Imagine being able to own the White Wizard’s Staff, the main tool of power and cunning weapon of Gandalf the White. Well, one lucky buyer out there does not have to imagine it since they bought the staff for $390,000 at an auction in October 2014.
The brilliant Sir Ian McKellen played the hero wizard Gandalf in the three “Lord of the Rings” films. He was one of the greatest characters both in the books and on screen. And you never saw Gandalf without his trusty staff.
Star Wars Films (1977-2019) - R2-D2: $2M
Who can forget the beloved aeromechanical droid R2-D2? It was, of course, the cute heroic robot that served Anakin, Luke Skywalker, and Padme and rescued hundreds of his friends from danger and battle.
This fan-favorite prop was sold in an auction in June 2017 for an astonishing $2,760,000, becoming the most expensive “Star Wars” prop ever sold. The sold droid was actually made of different parts of the original droid that was used for filming.
The Beloved R2-D2
George Lucas was inspired by a character in an Akira Kurosawa film when he came up with R2-D2. The director also got ideas from the robots in the 1972 sci-fi film, “Silent Running.”
For the first three original “Star Wars” films, it was English actor Kenny Baker that portrayed the droid and sound designer Ben Burtt that created the vocal and sound effects. In terms of “Star Wars” memorabilia, owning this little droid is every fan and collector’s dream.
Alien (1979) - White Space Suit: $204K
Another prominent movie prop from Ridley Scott’s “Alien” was Ellen Ripley’s white puffy space suit. The unique suit was designed by John Mollo, a British costume designer that created the Star Wars costume line.
In a 2019 auction, Ripley’s futuristic white space suit sold for the hefty sum of $204,800. The suit was worn by Ripley in the first “Alien” movie of 1979, and it was truly a work of art.
Ripley’s White Space Suit
Ellen Ripley, played by actress Sigourney Weaver, wore a vintage “Nostromo” space suit made out of a quilted jumpsuit and heavy ivory canvas layers. The helmet was made of fiberglass and carefully constructed with LED bulbs.
Mollo drew inspiration from original Samurai Warrior armor, making them look exaggeratedly bulky and heavy. Just one of the incredible costumes and props Weaver gets to use throughout the film, including her other green jumpsuit and signature flamethrower.
The Wizard of Oz (1939) – Winkie Costume: $115K
Even though they weren’t lead characters or even appeared much throughout the film, the Winkies were definitely noticeable. They were the native residents of Winkie Country in “The Wizard of Oz” and were very friendly, good-hearted people that loved the color yellow.
Mostly, they wore amazing costumes made of gray and orange designs, black boots, dark furry armor, and very peculiar tall fur hats. In 2007, one lucky collector bought a Winkie costume for $115,000.
The Peculiar Winkie Costume
Even though in the original book of "The Wizard of Oz," the Winkies only wore yellow, for the MGM musical film of 1939, they wore entirely different outfits.
The costume department for the film thought it would be better to fit the Winkies with striking features and peculiar details to better portray the magical land of Ozian. We’re sure that definitely helped jack up the price when it came to auctioning the costume.
The Wizard of Oz (1939) - The Wicked Witch of the West Hat: $240K
In terms of Hollywood memorabilia and movie props, the original “Wizard of Oz” film has probably sold the most. Dorothy’s red slippers, the Cowardly Lion costume, etc. But one item that doesn’t get as much attention is the hat belonging to the Wicked Witch of the West.
This very unique black hat was sold by the famous auction house Profiles in History in June of 2010 for the high price of $240,000.
The Wicked Witch’s Black Hat
The black wool flying hat worn by Margaret Hamilton, who played the role of the Wicked Witch of the West, was an iconic movie prop. Not only is this one of the most famous witches in movie history, but she’s also the villain in one of the most famous fantasy films ever made.
And now, some lucky buyer can set it on a precious stand in their living room and stare at it for hours while imagining the magical scenes of the “Wizard of Oz.”
The Seventh Seal (1957) - The Chess Set: $150K
The groundbreaking philosophical film “The Seventh Seal” by Swedish director Ingmar Bergman was a landmark moment in cinema history. The historical fantasy film about a medieval knight that tries to save himself from death won critics and audiences worldwide.
The knight, played by actor Max von Sydow, challenges Death to a nail-biting chess game in a fight for his life. In 2009, the famous chess set sold for $150,000 at an auction house in Sweden, which was 50 times more than what was predicted.
The Historic Chess Set
The infamous chess set, made of custom wood and plaster, was the most iconic prop in “The Seventh Seal” since it became a symbol of the battle for life and death against the Grim Reaper himself.
The white king piece broke during filming due to Sydow sweeping his cape across the set and tumbling the pieces, but the set still sold for quite a hefty sum. The chess set now belongs to an anonymous collector that will forever own a historic piece of film history.
Citizen Kane (1941) - Rosebud Sled: $233K
The fact that a film from 1941 is still referenced as a cinematic masterpiece so many decades later is a testament to its brilliance. This American drama from famous director Orson Welles tells the story of a publishing mogul’s last words and how they set off a series of scandalous events.
The most prominent prop of the film is Rosebud’s infamous sled, which was won by a boy in New York City back in 1942. Fifty-four years later, in 1996, it sold for $233,500 in a Christie’s auction in Los Angeles.
The “Rosebud” Sled
The famous sled, used in the early part of “Citizen Kane,” was won by a 12-year-old boy in Brooklyn in 1942 named Robert Bauer. The sled was a prize in an RKO Pictures competition, and Bauer kept it for his entire life. His son told the story of how his mother once wanted to turn the sled into a planter, and his father opposed it, saying, “No, preserve it and store it in the closet.”
Director Steven Spielberg owned another of the three sleds that were used in the film, which he bought for over $60,000 in 1982.
Star Trek (1966) – Captain Kirk’s Chair: $305K
From the moment the first episode of “Start Trek” aired in 1966, it became almost an instant cult classic. Not only was the TV show a huge hit, but several movies were made as well, and actor William Shatner played the beloved Captain Kirk in most of them.
Whether you’re a Trekkie or not, you’re probably familiar with Captain Kirk’s famous chair, which was the embodiment of power. In 2002, the original chair sold for a whopping $305,000 at an auction in Los Angeles.
Captain Kirk’s Chair
The chair even has a name. It is called 'The Commandor Chair." It was considered the most important position on board the starship, and Captain Kirk was the only one to be seen on it. Although it was the captain's throne, it was quite a simple design.
