'Wizard of Oz's Iconic Ruby Slippers Weren't Always Ruby

The Sparkly Shoes Had a Long Journey

The iconic ruby slippers in "The Wizard of Oz" weren't always ruby red. In fact, they went through a few different color changes before they landed on the iconic shade we know today.

Originally, the slippers were supposed to be silver. Test audiences, however, found the silver slippers to be too dull. The studio then tried out a pair of gold slippers, but again, the audience was not impressed. Finally, the studio settled on the ruby red slippers, which were an instant hit with audiences.

The Ruby Slippers Were Originally Made of Sequins

The ruby slippers were originally made of sequins, which gave them a sparkly, glittery appearance. However, the sequins were very delicate and easily fell off. The studio then switched to a more durable material, which is what we see in the film today.

The Slippers Were Insured for $6 Million

The ruby slippers are one of the most iconic pieces of movie memorabilia in existence. They are so valuable that they were insured for $6 million for the film's 50th anniversary in 1989. Today, the slippers are worth an estimated $10 million.

The Slippers Have Been Stolen and Recovered

The ruby slippers have been stolen several times over the years. In 1938, they were stolen from the MGM studios. They were recovered a few months later, but were stolen again in 1970. This time, they were not recovered for 13 years.

Despite being stolen and recovered several times, the ruby slippers remain one of the most iconic pieces of movie memorabilia in existence. They are a symbol of Hollywood's Golden Age and continue to fascinate audiences around the world.