“JULIEN’S AUCTIONS & TCM PRESENT HOLLYWOOD: CLASSIC AND CONTEMPORARY” AUCTION RESULTS ANNOUNCED
John Travolta Saturday Night Fever “Tony Manero” Suit Sold for $260,000
Bela Lugosi 1931 Universal Pictures Dracula Vampire Mirror Cigarette Box Sold for $130,000
Original Hero Iron Man Mark LXVI Hero Helmet From Captain America: Civil War Realizes $127,000
“Albus Dumbledore” Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix Elder Wand Prop ($130,000) Dueled Against “Voldemort” Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire Wand Prop ($65,000) in the Franchise’s Collection of Wands
Dick Tracy Warren Beatty Coat and Hat Sold for $91,000
Michael J. Fox “Marty McFly” Back to the Future II Mattel Hoverboard Sold for $91,000
Marilyn Monroe Signed John F. Kennedy Birthday Program Sold for $88,900
Beverly Hills, California – (April 24, 2023) Julien’s Auctions and Turner Classic Movies (TCM) held “HOLLYWOOD: CLASSIC AND CONTEMPORARY,” on Saturday, April 22nd and Sunday, April 23rd, their two-day blockbuster featuring over 1,400 artifacts from the greatest films of the Silent Era, the Golden Age of Hollywood and the biggest and most popular present day contemporary films spanning Sci-Fi, Action and Fantasy classics and beyond. The sale was held in front of a live audience at Julien’s Auctions in Beverly Hills and online with thousands of bidders and collectors from around the world participating on Julien’s Live.
The most highly anticipated moment of the auction event was the sale of the headlining item, John Travolta’s suit from his Academy Award-nominated performance as Tony Manero in Saturday Night Fever. The suit, worn by Travolta in the film, sold for $260,000. In a star-making turn at the young age of 23, Travolta transforms his character’s street swagger and self-assuredness into the stuff of legend when he struts onto the dance floor and showcases his natural dancing ability. Considered one of the most iconic costumes in the history of cinema, this suit is one of only two known to exist used during production, including in the film’s memorable dance sequences. This specific Saturday Night Fever suit has never been exhibited, nor auctioned before until this weekend at Julien’s. Travolta’s most iconic costume of the 1990s, an original two-piece suit as seen worn by him as mob hit man “Vincent Vega” from the 1994 cult-classic film Pulp Fiction, later sold for $32,500.
Travolta’s suits were among many costume pieces and other items associated with Hollywood’s biggest male stars in their most iconic roles. Dick Tracy’s signature yellow coat and hat worn by Warren Beatty in his self-titled 1989 film won a stunning $91,000, and an original communicator watch prop associated with his portrayal won $13,000. Additional highlights included (with winning bids) an original prop Mattel hoverboard used by Michael J. Fox as “Marty McFly” in Back to the Future Part II ($91,000); an original ensemble worn by Arnold Schwarzenegger in Terminator 3 – Rise of the Machines with a head model ($22,750) as well as an original Atlantean sword prop from Conan the Destroyer ($39,000); a gas canister prop used by Nicolas Cage in The Rock ($19,500); and Keanu Reeves’s iconic John Wick suit costume, worn by him in John Wick 3 – Parabellum ($13,000).
A staggering collection of almost 200 lots of original John L. Jensen storyboard sketches conceptualizing iconic moments from the landmark action film, Die Hard, fetched over $300,000 in total, including: Air Duct Lighter Storyboard Sketches ($7,800), “Welcome to the Party, Pal” Storyboard Sketches ($3,575), and “Now I Have a Machine Gun” Storyboard Sketches ($3,250).
A stunning array of pieces used and signed by the most iconic stars of the Golden Age of Hollywood dazzled including the Bela Lugosi “Dracula” screen-matched “Vampire Mirror” cigarette box that revealed the classic Universal monster in the incomparable 1931 film and its Spanish-language film counterpart ($130,000), and a photo-matched colorful, woven, vulture shaped headdress worn by silent film legend Theda Bara when she portrayed the title role in the 1917 film Cleopatra ($58,500). The headdress served as Cleopatra’s coronation crown in one of the earliest known films about the Queen of the Nile. The film is now considered partially lost, as only short portions of scenes remain, making this headdress an incredibly rare artifact. Other highlights included a cane personally owned by Charlie Chaplin, one of his most iconic accessories ($39,000); an edition of The Emerald City of Oz by Frank L. Baum, signed by Judy Garland and the cast of the legendary film The Wizard of Oz ($45,000); a dress worn by Jean Hagen in her Academy Award-nominated performance as Lina Lamont in the beloved MGM musical Singin’ in the Rain ($29,250 nearly thirty times its original estimate of $1,000); a uniform worn by Steve McQueen in his Academy Award-nominated performance in the classic war film The Sand Pebbles ($19,500); and a pair of rare nude photographs of Harpo Marx ($5,850 and $2,275 each).