It had narrow arms colored walnut and black Naugahyde cushioning. The model number was either No. 4449 or No. 2405, and it was made by Madison Furniture Industries. Many people bought the same chair back in the day, not knowing it would become a piece of film history.
Saturday Night Fever (1977) – John Travolta’s Suit: $145K
The famous John Travolta, well-known for his singing, dancing, and acting abilities, skyrocketed to fame in his younger years with films like "Grease" and the legendary disco flick "Saturday Night Fever." One of the most famous props in the disco film was Travolta’s flashy suit.
That iconic white suit with a black shirt and flare pants became world-famous. So famous, in fact, that in 1995 it sold for a hefty $145,500 to a die-hard fan of the film.
Tony’s Dance Suit
Tony Manero’s suit in “Saturday Night Fever” is one of the most prominent movie costumes in history. The white polyester suit came to life when Travolta stepped onto the disco dance floor in 1977 and became a symbol of the times.
The flashy vest and flared pants make it a unique piece, making its anonymous buyer in 1995 probably curious to see if the suit would fit him for a night out on the town.
Modern Times (1936) - Charlie Chaplin’s Cane: $420K
Despite silent, black-and-white films being a thing of the distant past, the legacy of Charlie Chaplin lives on. Chaplin was a major force in the silent movie industry throughout his very successful career, and his iconic character, "The Tramp," was known for his signature mustache, bowler hat, and cane.
That legendary cane, the same one used for Chaplin’s “Modern Times,” was sold back in 2013 for $420,000 at a Hollywood memorabilia auction.
The Tramp’s Cane
The famous cane became a symbol of Chaplin’s signature comedy, as he was always twirling and doing acrobatics to aid his comedy sketches.
The elegant cane was immortalized through Chaplin’s film as an icon of the silent film era, allowing it to sell for nearly half a million dollars nearly eight decades later. It was sold from a collector’s private collection, where it remained for decades before being auctioned to a silent film buff.
Star Trek (1966) - Phaser Rifle: $615K
It's not uncommon for multiple versions of a movie prop to be made for filming. This is why truly unique items can fetch a much higher price at auction. One example of this is the phaser rifle used by William Shatner in his first portrayal of Captain Kirk in "Star Trek: The Original Series."
This rifle appeared in the third episode of the series "Where No Man Has Gone Before" and was sold for $615,000 at the end of 2021.
Captain Kirk’s Starfleet Phaser Rifle
The futuristic phaser rifle was created by game designer Reuben Klamer, who held on to his creation until 2013. Klamer sold the rifle at an auction for $231,000, and 8 years later, in November of 2021, it became one of the most expensive “Star Trek” props ever sold.
The rifle also marked William Shatner’s debut as the legendary Captain Kirk, as it was the first episode he appeared in as well.
Cast Away (2000) - Wilson Volleyball: $308K
One of the saddest scenes in cinema history is when Tom Hanks’s volleyball friend Wilson drifts away at sea in the 2000 film “Castaway.” After seeing Hanks’s character endure the impossible on a desert island, we get some relief when he finally creates Wilson.
This inanimate ball became the main character of the movie and sold for a whopping $308,000 in an auction in London in 2021. It sold for four times the estimated price!
Wilson the Volleyball
After discovering the volleyball in one of his FedEx packages, Hanks aptly names it Wilson, after its brand. Wilson undergoes some transformations throughout the film, first when Hanks’s bloody hand is marked, giving it the appearance of a face.
For the filming of the movie, there were dozens of Wilsons, but the version that sold for over a quarter million dollars featured Wilson wearing tobacco stalks for hair.
Elf (2003) - Buddy costume: $300K
The beloved Will Ferrell became even more of a fan favorite after playing Buddy in the hilarious Christmas film “Elf.” Released in 2003, the film became a Christmas favorite, and Buddy’s quirky costume a very sought-after costume.
In 2021, 18 years after the movie’s release, Buddy’s costume sold for $300,000 at a London auction. Collectors and auctioneers missed the mark with their estimate when the costume sold for ten times the price.
Buddy’s Elf Costume
The costume sold at auction features labels reading “MR. FERRELL” and includes a green wool tailcoat with a floral border, faux fur collar, and cuffs. Let’s not forget the bright yellow tights with green suspenders and black leather belt and the infamous black leather shoes with curled elf toes.
Whoever bought the more than a quarter-million-dollar costume will be the star of their family holidays for decades to come.
Batman (1989) - Joker Suit: $125K
The Joker is one of the most famous villains in cinema. It’s been played by dozens of different actors, reimagined, and redesigned by different directors, but for “Batman” fans, many will argue that Jack Nicholson’s 1989 portrayal was one of the best.
The purple suit worn by Nicholson in Tim Burton’s 1989 “Batman” was sold for a whopping $125,000 in 2022. There was a heated bidding war for the suit, finally going to an anonymous collector that left the auction with a smile resembling that of the actual Joker’s.
The Joker Suit
The elegant seven-piece purple suit was designed by Savile Row’s Tommy Nutter and featured a Christian Dior tie, a Dobbs hat, and Robot boots.
The sought-after costume’s price increased significantly after it became known that the Dobbs hat had a bit of white makeup residue worn by Jack Nicholson on its brim, and the Robot boots had some residue from the film set. The anonymous buyer will forever have a piece of film history and the official attire of the Clown Prince of Crime.
Superman (1978) - Superman Costume: $350K
Before the heartthrob actor Henry Cavill graced our screens as Superman, it was the handsome Christopher Reeve who played the legendary hero. The iconic superhero costume used by Reeve in the 1978 “Superman” film sold in November 2022 for an astonishing $350,000.
The legendary costume was complete with the tunic, cape, belt, trunks, leggings, and boots. Considering it was in storage for over four decades, the costume was in exceptionally good condition.
The Superman Costume
There will never be a more iconic superhero costume than that of Superman, and now its anonymous buyer can channel their inner hero every time they look upon that red “S.”
The nylon and wool costume had a few minor details that were worn out through the years but nothing noticeable enough to affect its price. The original costume was worn for the 1978 film and three other subsequent films in the “Superman” franchise.
Edward Scissorhands (1990) - Scissor Glove: $65K
The 1990s Tim Burton classic “Edward Scissorhands” became one of Johnny Depp’s most famous performances. A poor man created by a scientist with scissors for his hands goes from being feared to being loved after the townspeople see what he is capable of.
