Hunt for the Ruby Slippers

**Hunt for the Ruby Slippers** is the 6th episode in Season 5 of Expedition Unknown.

## Plot Synopsis

Josh investigates the theft of one of the most iconic pieces of Hollywood memorabilia of all time, the ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland in the classic 1939 film `The Wizard of Oz'.

## Historical Context

"Magical, terrifying, and utterly inspiring, MGM's 1939 movie "The Wizard of Oz" is, according to the Library of Congress, the most-watched film of all time, and it might just be the most beloved. At the centre of this musical masterpiece is an instantly identifiable icon and the most valuable movie prop in existence - Dorothy's ruby slippers. To viewers, they are a potent symbol of the power we all possess to transform our lives. To collectors, they are the holy grail of cinematic artefacts, worth millions. Just four pairs are known to exist. But in 2005, one pair was stolen from a museum in the dead of night, never to be seen again."

~ Josh Gates

## Summary

Josh goes to Los Angeles, California and meets Joe Maddalena, a Hollywood memorabilia collector, who tells him about all four pairs of the ruby slippers and where they are located. They then go to meet Michael Shaw, another memorabilia collector, who owned the pair that were stolen. Josh goes to Washington D.C and to the National Museum of American History where he meets Ryan Lintelman, the curator of the entertainment collection. He also meets Dawn Wallace and Richard Barden, who are restoring the ruby slippers that belong to the Smithsonian and they show Josh the slippers.

Josh heads to Grand Rapids, Minnesota and he meets back up with Joe. They visit the Judy Garland Museum and Joe walks Josh through the strange events that led to the slippers being stolen. They meet Detective Brian Mattson from the Grand Rapids Police Department and go to a local jail where Brian interrogates a person who reveals the shoes were thrown into Buckeye Pit instead of Tioga Pit, where they police department has been previously searching.

They go to Buckeye Pit and meet Daniel Carlson, a diver and Dave Phillips, an ROV pilot. Josh and Daniel dive into the frigid waters and with help from the ROV, they find a can. However, there are only rocks in it. Brian then shows them photos of a person who claims they have the authentic ruby slippers. Joe studies the photographs and confirms that they are authentic. In September 2018, Jill Sanborn, an FBI special agent, and Chris Meyers, a US attorney, confirm the ruby slippers have been found. Joe and Josh go to tell Michael Shaw.

## Final Words

"Thanks to the hard work of the FBI and the Grand Rapids Police Department, the ruby slippers have been safely recovered. These cinematic treasures have finally returned to their rightful place in the spotlight. It's where they belong. And as I think I've heard somewhere once - there's no place like home."

- Josh Gates

## Notes & Trivia

* Dave Phillips, along with a colleague Tom Crossmon, were also featured in Ghost Ship of the Great Lakes.

## Quotes

* "Judy Garland and I cannot share shoes. Turns out I could crush Judy Garland."
* "They go to the Emerald City - Washington D.C - to meet with the wizard, the President of the United States. But the wizard turns out to be kind a phony who preys upon people's fears. But that's just a kids book, it's not real life..."
* "I'm literally steaming. Am I on fire?"

## References

1. ↑ https://images.radiotimes.com/remote/images.atlas.metabroadcast.com/pressassociation.com/webANXexpeiditonunknownS4E14.jpg?quality=60&mode=crop&width=700&height=422