An exciting moment from the auction was the re-emergence of a program for the May 19, 1962 event “New York’s Birthday Salute to President Kennedy” signed by Marilyn Monroe. The item sold for a spectacular $88,900, over eight times its original estimate of $10,000. The star-studded birthday celebration for President Kennedy at Madison Square Garden, held 10 days before his actual birthday, remains one of the most discussed events in his and Monroe’s career. Monroe famously called in sick to filming Something’s Got To Give at 20th Century Fox studios in Los Angeles to fly to New York and serenade the president with a sultry rendition of “Happy Birthday, Mister President” while wearing a sheer, skin-tight Jean-Louis gown that she’d been sewn-into just before the event. The program is also signed by other celebrities present that night including Harry Belafonte, Maria Callas, Shirley MacLaine, Henry Fonda, Peggy Lee, Jack Benny, Jimmy Durante, and others, many of whom performed. Other astonishing highlights from the eternally iconic Marilyn Monroe include a note signed by her with rare photos ($19,500), a signed check written to Doheny Pharmacy on Halloween of 1953 ($7,800), and one of her makeup pencils ($6,500).
The most beloved stars and characters of classic and contemporary comedy were well represented this weekend. Rare treasures from some of Saturday Night Live’s most hilarious and adored stars included a collection from the personal archives of Chris Farley, including his personal script for his hit film Tommy Boy ($7,800), a watch he wore in the film and on the Late Show with David Letterman ($3,575), and a vintage 1970s Farley family portrait ($1,950). An original pair of Austin Powers’s signature Paul Smith black frame glasses, as seen worn by Mike Myers in Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me, sold for $16,250. A fan of the recently departed Cindy Williams was undoubtedly thrilled to win an iconic bowling shirt she wore as Shirley Feeney on the TV classic Laverne and Shirley ($5,850).
Some of the most recognizable pop culture relics of the 21st century from today’s biggest film franchises swept their way across the podium. An original hero Iron Man Mark XLVI helmet worn by Robert Downey Jr. as “Tony Stark/Iron Man” and used in Captain America: Civil War sold for $127,000. Robert Downey Jr. “Iron Man / Tony Stark” Prototype Mark III Helmet Prop additionally sold for $26,000 and an “Iron Man/Tony Stark” Mark VII Repulsor Glove Prop sold for $29,250. Other Marvel Universe highlights included a “War Machine” Mark II Helmet Prop worn by Don Cheadle in Avengers: The Age of Ultron ($39,000); and a pair of claws, worn by Hugh Jackman in the role of “Wolverine” in X-Men Origins: Wolverine ($13,000). From the DC Universe, Julien’s and TCM proudly offered rare and iconic pieces spanning multiple decades and generations worn by the franchise’s most legendary superheroes, including a production used clapperboard from Richard Donner’s Superman ($45,500 sold over eleven times its original estimate of $4,000); an original “Lasso of Truth” prop used by Gal Gadot as “Wonder Woman / Diana Prince” in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice ($22,750); and a “Batman” cowl prop worn by Christian Bale in Batman Begins ($19,500).
From the fantastical world of Harry Potter, came one of the franchise’s most extensive wand collections ever seen at auction that cast a spell on bidders. Highlights were an “Albus Dumbledore” elder wand prop used by Michael Gambon in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (sold for an astonishing $130,000, over twenty-one times its original estimate of $6,000), a “Voldemort” wand prop used by Ralph Fiennes in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire ($65,000 sold over nine times its original estimate of $7,000), a “Harry Potter” wand used by Daniel Radcliffe in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 ($32,500 sold over eight times its original estimate of $4,000), and a pair of wand props used by Gary Oldman as “Sirius Black” ($22,750 sold over seven times its original estimate of $3,000) and David Thewlis as “Professor Remus Lupin” in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban ($10,400 sold over five times its original estimate of $2,000).
Out-of-this-world memorabilia from 1970s science fiction and beyond, including props from the Star Wars and Alien franchises, thrilled buyers, including: an original Mandalorian helmet worn by Pedro Pascal as “The Mandalorian/ Din Djarin” in the Star Wars series The Mandalorian sold for $39,000; an original hand prop worn by Anthony Daniels as C-3PO in Star Wars: Episode V I- Return of the Jedi ($16,250); original scout trooper gloves from Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi ($10,000); and a quarterstaff prop as seen used by Daisy Ridley as “Rey” in Star Wars: The Force Awakens ($25,400). A spectacular collection of concept drawings and production materials from Ridley Scott’s terrifying 1979 sci-fi horror classic Alien sold, including an LV-426 “Space Jockey” Maquette which sold for $6,500 and original concept designs from Ron Cobb, sold well over their original estimates, as with three original Ron Cobb “Nostromo” Spaceship Exterior Design Concept Illustrations ($11,700, $10,400 and $7,800). A Sigourney Weaver and cast-signed Alien film poster hammered for $29,250 and an M240 Flamethrower prop and an M41A Pulse Rifle prop used by Sigourney Weaver as “Ellen Ripley” in James Cameron’s epic 1986 sequel Aliens sold for $65,000.
