'Wizard of Oz' slippers expected to sell for $2 million in auction

Dorothy's ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz are expected to raise at least $2 million (£1.2m) in an auction.

The shoes are believed to be one of four pairs worn by actress Judy Garland in the 1939 film, according to Reuters.

Joe Maddalena, owner of the memorabilia, said: "This is the most important film prop in the world. There is nothing more famous. They are one of the greatest pieces of pop culture in existence."

The slippers have leather soles painted red, and are described as in "mint condition" but with "light scuffs on the soles". They bear the marking "#7 July Garland".

California's Profiles in History is holding the auction in December. The crystal ball used by the Wicked Witch in the film will also go under the hammer, expected to raise between $40,000 (£25,000) and $60,000 (£38,000).

Garland's original blue and white gingham test dress with puff-sleeved white blouse from the first two weeks of filming, plus the matching ruby slippers in the "Arabian test" pattern, are up for sale in a separate auction of Debbie Reynolds's memorabilia collection.

The Wizard of Oz was first released on August 25, 1939. Sam Raimi is directing a prequel to the film titled Oz, The Great And Powerful.

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