December 7, 2024

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Catholic University sued over Judy Garland ‘Wizard of Oz’ dress auction

A lobby card from the movie ‘The Wizard Of Oz,’ shows a film nonetheless of a scene in which American actress Judy Garland (1922 – 1969) (as Dorothy) wipes tears from the eyes of actor Bert Lahr (1895 – 1967) (as the Cowardly Lion), whilst watched by Jack Haley (1898 – 1979) (as the Tin Male) (remaining), and Ray Bolger (1904 – 1987) (as the Scarecrow), 1939. The film was directed by Victor Fleming.

Hulton Archive | Moviepix | Getty Photos

Fail to remember the ruby slippers. Dorothy’s gown is now the most contentious piece of apparel in the Land of Oz.

The niece of a long-useless priest is suing a New York auction dwelling to block the sale of just one of Judy Garland’s legendary Dorothy frocks from the 1939 classic film “The Wizard of Oz.”

The gown was lacking for decades right before it was found at a Catholic college past 12 months. The priest’s niece, Barbara Hartke, suggests the useful piece of Hollywood memorabilia belonged to her late uncle.

The blue and white gingham gown, believed to be a person of 6 primary attire from the movie is slated to be offered at auction on May well 24 and could snare any place among $800,000 and $1.2 million, Bonhams New York reported.

The gown was a present from Mercedes McCambridge, an Academy Award-profitable actress and mate of Garland’s who was artist-in-home at The Catholic College of The us in Washington, D.C., amongst 1972 and 1973, to Dominican Father Gilbert Hartke, founder of the school’s drama division. (McCambridge, by the way, is regarded for delivering the voice of the demon in 1973’s religious-horror typical “The Exorcist,” which was shot and set in D.C.)

Even so, following Gilbert Hartke died in 1986, no a person knew what experienced become of the costume and it was viewed as lost. In June of very last yr, the costume was found in a white trash bag previously mentioned the college mail slots in the course of a renovation of the university’s Hartke Theater.

While Catholic University has claimed ownership of the gown, Hartke’s 81-12 months-outdated niece argues that the gown belongs to his estate because McCambridge “specially and publicly” gave it to Gilbert Hartke.

Barbara Hartke, who life in Wisconsin, named the college and the auction house as defendants in her lawsuit, which was filed Tuesday in Manhattan federal courtroom.

The go well with seeks an injunction from the court that would protect against the auction from having location.

“The University is reviewing the allegations created in the lawsuit at this time and will deliver additional data following a comprehensive critique of the grievance,” said a spokesperson for the school.

A representative for Bonhams did not instantly reply to CNBC’s ask for for comment.

— CNBC’s Dan Mangan contributed to this report.