The iconic bladed glove that Depp wore sold in June of 2022 for an impressive sum of $65,000, far exceeding its original estimate. The prop, sold at an auction in London, jumped in value after the actor’s infamous trial with ex-wife Amber Heard.
The Scissorhands Glove
The mechanical prop was a true work of art by the visual effects department, and it was the most symbolic prop in the film.
At first, the scissors are a source of terror for everyone around Depp, but after demonstrating what they can do, such as design extravagant haircuts, turn lawns into works of art, and carve exquisite ice sculptures, Edward Scissorhands becomes very sought after. It’s no wonder the bladed glove went for such a high price.
Dracula (1931) - Movie Poster: $525,800
Before Bram Stoker’s “Dracula,” or Brad Pitt playing a sexy vampire in “Interview with the Vampire,” or the hundreds of Dracula films released through the decades, there was the 1931 movie “Dracula.”
Directed by Tod Browning and Karl Freund, the film was a black-and-white nightmare about the legendary story of a blood-sucking Count in Transylvania. The poster for the film, featuring a haunting Bela Lugosi as Count Dracula, became a sought-after collectible. The work of art sold in 2017 for a hefty $525,800.
Dracula’s Movie Poster
After selling for over half a million dollars, the legendary one-sheet poster became the most expensive poster in history. The artist’s rendition of the actor Bela Lugosi staring frighteningly at us as the feared Count Dracula is a unique item, as only two posters with this image exist.
The lucky and very wealthy buyer of the poster can sleep soundly, knowing he owns a true rarity. We just hope they don’t hang it over their bed.
The Shining (1980) - Jack Torrance’s Axe: $211,764
One of Stanley Kubrick’s most famous films is the horror masterpiece “The Shining,” released in 1980. There are a number of props throughout the film, such as Danny’s toy car or Jack’s typewriter, but one of the most prominent is Jack Nicholson’s axe.
That axe reminds us of all of the terrifying scenes where a psychotic Jack breaks the bathroom door and yells, “Here’s Johnny!“ The famous axe sold at an auction in London in 2019 for a whopping $211,000.
Jack Torrance’s Axe
Even though the axe had a few scars from the endless shooting days, it was in very good condition. The three-foot-long wooden handle and one-foot-long blade axe became one of the most expensive movie props ever sold, selling for four times what the auctioneers had estimated.
If you think about a wooden axe being sold for nearly a quarter of a million dollars, you hope whichever Kubrick fan bought it will put it to good use. For a scary movie night or chopping very fancy wood, of course.
Alien (1979) - Alien Xenomorph Costume: $126,500
One of the scariest movie monsters of all time is the alien xenomorph in Ridley Scott’s "Alien." Even though it was released in 1979, long before CGI, the monsters still manage to frighten us. This is why some people may find it insane that someone paid $126,500 to have the alien xenomorph costume in their home!
In a 2007 auction in California, the terrifying costume was sold to an avid science fiction collector.
The Alien Xenomorph Costume
The xenomorph costume was designed by Swiss master artist H.R. Giger, who was known for his signature biomechanical art style. Giger was a genius at mind-bending and terrifying works, and the xenomorph costume is one of the best examples.
It was truly an art masterpiece, with audiences holding on to their seats when it first appeared on the scene in 1979’s “Alien.” The alien costume also appeared in the three sequel films, and to this day, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a scarier movie villain.
The Dukes of Hazzard (1979) - General Lee Dodge Charger: $450K
“The Dukes of Hazzard” was an extremely popular TV show back in the 70s and 80s. Released in 1979, the show ran for seven seasons, and it would be safe to say that one of the most beloved parts of the series was the General Lee Dodge Charger car used by Luke and Bo.
In a 2008 auction, one of the Dodge Chargers used in the series, which belonged to John Schneider (who played the role of Bo Duke), was sold for $450,000.
The General Lee Dodge Charger
Named after General Robert E. Lee’s horse, the General Lee Dodge Charger had a very distinct horn and was essential in all the scenes with high-stakes police chases and long jumps from one cliff to another. This meant that there were always several Dodge Chargers on set since they were constantly destroying them for action shots.
Lucky for the buyer in the 2008 auction, he managed to save at least one General Lee from the car junkyard. And after the 2005 “Dukes of Hazzard” movie remake with Jessica Simpson was such a huge flop, it’s unlikely we’ll be seeing the Dodge Charger on screen anymore.
Back to the Future Part II (1989) - Hoverboard: $550K
Cinema history wouldn’t be the same without the Back to the Future trilogy from the late 80s. Becoming an instant cult classic, fans around the world went crazy for Marty, Doc, and their DeLorean time machine.
The three films are filled with cool props, but a big fan-favorite was Marty McFly’s futuristic hoverboard, which appears in “Back to the Future II” when he travels in time to 2015. As it turns out, the original hoverboard, signed by Michael J. Fox himself, sold in 2021 for a whopping $550,000.
The Hoverboard of the Future
The neon pink hoverboard was originally made by toy company Mattel, and after being featured in that thrilling chase sequence in “Back to the Future II,” its sales went off the charts.
Including an autograph from Marty McFly, collectors estimated the prop would sell for anything between $110,000 and $145,000. But much to their surprise, the little toy board went for over half a million dollars. Now that’s an expensive toy.
Ghostbusters (1984) - Ghostbuster Proton Pack: $160,000
When three scientists lose their jobs, they decide to become brave ghost fighters and protect the people of New York City, and who better to do this than Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, and Harold Ramis? The film was a hit when it came out in 1984, and for movie prop collectors, the famous proton pack worn by the Ghostbusters was a very sought-after item.
The mock “nuclear accelerator” backpack to fight off ghosts that Harold Ramis wore for the 1984 and 1989 “Ghostbusters” films sold in 2012 for $160,000.
Ghostbuster Proton Pack
The cool-looking proton pack is actually an amazing concept – an energy device that captures and traps ghosts. The props were made by Richard Edlund, a visual effects master that worked for George Lucas’s Industrial Lights & Magic company for decades.
Made of fiberglass, aluminum, foam, and rubber, the pack was quite technologically advanced for its time. It even had intricate electronic systems for the “wand” piece. Considering the work that was put into the prop, $160K sounds more than fair.
Alien (1979) – Chestburster Figure: $43K
Whether you’re a science fiction lover or not, chances are you still remember the original “Alien” movie by Ridley Scott. Seeing full-size creatures designed by macabre master H.R. Giger and old-school special effects makeup was enough to scare us senseless back in 1979.
