Whatever Occurred To...

There are particular props in entertainment which you always remember. They become therefore much of your heart and your life that the mere memory of them calls up thoughts, thoughts and views to play over and over in your head. These are the video props that surpass only the requirement to obtain and be devote someone's container at the MGM studios, but are important enough that everyone should know where they are. These products are not only part of the picture; they're part of our common heritage, our tradition and our joy about his. But, where are they? &lt;br /&gt; &lt;br /&gt;There is No Place Like Home &lt;br /&gt; &lt;br /&gt;Ask anyone who saw the 1939 edition of the Wizard of Oz what's the most vivid image they remember and they will tell you one of two things: The witch scrawling 'Surrender Dorothy' within the atmosphere, or the excellent red ruby slippers tapping their heels as Dorothy remembers there's room like home. Where would be the slippers now? There have been 6 pairs of slippers made for the film, 5 of them for Judy Garland and one made for a stunt double. Of the actual 5 for the video, one set exists in the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, DC and are available for public view. Three other couples have changed hands many times and been sold over and over repeatedly (one selling at Christie's auction house in 2000 for $666,000) and now participate in individual collectors. One couple was stolen from the Judy Garland Museum in Grand Rapids, Minnesota and remains at-large. &lt;br /&gt; &lt;br /&gt;The Black Bird &lt;br /&gt; &lt;br /&gt;Jan Spade, everybody's favorite personal eye took to the streets of San Francisco trying to find the Maltese Falcon and some folks have been wondering where it's since. There was originally only 1 Maltese falcon made for the production however it was dented in filming and many resin falcons were produced in order to complete production. The original falcon is on display in the Warner Brother's gallery and readily available for viewing. 4 other falcons are privately-owned and displayed at various venues. At one time its auction value of nearly $386,000 was one of the highest-paid in the world. In February of 2007 the replica of the falcon found in advertising photos was stolen from the 2nd floor vault of the Bay Area restaurant where it was being exhibited. &lt;br /&gt; &lt;br /&gt;Rosebud &lt;br /&gt; &lt;br /&gt;Charles Foster Kane put on his luxurious death bed looking Rosebud. The secret of its identity consumed the movie Citizen Kane, considered by many to be among the best films ever produced. We too can not image what Rosebud could be as we watch Charles Kane begin with good intentions and end a wealthy, legally broke egoist. At the very end we are rewarded and humbled to understand it was merely his boyhood sled an image of the innocence he had which was thrown into a fire. There were three sleds produced for the film, but two of these were destroyed by fire for the filming of the pivotal scene. The 3rd Rosebud is possessed by a personal collector who paid $60, 500 for it in 1982. There's a peace in knowing the collector is someone likely to take great care of it, and when the time comes leave it to the heritage of film. The enthusiast is the one and only Steven Spielberg. &lt;br /&gt; &lt;br /&gt;Movie props go neglected by movie goers constantly. But when they themselves become characters, it's good to understand they've found good homes. &lt;br /&gt; &lt;br /&gt; &lt;br /&gt;