Who has the stolen ruby slippers? This question has sparked intrigue and speculation among fans of the classic film “The Wizard of Oz” for decades. The ruby slippers, a magical pair of shoes that grant their wearer any wish, have become a symbol of power and desire. Despite numerous theories and debates, the true owner of the stolen slippers remains a mystery. In this article, we will explore the various theories surrounding the stolen ruby slippers and delve into the history behind this iconic piece of footwear.
The ruby slippers first appeared in the 1939 film “The Wizard of Oz,” where they belonged to Dorothy Gale, the protagonist played by Judy Garland. The slippers were crafted from red velvet and adorned with hundreds of sparkling red glass stones, making them a dazzling and unforgettable sight. As the story goes, the slippers were enchanted and capable of granting their wearer any wish upon clicking their heels together.
However, in the film’s climax, the Wicked Witch of the East captures Dorothy and forces her to give up the ruby slippers. The witch then uses the slippers to grant herself a single wish, which ultimately leads to her downfall. With the slippers now in her possession, the witch becomes the central focus of the film’s mystery.
Over the years, numerous theories have emerged regarding the stolen ruby slippers. One popular theory suggests that the Wicked Witch of the East kept the slippers for herself, using their power to maintain her control over the land of Oz. Another theory posits that the slippers were stolen by a member of the Munchkins, who may have intended to use their magic for personal gain.
Despite these theories, evidence supporting any of them remains scarce. Some believe that the ruby slippers were returned to Dorothy after the film’s conclusion, while others speculate that they were hidden away by the producers or the Munchkins themselves. One intriguing theory even suggests that the slippers were stolen by a member of the production crew and are now hidden somewhere in the United States.
The mystery of the stolen ruby slippers has also sparked a renewed interest in the film itself. “The Wizard of Oz” has become a timeless classic, with its themes of courage, friendship, and self-discovery resonating with audiences worldwide. The ruby slippers have become an enduring symbol of the film’s magic and the power of dreams.
In recent years, there have been several attempts to track down the stolen ruby slippers. In 2000, the Smithsonian Institution acquired a pair of ruby slippers from the Judy Garland Museum in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Although these slippers are not the original pair worn by Garland in the film, they are considered the closest approximation and are now on display at the National Museum of American History.
While the true fate of the stolen ruby slippers may never be fully uncovered, their legacy continues to thrive. The iconic footwear has become a symbol of the enduring appeal of “The Wizard of Oz” and the magic it brings to the lives of its fans. Whether the slippers were returned to Dorothy, hidden away by a Munchkin, or still in the possession of the Wicked Witch of the East, one thing is certain: the ruby slippers will forever remain a captivating and mysterious part of the film’s history.