But undoubtedly, a scene we will never forget was the moment a baby alien burst out of actor John Hurt’s chest. It even shocked the film’s cast, which Ridley Scott kept in the dark about the scene on purpose. That baby alien model sold 25 years later for $43,000.
The Alien ‘Chestburster’
The scene with the iconic chest burster became one of the most famous in science fiction history, and audiences went crazy trying to figure out how Scott had pulled off the trick. Even Stanley Kubrick called him up to inquire!
Apparently, actor John Hurt was hiding under the table, with only his head sticking out through it. The rest of his body was a fake torso through which a baby alien model could easily burst out and have us freeze in our seats.
King Kong (1933) - King Kong Model: $200K
When we think of King Kong, we think of Naomi Watts trying to help a CGI gorilla not get gunned down by the military. However, before the jaw-dropping visual effects, there was the original 1933 King Kong movie that scared people out of their seats.
This was way before CGI, so the actual King Kong was a 22-inch model of the gorilla that was covered in real rabbit fur to make it look real. It was made by Willis O’Brien, often regarded as “the godfather of visual effects and stop-motion animation.” After more than 75 years in storage, the model was bought for $200,000 in 2009.
King Kong Poseable Model
One would imagine that such a historic movie prop would go for far more than $200,000. And it would if it weren’t for the fact that much of the model had been damaged after seven decades in storage.
The original rabbit fur coat over King Kong had rotted throughout the years, but the base metal frame was still standing and in good shape. We bet you never heard of a metal frame selling for nearly a quarter of a million dollars.
2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) - Aries 1B Space Shuttle: $344K
The release of Stanley Kubrick’s epic “2001: Space Odyssey” in 1968 marked a historic moment in cinema. The movie was lightyears ahead of its time, and the concept was mind-blowing back in the 60s. But in typical Kubrick fashion, the director ordered that all the futuristic props, mainly miniature spaceship models, be destroyed once filming was over.
Kubrick didn’t want any of the props to be recycled for other copycat directors in the future. But, to people’s absolute shock, one model was discovered decades later, and apparently, it was the only original one that survived. The Aries 1B Spherical Space Shuttle was auctioned in 2015 for $344,000.
The Aries 1B Trans-Lunar Space Shuttle
The 3-foot-tall model of the spherical space shuttle that was used to transport Dr. Heywood Floyd to the moon was sold to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in March 2015. Apparently, the model had belonged to an art schoolteacher for over four decades, and he had kept it in his studio in Hertfordshire, England. This was also the town where Kubrick lived for many years.
The teacher used it to teach technology to his students. Since its purchase by the Academy, it has been on permanent display since 2019 at their museum in Los Angeles.
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003) - Aragorn's Sword: $437K
“The Return of the King” was the third and last installment of “The Lord of the Rings” film trilogy, and it was as epic as the other two movies. One of the most famous props in the movie is Aragorn’s sword, a mighty weapon that is beautifully crafted and a symbol of the character’s regal ancestors.
The sought-after prop was purchased for $437,000 at an auction, and we are sure many collectors were incredibly sad to see the film prop get taken off the market.
Aragorn’s Sword
One of the most well-known props in “The Lord of the Rings” films is Aragorn’s sword, otherwise known as Anduril. This epic weapon was once used to defeat the evil Sauron and is a very important symbol of Aragorn’s claim to the Gondor throne.
This sword also helps Aragorn kill the Dark Lord in the final trilogy film and save Middle-Earth. The actual sword is a beautifully detailed piece with handmade engravings and an opulent hilt.
Lord of the Rings Trilogy (2001 – 2003) - Gandalf’s Staff: $390K
Imagine being able to own the White Wizard’s Staff, the main tool of power and cunning weapon of Gandalf the White. Well, one lucky buyer out there does not have to imagine it since they bought the staff for $390,000 at an auction in October 2014.
The brilliant Sir Ian McKellen played the hero wizard Gandalf in the three “Lord of the Rings” films. He was one of the greatest characters both in the books and on screen. And you never saw Gandalf without his trusty staff.
The Wizard Staff
The magic and powerful staff was a tool, a weapon, and a vessel of power for the Order of the Wizards called the Istari. Obviously, the staves have a lot of meaning and symbolism in “The Lord of the Rings” books and films.
The fact that Gandalf’s white staff made of ash wood sold for sixteen times what collectors had estimated proves the prop's value among fantasy fiction fans. The lucky buyer wished to remain anonymous.
Lord of the Rings Trilogy (2001 – 2003) - Gimli’s Battle Axe: $187K
This coveted movie prop from “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy is Gimli’s battle axe. Being one of the most important characters in LOTR, Gimli is the representative of the Dwarf nation and uses a variety of axes as his weapons.
One of his favorite ones is his massive double-headed Battle Axe. Gimli battles Orcs and soldiers of Saruman and Sauron armies with this axe, making it a very desirable collector’s item. In 2013, Julien’s Auction house sold this prop for $187,500.
The Battle Axe
The beautiful and lethal axe belonged to Gimli’s ancestors and was responsible for slaying many important villains in “The Lord of the Rings” films. Gimli, played by talented actor John Rhys-Davies, is a fan-favorite among LOTR followers.
His beloved battle axe, made of metal and wood and stunning engravings, is one of the most featured movie props throughout the films. Who wouldn’t want to own a Dwarf Lord’s combat weapon?
The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (2001 – 2003) - Frodo’s Sword: $162K
“The Lord of the Rings” trilogy is among the highest-grossing film franchises of all time. But more than the profits, the films have garnered millions of die-hard fans around the world, which would give anything (or at least a lot of money) to own even a small piece of a LOTR movie prop.
Any LOTR fans will remember Frodo and Bilbo’s sword, which sold for $162,500 in December of 2013 at Julien’s Auction House in Beverly Hills.
The Magic Sword
The sword, with engravings in Elven languages, is found by Bilbo and named ‘Sting.’ Bilbo gifts the sword to Frodo to protect himself on his journey to find the ring. Bilbo named the blade ‘sting’ due to its power to kill spiders.
Also, the blade starts glowing each time an enemy is near, becoming Frodo’s weapon of choice throughout the three “Lord of the Rings” films. The dagger is also used in “The Hobbit” movie.
Saturday Night Fever (1977) – The Dance Floor: $1.2M
“Saturday Night Fever” became a cultural symbol of the times from the moment it hit theaters in 1977. Even nowadays, nobody can think of disco without thinking of John Travolta’s moves on the dance floor.
