen (which, when you think about it, is kind in keeping with tradition) from the The Judy Garland Museum in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. Now a anonymous benevolent source is willing to part with $1million for their safe return.
According to Vanity Fair: "The slippers, designed for the 1939 film by legendary Hollywood costumer Adrian, were stolen from the museum, located in Garland’s hometown, in 2005 and haven't been seen since. John Kelsch, executive director of the museum told the Associated Press that the bounty’s donor is from Arizona and is a huge fan of Garland and the 1939 movie. At the time of the theft, the ruby slippers, which owe their glitter to burgundy sequins, were insured for $1 million. Kelsch says they could be worth $2 million to $3 million now. The last pair to hit the auction block took in $666,000 in 2000."
There are said to be in the region of four pairs of the slippers in existence, with one pair hanging in the The Smithsonian.
If you happen to see a suspicious sort clicking their heels together furiously, wailing "THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME", you're invited to call the Grand Rapids Minnesota Police Department at (218) 326-3464.
Our number one suspect is below...
