Ruby Slippers: Does this make me..."odd"?

[temponaut]

Originally posted by Funky Jedi@Apr 18 2006, 11:19 AM
I have all the iconic pieces on my "list" except for one... I always knew this day would come to where I'd have to get the slippers. 

Funky one, I think you answered your own question right there.

The Ruby Slippers are one of the greatest icons and most meaningful symbols in film history. If you want them, and if you feel your collection will never be "complete" without them, then I'd say you definitely should get them.

Originally posted by Funky Jedi@Apr 18 2006, 11:19 AM
Oh, where does one start if one chooses to break down and buy a pair?

I don't have any personal experience with this company, but "Custom Sparkles" offers what looks like a very nice pair:

Custom Sparkles

Be sure to post some shots on the board when you get your Slippers. And remember: There's no place like home.




{EDIT} Spelling. :$

 

[The Death Curse]

Originally posted by Funky Jedi@Apr 17 2006, 09:19 PM
My collection has finally reached a point to where I'm happy with it.  I have all the iconic pieces on my "list" except for one...Dorothy's Ruby Red Slippers.  I've always been especially proud of the fact that I've mostly collected items that people know upon first sight and I always knew this day would come to where I'd have to get the slippers.  But imagine the odd looks I get from my guy friends when I mention this.  :lol  So, I ask you, should I get a pair to go with my iconic collection, or just pass on this one for fear of constant ridicule?
Oh, where does one start if one chooses to break down and buy a pair?
Opinions?

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Don't feel alone, brother.

At age 3, The Wizard of Oz was one of the first movies I ever saw and loved...It's continued to remain one of my favorites of all time since then....I've always dreamt of seeing (touching, even) the slippers in person or even having a pair of my own to put on display somewhere. Sadly, $660,000 is a bit beyond my realm of spending.

Hell, I've wanted the slippers since I was around 3 years old.. That, or at least a pair of cool replicas. Sadly, I hear even most good replicas cost nearly staggering amounts of money...Then again, I could have passed up a few in my search.


The only thing I want more than the slippers themselves is the WITCH'S HOURGLASS. I once found a website that made full-size replicas of those things, but I have since lost it. I believe they were somewhere around the range of $800 or $900 for the 1:1 scale...*gulp*...

If there's one thing I've learned from getting into Wizard of Oz props/replicas, it's that they DON'T come cheap..

Ryan

 

[GuntahKela]

These used to be availabe at Ebay back in the late 90s. They used to go for over one grand. Then, Wb started policing props and these became scarce in open auction.

I say, get them, but also get other WOZ stuff to go with it. If it makes feel odd to own a pair of rubby slippers, get also something that belongs to the lion, the tinman and the scarecrow; thefore, you get to have a WOZ display, rather than just a pair of girly rubby slippers that stick-out like a sored thumb. I'm working on the medal of courage myself.

I have pics of a screen-used pair that are on display at the Smithsonian in DC. I will see if I can dig them out.

 

[Rylo]

Here's mine.

Got them years ago from an artist who's considered the absolute best in the field. Everything from the orange felt on the soles (to quiet them on the set) to the white kid glove leather and correct Innes Shoe Company, label in the right instep has been replicated. They were also made on a size 5 1/2 1930 Dance shoe identical to the Innes. (Judy wore a 5 1/2)

Even Liza has a pair. His work is also on display at the National Academy Of Music.

They run about 500.00 a pair and there is a wait.

By the way: I struggled with wanting them, too. All macho bullsh*t aside, they are among my favorite props. They're the first thing guests (non-proppers) seem to identify with...I agree the slippers are one of the most iconic props ever made.

Even a caveman would recognize them.

 

[PHArchivist]

About every 18 months or so we have an open discussion here on the RPF about the most iconic or valuable props of all time.

The top five invariably contains:
--The Maltese Falcon
--Rosebud

And...

--Dorothy's ruby slippers.

Also bear in mind they are one of the few fim props the Smithsonian Institution opted to display.

 

[gnrlotto]

Originally posted by rad1701@Apr 18 2006, 06:18 AM
Funky, I'm right there with you.  "The Wizard of Oz" is one of my favorite all time films.  And yes, I own a great pair of Ruby Slippers.  And no, I don't wear them (they are sized for Judy Garland, not my size 13 feet).  I think Jack Townsend makes a nice set.  That's where I got mine.  Here's a picture of my pair:

More photos of mine here:
http://www.treksf.com/collection/main.php?...m&g2_itemId=839

Info on how to get a Townsend pair:
http://users.deltacomm.com/rainbowz/rubysl...cktownsend.html

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What size is Judy's? I've also thought of using Townsend (I posted the exact same link above), but want to get the shoes in her size (as I don't plan on going to a West Hollywood Christmas party anytime soon).

 

[Rylo]

Judy wore a 5 1/2 Innes dance shoe. The originals were made in 1938 by Gilbert Adrian after Victor Fleming took over as Director.

Rylo

 

[Funky]

Thank you guys for all of the support. I'm already researching my options and I think I'll have a pair ordered by the weekend. I even have a pretty neat idea for the display which I'll post some pics in about a week and a half when the whole thing is ready.

 

[PHArchivist]

Originally posted by Funky Jedi@Apr 18 2006, 11:12 PM
Thank you guys for all of the support.  I'm already researching my options and I think I'll have a pair ordered by the weekend.  I even have a pretty neat idea for the display which I'll post some pics in about a week and a half when the whole thing is ready.

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Cool. Do share.

Get a Fonzie jacket, and Wested Indy jacket, and a beat up old phaser and you'll be right in there with the Smithsonian.

Glad to hear you're going forward with it.

 

[kell]

Hey Funky,
You should get them, complete your collection, the ruby slippers, and the maltese falcon are both super cool items. Those two are definitively on my list of ultimate props...

Kell

 

[rad1701]

Townsend makes them in Judy's size. The pair I have are Judy Garland sized (5.5). Rylo, your set also kind of looks like a Jack Townsend pair, like mine.

 

[Lukes Roommate]

Post pics when you get 'em, Funky.
It's always cool to see people get their iconic pieces.

 

[bleyd]

Did you know Target carries ruby slippers? I joke with my wife when she's looking for some sandals that she should a pair.

 

[DARKSIDE72]

 

[konar]

Given the title of this thread, I thought I might bump it so that I can come clean with my own dirty secret...

I SWEAR I've never touched it except to arrange it.

 

[Beeb89]

Ruby Slippers

Here's a pair I got for my daughter about three years back made by Jack T. The display and base were made by me. It has a plexi cover for it as well.

(Thanks WC for hosting!)

Great prop!

-B89!

 

[greatwazoo42]

El Derado is one of my favorite albums.

As for collecting a replica pair...I'd go with the "or just pass on this one for fear of constant ridicule" option. People will start asking you if you were the one that won the auction for John Travolta's poly leasure suit next. LOL!

 

[arwa]

Hey, when I was in working D.C. I was at the Smithsonian the last day it was going to be open for several years. I happen to take a picture of Dorthy's "kicks"...in fact it is right above me in a basket.

Up close I was a little disappointed with them.

If it is good enough for the Smithsonian, then it is good enough for you to display.

At least that is my take on it. Then again, people think I am weird...

-arwa

 

[gnrlotto]

Given the title of this thread, I thought I might bump it so that I can come clean with my own dirty secret...

Wow, being influential is very flattering.

 

[Jedifyfe]

See this thread
http://www.therpf.com/showthread.php?t=23949

Actually I always wanted those too. They're kind of an iconic prop that doesn't need much explaining and you will never get asked..."do they actually work?"