In fact, it became such an iconic movie that the actual dance floor where Tony and Stephanie showcased their moves was sold at auction! The famous auction house Profiles in History sold off the disco floor for an incredible $1.2 million in June 2017.
The Disco Dance Floor
The iconic disco floor originally belonged to the Bay Ridge nightclub in Brooklyn, where the movie was filmed. Later, it was used to film an episode of the musical show “Glee.” And now, it sits in the home of a very wealthy collector of movie props who remains anonymous to this day.
We can only imagine the dazzling parties and all-night dancing that have graced that dance floor over the decades.
Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977) - X-Wing: $2.4M
The Star Wars films have produced an endless number of props, collectibles, and memorabilia. But one of the most expensive must be the X-Wing Fighter craft used by George Lucas in the 1977 “Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope” film. The X-wing sold for a whopping $2.4 million in June of 2022.
This unique miniature model was created by Industrial Light & Magic, Lucas’s visual effects company, and was used in the film by Red squadron leader Garven Dreis, portrayed by late actor Drewe Henley.
The X-Wing Fighter Craft
What made this little starfighter so special is that it was the only pyro model craft that survived filming since all the others were completely destroyed by pyrotechnics in the thrilling combat scenes against the Death Star ship.
Collectors and auction directors estimated that the prop would go for anything between $500k and $1 million. However, according to Prop Store Auction, the X-wing was purchased for $2,375,000.
The Maltese Falcon - Statuette: $4.1M
The Maltese Falcon statuette from the 1941 crime noir starring Humphrey Bogart is exceedingly rare. There were only two. The 12-inch-high sculpture of cast lead weighs 45 pounds. Of the two, however, only this particular figurine appeared in the film.
The entire movie centered around this highly valuable piece of art, which is now a highly valuable piece of art. Funny. The Falcon statuette sold in 2013 for $4.1 million at Bonhams in New York.
The Maltese Falcon Figurine
At $4.1 million, the winning bid for the falcon figurine is a hefty sum. Having said that, this statuette is definitely authentic. There is a sure way to prove the heavy lead raptor is the one from the set of “The Maltese Falcon.”
A tail feather is bent. Lee Patrick momentously dropped the multi-million-dollar bird during the shoot as she was handing it to Bogart. It is considered the most significant movie prop in all of Hollywood.
Thunderball (1965) - Aston Martin DB5: $6M
This iconic James Bond Aston Martin DB5 model did not even make an appearance in “Goldfinger” or any Bond movies for that matter, and it still sold for well over $6 million. The car was used by the Bond franchise but only for ads to promote the fourth 007 movie, “Thunderball” (1965). It is one of three existing cars commissioned by Eon productions for Bond movies.
The DB5 replica was sold at the eminent 2019 Pebble Beach auction by RM Sotheby’s for $6.4 million. No word on the buyer, who now owns a generous portion of cinematic history.
Goldfinger (1964)
This Aston Martin sold in 2010 for $4.1 million. Driven by Sean Connery, it was one of two DB5s built for “Goldfinger.” These cars were fully stocked with working super spy gadgetry. The driver has at his fingertips a weapon control console that activates machine guns in the fenders, a smokescreen of fog emitted out the tailpipes, and a passenger-ejection seat.
The replica DB5 that sold in 2019 for $6.4 million was equipped with gadgetry. Folks with north of $3 million to put into a replica of the famous Bond car can make that investment. Aston Martin introduced the new DB5 model, fully equipped with 007’s gadgets, in 2020. The cars are not street-legal and go for $3.35 million each.
Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980) - Mask & Helmet: $900K
In the climactic crescendo of “The Empire Strikes Back,” Darth Vader stunned Luke Skywalker when he proclaimed, “I am your father.” Skywalker and the entire “Star Wars” audience shuttered in sync with Luke’s shriek, “That’s impossible!”
Darth Vader instilled fear into an entire generation. It is made apparent by the sale of the fearsome antagonist’s mask and helmet. His influence is so enduring that the original costume prop worn by David Prowse sold for $900,000 at the 2019 Profiles in History auction.
Darth Vader’s Mask
Called “the Holy Grail of science fiction artifacts” by the auction house, it’s also exceptionally rare. Estimates set at $250,000 to $450,000 seemed high, but they were significantly lower than the winning bid of nearly $1 million.
Prowse, the actor behind the mask, portrayed the villain in the trilogy. However, Vader was voiced by James Earl Jones.
My Fair Lady (1964) -Ascot Dress $3.7M
Audrey Hepburn as Miss Doolittle in George Cukor’s Oscar-winning musical is a riot. The scene in which she wears the over-the-top Ascot dress ensemble at the Royal Ascot horse race is one of the cinema’s greatest. The delightful white and black trimmed dress was designed by eminent costume designer Cecil Beaton who was commissioned for all of the costumes in “My Fair Lady.”
He won an Oscar for his work. It was one of eight Academy Awards the film garnered. Audrey Hepburn’s Ascot dress sold for $3.7 million at the 2011 Profiles in History auction in Los Angeles.
The Ascot Dress and Hat Ensemble
The Edwardian masterpiece by Beaton was made of hand-embroidered lace and trimmed with black velvet ribbon over a silk linen undergarment. The eye-popping hat was made of the same material with the addition of an ostrich feather on the side.
The white parasol cannot be neglected; it is a key component of the Ascot ensemble. The dress came to auction from the Debbie Reynolds Collection. She paid $100,000 for it originally.
The Sound of Music (1965) - Do-Re-Mi Costumes: $1.3M
Perhaps the most famous cast costuming of all time are the “Do-Re-Mi” play clothes the von Trapp children wore while learning their long-time favorite song. Adored nanny Maria, Julie Andrews, takes the children out in the gorgeous rolling hills of Austria in the clothing she made of old curtains and teaches them the basics of singing.
The film bagged five Oscars, including Best Picture, and it launched Julie Andrew’s career. The costumes, including Maria’s dress, sold at the 2013 Hollywood Profiles in History auction for $1.3 million.
The Do-Re-Mi Play Clothes
The olive and cream outfits made of old curtains were actually made of old curtains. Costume designer Dorothy Jeakins was behind the seven von Trapp costumes. In her craft, authenticity is a priority, so she used actual curtains as the material for the Do-Re-Mi outfits. Jeakins’ dedication to costuming won her an Oscar in “The Sound of Music.”
The costume designer, Dorothy Jeakins, won an Oscar nomination for her effort on the now-classic film. Although the iconic Do-Re-Mi outfits were made from actual curtain material, they sold for $1.3 million (£976k) in 2013.
