Ridiculous History The Dumbest Mobster Ever Tried To Steal Ruby Slippers
Oct 9, 2025
Discover the fascinating journey of Dorothy's iconic ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz, including their unexpected cultural significance. Learn how Kent Warner rescued these gems from destruction and how different pairs served various filming needs. Delve into the absurd theft by a mobster who mistakenly believed the shoes were encrusted with real rubies. Finally, hear about the dramatic recovery of the slippers through an FBI sting and why fake versions sold for a staggering $32.5 million at auction.
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Color Choices Were Technical Decisions
- The Wizard of Oz team changed Dorothy's shoes from silver to red to exploit Technicolor's impact on screen presentation.
- MGM intentionally altered materials and color to get the visual pop audiences remember today.
Kent Warner Saved Hollywood Relics
- Kent Warner worked in MGM's costume department and rescued many props from being destroyed during studio clearouts.
- He began cataloging items and quietly sold or gave pieces to actors like Debbie Reynolds from the trunks of his car.
Don't Dispose Without Considering History
- Preserve artifacts with appropriate conservation rather than discarding them during clearouts.
- Catalog and consider long-term historical value before burning or selling studio materials.
