The Enigma of the Ruby Slippers: Their Origin and Significance

The Original Color of the Ruby Slippers

When The Wizard of Oz was first envisioned as a book by Baum, Dorothy's slippers were described as silver. However, when MGM decided to produce the story as a Technicolor film in 1939, the decision was made to alter the color to ruby red. This change was pivotal in enhancing the visual impact of the movie, giving Dorothy's magical footwear a significant pop of color for viewers. The choice to use ruby red was made by the film's chief costume designer, who recognized the potential benefit of the Technicolor process.

Technicolor was still an experimental and expensive process at the time, and the ruby slippers became a symbol of the film's innovative use of advanced technology. They were handmade, with each slipper intricately decorated with sequins to add to their visual appeal. The shoes were a perfect blend of artistry and technicolor magic, making them an iconic part of the movie's legacy.

Interestingly, there are only five known pairs of the ruby slippers in existence. One of these pairs, which was worn by Judy Garland during the filming and auctioned off, fetched a staggering sum of $560,000 at a live auction in 2011. The auction was held by actress Debbie Reynolds, who starred in the film and donated the pair to raise funds for The Debbie Reynolds School. This pair of ruby slippers not only holds immense historical value but also serves as a testament to the enduring appeal of the movie and its legendary star.

Fun Facts About the Ruby Slippers

There is an interesting disparity between the markings on the ruby slippers. The shoes bear the names and numbers of Judy Garland, the actress who played Dorothy Gale: '1 Judy Garland' on the right slipper and '6 Judy Garland' on the left slipper. Despite this, both shoes were size 5, which was Judy Garland’s actual size. This detail is both fascinating and indicative of the meticulous care taken during the production of the film.

The Legacy of the Ruby Slippers

At the National Museum of American History, another pair of ruby slippers is on display. These original ruby slippers have become a symbol of iconic American cinema and a piece of timeless magic. The fact that there are only five known pairs of these slippers means that each one is a rare collector's item. The sole purpose of the original book's silver slippers was transformed into the vibrant red slippers, which not only attracted attention in the film but also became a symbol of hope and wish fulfillment for millions of viewers.

The movie The Wizard of Oz was a groundbreaking production that seamlessly combined classical storytelling with advanced filmmaking techniques. The ruby slippers were a perfect example of how these techniques could be used to create a visually stunning and timeless film. They served as a powerful emotional link between the audience and the film's narrative, symbolizing Dorothy's journey from Kansas to Oz. The real-life shoes worn by Judy Garland are a testament to the transformative power of cinematic magic and the enduring appeal of iconic characters and stories.