The Spy Who Loved Me (1977) - Lotus Esprit $997K
The Lotus Esprit is a car and submarine hybrid from the James Bond film “The Spy Who Loved Me.” It was a working submarine designed by Perry Oceanographic, and it was used in the film. Roger Moore starred as 007, but a stuntman who is a former Navy Seal navigated the high-tech 007 film prop.
This was an Esprit S1, which is known for its polygonal folded-paper-like design. The car wasn't as popular then, but when Bond put his hands on the wheel, it became a MUST for any man who could afford it.
The Lotus Esprit
After filing the movie, the Lotus was locked up in a storage unit where it stayed untouched for more than a decade. This beauty on wheels was then auctioned and sold for $997 million. It was a blind auction, as it was not seen before the great purchase.
Everyone will recognize its buyer. Elon Musk snatched up the submarine car. When he discovered it is not an operational car, he vowed to upgrade it with a Tesla powertrain and make it a working land/sea hybrid.
Le Mans (1971) - Racing Suit: $984K
“Le Mans” was a passion project for Steve McQueen. At the peak of his popularity, the King of Cool starred in the movie that portrayed the 1970 Le Mans racer Michael Delaney. Found footage of the 1970 race was used, and great lengths went into making it a realistic film. Yet, “Le Mans” flopped at the box office.
Nevertheless, it went on to be a cult classic, making McQueen’s racing suit and helmet a prized bit of movie memorabilia. The racing suit and Bell helmet went for $984,000 at the 2011 Profiles in History auction.
Steve McQueen’s Racing Suit
The 2011 auction estimated the racing suit and helmet to fall between $200,000 and $300,000. Tripling bid expectations, the suit raked in almost $1 million. At the Profiles in History auction, Steve McQueen’s “Le Mans” race car, a Porsche 917, was also sold at auction for $1.25 million.
The suit had been in possession of Timothy Davies, who had won it in a newspaper contest that he won when he was 12.
Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005) - Lightsaber - $166K
The lightsaber wielded by Ewan McGregor’s Obi-Wan Kenobi in “Star Wars Episode III” is a more recent item of movie nostalgia to hit the auction block.
The famous prop was featured in the 2005 film during the epic battle between Obi-Wan and Darth Vader. The Prop Store sold it for $166,200 in 2020.
The Hero Lightsaber
Obi-Wan Kenobi’s lightsaber was built by the Jedi Master once he earned his title. In real life, it is constructed of aluminum outer designs and with a metal core in the center of the saber handle. It has a mirror-silver chrome finish with a handgrip in black finish. This prop weapon shows some signs of wear with light scratches on the chrome finish.
This lightsaber was put on auction by its former owner, stunt coordinator, and sword master Nick Gillard. Star Wars producers gifted it to the celebrated stuntman at the conclusion of the prequel trilogy.
Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961) - Original Script: $846.619K
"Breakfast at Tiffany's" has a long list of memorable and iconic items. Alongside the one-of-a-kind little black dress and the phenomenal acting abilities Audrey Hepburn brought with her, there is also the movie's script.
There is more to the script than just a fantastic and innovative story, and there is more to the fashion trademarks this on-screen novel exposed us to. Somewhere out there, a piece of history lies with Hepburn's real handwritten notes.
The Original Script
Audrey Hepburn’s original working script containing handwritten notes by the actress went on the auction block. The screenplay is from the actress’ personal collection and is dated August 3, 1960. The prized document was estimated to bring in about $121,000.
Tiffany & Co. won the bid, fittingly bringing part of the movie history back where it started. It was auctioned at Christie’s London for $846,619. The script was part of The Personal Collection of Audrey Hepburn sale.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968) - Flying Car $805K
None of the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang flying cars from the movie could really fly. As shocking and disappointing as that is, one of the flying cars could drive, and that one sold at auction. The world-famous Chitty Chitty Bang Bang car from the delightful children’s fantasy film starred Dick Van Dyke as inventor, driver, and pilot.
Though a $1 to $2 million bid was expected, the car sold for $805,000 in 2011. Film director Peter Jackson won the bid.
The Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Car
The famous flying car is a vintage race car that comes from the book “Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang: The Magical Car.” The film version prop car was conceived by production designer Ken Adam and built by Alan Mann Racing in 1967.
The one that sold in 2011 has a three-liter V6 engine under a polished aluminum bonnet. The dashboard was made from a WWI fighter plane, and the back end is of hand-polished cedar.
Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961) - Black Dress: $807K
French fashion house founder Hubert de Givenchy styled the now-iconic black dress for Audrey Hepburn, and he designed it specifically for the opening sequence of “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” based on Truman Capote’s 1958 novella.
Stepping out of a yellow N.Y.C. cab in the black evening gown, Hepburn as Holly Golightly is the picture of glamour. Her dainty frame and sophisticated poise set off by a pair of chic sunglasses are softened by her naïve charm. “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” thus opens with Hepburn gazing into the plate-glass window of her favorite shop while nibbling her breakfast.
The Little Black Dress
The original little black dress was auctioned in 2006 for $807,000. Sold from Givenchy’s private collection, all proceeds went to the City of Joy charity to aid impoverished children in India.
Givenchy’s friend Dominic Lapierre runs the charity, and he said, “There are tears in my eyes. I am absolutely dumbfounded to believe that a piece of cloth that belonged to such a magical actress will now enable me to buy bricks and cement to put the destitute children in the world into schools.”
Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) - Fedora $524K
One of the most famous fedoras in all of Hollywood, or at least the most ragged. It came to the film in new condition, so the designer said to give it the worn look; a lot of sitting on it, wringing, and treating it with dust and bleach was required.
The buyer of this very special prop famously donned by Harrison Ford stayed anonymous. The Indiana Jones fedora was sold in 2018 for $524,000 by the Prop Store.
The Fedora
The legendary Indiana Jones hat, recognized worldwide by practically anyone, was designed by Deborah Nadoolman Landis. She collaborated with Steven Spielberg and George Lucas to conceive the Indiana Jones look.
The hat that sold for over half a million dollars has an added value. The inner headband, made of rabbit felt, is signed by the actor.
Terminator 2: Judgement Day (1991) - T-800 Robot: $488.75K
The chrome endoskeleton T-800 robot from the opening shots of “Terminator 2” sold for almost $500,000 at a Calabasas auction house in 2007.
