The coveted Rosebud sled, integral to the opening of "Citizen Kane," has recently changed hands for nearly $15 million (£11 million), securing its place as a landmark of cinematic history. After going missing for decades, the sled was rediscovered and preserved by director Joe Dante in 1984, who utilized it in various projects, including the beloved "Gremlins 2: The New Batch."
This wooden artifact is now the second most expensive piece of Hollywood memorabilia sold to date, following the ruby slippers from "The Wizard of Oz," which sold for a jaw-dropping $32 million (£23.9 million) in December. Joe Maddalena, executive vice president at Heritage Auctions, highlighted the sled's significance, stating, "Along with Dorothy's ruby slippers, the Rosebud sled is one of the most iconic objects in Hollywood history." The identity of the buyer remains undisclosed.
The sled's name, "Rosebud," is a key element in the plot of "Citizen Kane," released in 1941, symbolizing the enigmatic life of the main character, Charles Foster Kane. Other sled replicas have surfaced at auctions, including another that was previously acquired by renowned filmmaker Steven Spielberg, who later donated it to the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures.
Reflecting on the sled's journey, Dante recounted how it was discovered while he was involved in the film "Explorers" at the former RKO Studios, revealing, “I was astonished...Since I am a huge fan of the movie, I said, 'Yeah, I'll be glad to take it.'" The emotional connection and historical significance of owning such a notable piece from "Citizen Kane" only add to the allure of this iconic prop.
This wooden artifact is now the second most expensive piece of Hollywood memorabilia sold to date, following the ruby slippers from "The Wizard of Oz," which sold for a jaw-dropping $32 million (£23.9 million) in December. Joe Maddalena, executive vice president at Heritage Auctions, highlighted the sled's significance, stating, "Along with Dorothy's ruby slippers, the Rosebud sled is one of the most iconic objects in Hollywood history." The identity of the buyer remains undisclosed.
The sled's name, "Rosebud," is a key element in the plot of "Citizen Kane," released in 1941, symbolizing the enigmatic life of the main character, Charles Foster Kane. Other sled replicas have surfaced at auctions, including another that was previously acquired by renowned filmmaker Steven Spielberg, who later donated it to the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures.
Reflecting on the sled's journey, Dante recounted how it was discovered while he was involved in the film "Explorers" at the former RKO Studios, revealing, “I was astonished...Since I am a huge fan of the movie, I said, 'Yeah, I'll be glad to take it.'" The emotional connection and historical significance of owning such a notable piece from "Citizen Kane" only add to the allure of this iconic prop.
