DALLAS — A flurry of competitive bids from multiple collectors drove the result for a Wizard of Oz (MGM, 1939) half sheet Style A to $108,000, with buyer’s premium, to claim top-lot honors in Heritage Auctions’ Movie Posters auction March 23–24. The total for the poster helped push the total for the auction above the $2 million plateau, to $2,037,626.

The legendary musical fantasy film was produced on a total budget of approximately $2.7 million (in Depression-era dollars), but earned just above $3 million at the box office, despite strong reviews — a paltry return on the investment. It was not until it was shown on television in 1956 that the film enjoyed renewed popularity and became one of the most popular films of all time. Not coincidentally, the film is one of the most collected titles in the movie posters collecting hobby. Skilled restoration has helped restore this poster to near-pristine condition, rendering any wear virtually imperceptible — it is a prized acquisition for the serious collector of this classic film memorabilia. A full review of the auction will appear in a future issue.