An anonymous bidder via telephone offered more than four times the bid estimates. The legendary sci-fi robot was set to bid at $100,000. The T-800 sold for $488,750 at the Profiles in History auction in December of 2007.
The T-800 Endoskeleton
The Terminator robot is one of the most recognizable bundles of metal and circuitry known to the big screen. Few sci-fi movie props are more sought-after. Director James Cameron tapped Stan Winston Studio, his longtime collaborator, to design the T-800.
Made mostly of chrome-finished resin, movements are partially controlled by cable-controlled puppets. The eyes light up in red and are wired to a hidden switch.
Blade Runner (1982) - Blaster Gun: $270K
Harrison Ford’s Blaster gun from “Blade Runner” was expected to fetch between $100-150,000. Its actual selling price of $270K almost doubled estimates.
The weapon was used by Ford in Ridley Scott’s epic cult classic sci-fi. Blade Runner employs the Blaster to take out “replicants,” futuristic humanoids intent on sabotaging humanity. The handgun was sold in 2012 at the Profiles in History auction. Private collector and television producer Dan Lanigan won the bid.
The Blaster
The Blaster is also known as the LAPD 2019 Blaster or the PKD. It was created by prop manager Terry Lewis with specifications by Ridley Scott. Lewis had it built by a gunsmith who assembled a hybrid gun from the Steyr Mannlicher Model rifle and the Carter Arms Bulldog revolver.
Renowned Hollywood gunsmith Branko Wolfheart is credited for engineering the realistic-looking prop that we know as Blade Runner Decker’s trusty Blaster.
The Wizard of Oz (1939) - Cowardly Lion Costume: $3.1M
Dorothy's pal, the Cowardly Lion, has a special place in many hearts. But what most fans do not know is that the costumed actor Bert Lahr wore a lion costume. It weighed 60 pounds and was made from a lion’s pelt, real lion hair, and skin! A PETA atrocity, we hear the collective roar. Even the tail was real.
Needless to say, it was miserably uncomfortable. It was also unbearably hot. The mask precluded any eating. This actor could have used some workplace protections. It was a different time.
Cowardly Lion Costume
The costume fell into the hands of a “Wizard of Oz” crew member. He thought it would make a great Halloween costume. It was thrown into a bag and sat decaying in an attic. Years later, it deteriorated so much that it took 21 experts two years to restore it.
Cara Varnell, textile conservation at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, led the project. The lion costume auctioned at Bonhams for $3,077,000 in 2014; it went for a million dollars more than the ruby slippers. The Cowardly Lion costume was one of two used in the MGM movie.
The Wizard of Oz (1939) - Ruby Slippers: $2M
In Baum’s depiction of Oz Dorothy’s slippers, the pair she recovered from the wicked witch killed by her house was silver. It seems almost heretical that they should be silver, but we must agree that in the colorful land of Oz, no color except red would do.
Today, the ruby slippers are the cream of the crop of movie memorabilia, one of the most valued in cinema history.
The Ruby Slippers
The red ruby slippers are pure magic. When making the iconic movie, more than one pair was used, and it is unknown exactly how many were needed. By clicking the two slippers together, Dorothy could go back to Kansas and back to her home.
This ravishing footwear is so valuable that there were stolen from the museum where they are homed. In 2005, the museum was broken into, and the pair of red slippers was stolen. Thirteen years later, in 2018, the slippers were recovered.
The Wizard of Oz (1939) - Dorothy’s Dress: $1.56M
Dorothy Gale’s darling gingham pinafore is one of the most recognizable costumes in showbiz. It was a blue and white bodice pinafore with straps from front to back secured with mother-of-pearl buttons. An off-white blouse with puff sleeves finishes the costume that went under the gavel at the Profiles in History auction.
Judy Garland was 16 years old when she wore this dress in the movie. “The Wizard of Oz” dress sold at Bonhams in N.Y.C. for $1.5 million in 2015.
Dorothy’s Dress
Garland wore this dress in the transition from sepia-colored Kansas to technicolor Oz. The filming technique that brought the vivid land of Oz to life made it the most famous color movie of its day. It wasn’t the first color movie, but the contrast of black and white to color cleverly captures the dreariness of L. Frank Baum’s descriptions of Kansas in his novel, “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.”
The only thing more iconic than the dress is Dorothy’s ruby slippers.
Forbidden Planet (1956) - Robby the Robot: $5.3M
In 2017, Robby the Robot hit a world record, becoming the priciest movie prop ever. At the time, it outsold the Maltese Falcon figurine and Marilyn Monroe’s famous dress by a million dollars.
The 7-foot-tall robot from MGM’s “Forbidden Planet” is one of science fiction’s most treasured movies. This marked the first sci-fi movie set entirely on a fictional planet.
Robby the Robot
The robot was an expensive prop. It cost MGM $125,000 to build it during the days it cost $25,000 to purchase an upscale three-bedroom home. It was a complex machine that had been left in the dust of previous clunky bots.
All of the parts were made in MGM’s prop shop. Constructed of metal, plastic, and glass, it has a glass dome for a head and functional limbs. It was Professor Morbius’ servant and constant companion.
Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope (1977) - Lightsaber: $450K
Believe it or not, Ripley won the bid for Luke Skywalker’s lightsaber. It is his light-blue-bladed saber and the first one he ever used. It was given to him by Obi-Wan Kenobi. Mark Hamill once wielded this particular model in “The Empire Strikes Back.”
It had been from the private collection of film producer Gary Kurtz, producer of the first two Star Wars movies. It went on the block shortly after he died in 2018. The lightsaber sold for $450,000 in 2019.
Luke Skywalker’s Lightsaber
It was constructed from a 1930s Graflex flash tube, a tube that is part of an old-fashioned film camera’s flash mechanism and the camera’s handle. Sci-fi-effect buttons and gadgetry were applied with glue. It came to life with a blue beam of light. However, this one no longer works.
On the upside, anyone can see the famous prop at Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum in Hollywood. For far-flung Star Wars fans, Ripley displays it on YouTube.
Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope (1977) - T.I.E. Fighter: $402.5K
The Twin Ion Engine (T.I.E.) Starfighter was manned by Luke Skywalker in Episode IV in, arguably, the film’s most important scene. Skywalker (Mark Hamill) swipes out Darth Vader’s fighter and then swoops in to take out the Death Star for the climactic ending. This is the model that was actually used in filming.
Auctioning at nearly half a million dollars, one would expect a full-scale model. The reality is this model is only 18” by 14”, smaller than your average bed pillow. The T.I.E. Starfighter sold for $402,500 in 2008.
The T.I.E. Starfighter
The Starfighter is a significant remnant from the set of “Star Wars.” It was designed by Oscar-winning visual effects pro-Richard Edlund. It is one of four fighters built for the movie. In fact, the model that was auctioned is the one that collided with Darth Vader’s ship.
The evidence is observable at the corner of the wing. Its inner ball is made of aluminum with metal sheeting used for the hexagonal wings. In fact, the model that was auctioned is the one that collided with Darth Vader’s ship.
Dr. No (1962) - Pistol: $256K
The pistol manned by Sean Connery’s 007 in “Dr. No” made a big impression. In the grip of the original James Bond, in the first film of the epic franchise, it became one of cinema’s most recognizable images.
The weapon sold beyond price expectations of $150 to $200,000, it is believed, because the star passed just two months prior to the auction. The gun was sold at a Beverly Hills auction for $256,00 on December 3, 2020.
The Walther PP Pistol
The Walther PP Pistol went on the block at Julien’s Auctions in 2020 at its “Icons & Idols: Hollywood” event. Other items featured included Tom Cruise’s fighter pilot helmet in “Top Gun” and Arnold Schwarzenegger’s leather jacket in “Terminator.”
The 007 hero pistol is a decommissioned semi-automatic handgun. The German-made Walther pistol was a staple of every Bond movie. The winning bidder was a longtime 007 fan.
Titanic (1997) - Dress: $330K
The dress that Kate Winslet wore in “Titanic” is an exquisite piece of memorabilia. It sold at auction for $30,000 more than it previously went for. Rose’s crimson red chiffon evening gown is featured in the dramatic scene where Rose and Jack meet for the first time.
It’s referred to as the “jump dress” because Jack prevents Rose from jumping overboard. It sold for $330,000 at a Los Angeles auction called The Hollywood Auction by Profiles in History in 2012.
Kate's Jump Dress
The winning auction bid was rather steep compared with prop costume prices. But the Jump Dress is worth it. Director James Cameron insisted on historically accurate production pieces. Costume designer Deborah L. Scott meticulously fashioned the period dress.
It was intricately beaded with handsewn chiffon pleating and required more than 1,000 hours to sew. Officially, the dress, the only one that exists, is called the “Rose at the Rail” dress. It comes with a certificate of its exclusive authenticity by 20th Century Fox.
Le Mans (1971) - Monaco Watch: $2.208M
This is the wristwatch Steve McQueen wore in “Le Mans,” playing 24 Hours of Le Man's racer Michael Delaney. Monaco was made by TAG Heuer. The cutting-edge timepiece was originally introduced at the 1969 Monaco Grand Prix.
The watch is not only highly valued because Steve McQueen wore it but also because he personally chose the Heuer.
The Heuer Monaco Watch
Original Monaco was the first automatic wristwatch and the first square watch face. Because of its enduring popularity, the style McQueen wore is still in production. This Monaco sold at an online auction by Phillips out of New York for $2,208,000 in 2020.
It was one of several watches used while filming “Le Mans.” The record for one of these watches was previously held at $799,500 in 2012.
Back to the Future trilogy (1985-90) - DeLorean Time Machine: $541K
All in all, seven DeLorean supercars were procured for “Back to the Future.” One of those DMC-12 models went to the auction block and sold for hundreds of thousands of dollars beyond its normal street value of about $30,000. This particular model was used in the third movie of the franchise.
Marty McFly first discovers Doc’s remote-controlled time travel machine at the Twin Pines Mall parking lot. The plutonium-powered invention with giant cooling vents protruding from the rear end was designed on a 1981 DeLorean. It’s heartwarming to know that some of the proceeds went to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. The “Back to the Future” DeLorean sold for $541,000 in 2011.
The DeLorean Time Machine
The “Back to the Future” car is equipped with a flux capacitor. It is the feature that enables time travel, and this particular flux capacitator was used throughout the trilogy.
However, exclusively by the stuntman. Of the seven modified DeLorean DMC, one is on display in Los Angeles at the Petersen Automotive Museum, and another is at Universal Studios in Orlando.
Casablanca (1942) - Sam’s Piano $3.4M
The miniature piano used in “Casablanca” holds a lot of sentimental value. Humphrey Bogart (Rick) hides important letters that may aid his escape from Morocco inside of it. But sentimental feelings also arise from the sound of it being played. “As Time Goes By,” performed by band leader Dooley Wilson (Sam), brings back memories. However, the piano was not actually played in the film. Instead, Wilson’s keyboard compositions were dubbed in.
The small-scale piano with fewer keys than a standard instrument went for $3.4 million at the 2014 Bonhams “There’s No Place Like Hollywood” auction in New York.
Sam's 58 Key Piano
In “Casablanca,” the piano is the centerpiece of Rick’s fictional Café Américain. The instrument has 58 keys, and it came with a piece of petrified chewing gum under the keyboard. Ingrid Bergman also starred in Hollywood classics.
The beautiful golden-era actress plays Ilsa opposite the leading man Bogart. She famously urges Sam to play “As Time Goes By” on the painted upright piano. The letters of transit Rick hid in the piano were also sold at the Bonham auction. They went for $115,000.
The Seven Year Itch (1955) - Marilyn Monroe’s White Dress: $4.6M
The image captured in “The Seven Year Itch” is as famous as the Hollywood sign itself. And now, Marilyn Monroe’s white dress holds the world record for the most expensive movie prop. In “The Seven Year Itch,” directed by Billy Wilder, the billowing dress scene is one of the defining images of the 20th century.
The celebrated halter dress had been held in the Debbie Reynolds Collection for 40 years. Estimates of $2 million were smashed as the iconic white dress sold for $5.6 million at the Beverly Hills Profiles in History auction in 2011. Prior to that, the dress belonged to the designer William Travilla.
‘The Subway Dress’
Costume designer William Travilla worked with Monroe frequently, designing her wardrobe in eight films. The white cocktail dress the actress wore in “The Seven Year Itch” on a date with Richard (Tom Ewell) takes center stage as the couple leaves the movie theater after watching a horror movie. Monroe, credited as “The Girl,” says, “Ooh, do you feel the breeze from the subway?” Just then, the wind blows her skirt around her.
Filming the scene took three hours and 14 takes. It was shot in N.Y.C. at 1 a.m. to avoid crowds, but 5,000 people showed up anyway. Each time the subway barreled by underneath, the dress flared. She wore special white shorts.