Other highlights included:
2010- The Year We Make Contact original “U.S.S. Discovery One Spacecraft Filming Model” ($45,500);
Star Wars – a post-production Duros head casting from Star Wars: Episode IV: A New Hope ($29,250);
An original poster for The Godfather signed by Al Pacino and Robert Duvall ($32,500);
An Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade “Colonel Vogel” costume worn by Michael Byrne ($29,250);
A trio of items from the 2015 James Bond film Spectre, including an original stunt prop Walther PPK semi-automatic pistol used by Daniel Craig in his iconic role of 007 ($10,400), a black herringbone three-piece Windsor suit worn by Daniel Craig’s stunt double ($26,000), and s group of three personal effect props, documents and photographs ($13,000);
Ron Perlman’s hero “Good Samaritan” gun prop from Hellboy ($10,160);
A Star Wars: Rogue One Death Star Plans Data Card prop ($10,400);
A pair of suits from Barry Sonnenfeld’s Men in Black, worn by Will Smith as “Agent J” ($12,700) and Tommy Lee Jones as “Agent K” ($15,875);
A wooden “Shooting Star” Hogwarts School prop broom from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone ($26,000);
Hogwarts acceptance letter and envelope prop used by Daniel Radcliffe as “Harry Potter” in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone ($19,500);
“Dr. Egon Spengler” jumpsuit worn by Harold Ramis in Ghostbusters II ($32,500);
A chair from Rick’s Café Americain in the classic film Casablanca ($16,250);
An Errol Flynn and cast and crew-signed “The Adventures of Robin Hood” book ($13,000);
Bryan Cranston’s unmistakable “Walter White” jacket and shirt from Breaking Bad ($13,000);
A pair of original Edith Head costume sketches for Tippi Hedren’s iconic role “Melanie Daniels” in the Hitchcock classic film, The Birds ($10,400 and $11,700);
Cast and crew signed posters of the horror and cult classics Dawn of the Dead ($16,250), Halloween ($16,250), The Warriors ($16,250), Friday the 13th ($16,250), Aliens ($19,500) and A Nightmare on Elm Street ($13,000);
Three maquettes of Ilm Slimer and the Scoleri Brothers from Ghostbusters IIG ($16,250) and more.
About Julien’s Auctions
Julien’s Auctions is the world record-breaking auction house to the stars. Collaborating with the famous and the exclusive, Julien’s Auctions produces high profile auctions in the film, music, sports and art markets. Julien’s Auctions has received international recognition for its unique and innovative auction events, which attract thousands of collectors, investors, fans and enthusiasts from around the world. Julien’s Auctions specializes in sales of iconic artifacts and notable collections including Marilyn Monroe, John Lennon, Ringo Starr, Lady Gaga, Banksy, Cher, Michael Jackson, U2, Barbra Streisand, Les Paul, Neil Young, Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Jimi Hendrix and many more. In 2016, Julien’s Auctions received its second placement in the Guinness Book of World Records for the sale of the world’s most expensive dress ever sold at auction, The Marilyn Monroe “Happy Birthday Mr. President” dress which sold for $4.8 million.
Julien’s Auctions achieved placement in the Guinness Book of World Records in 2009 for the sale of Michael Jackson’s white glove, which sold for $480,000 making it the most expensive glove ever sold at auction and two years later, sold Michael Jackson’s jacket from “Thriller” for $1.8 million. In 2020, Julien’s Auctions received its third Guinness Book of World Record placement for the sale of Kurt Cobain’s “MTV Unplugged” 1959 Martin D-18E acoustic-electric guitar, which sold for $6 million making it the world’s most expensive guitar ever sold at auction. In 2022, Julien’s Auctions sold the world’s second most expensive guitar ever sold at auction in the sale of Kurt Cobain’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” music video 1969 Fender Mustang electric guitar, which sold for $4.5 million.
Based in Beverly Hills, Julien’s Auctions has a global presence bringing their auctions and exhibitions to targeted destinations worldwide including London, New York, Las Vegas, Japan and China. Live auctions are presented for bidders on-site and online via live streaming video and mobile technology. For more information on Julien’s Auctions, go to www.juliensauctions.com.
Connect with Julien’s Auctions at www.facebook.com/JuliensAuctions or www.twitter.com/JuliensAuctions or www.instagram.com/juliens_auctions.
About TCM
Turner Classic Movies (TCM) is a two-time Peabody Award-winning network that presents classic films, uncut and commercial-free, from the largest film libraries in the world highlighting “where then meets now.” TCM features the insights from Primetime host Ben Mankiewicz along with hosts Alicia Malone, Dave Karger, Jacqueline Stewart and Eddie Muller, plus interviews with a wide range of special guests and serves as the ultimate movie lover destination. With more than two decades as a leading authority in classic film, TCM offers critically acclaimed series like The Essentials, along with annual programming events like 31 Days of Oscar® and Summer Under the Stars. TCM also directly connects with movie fans through popular events such as the annual TCM Classic Film Festival in Hollywood, the TCM Big Screen Classics screening series, and the TCM Classic Cruise. In addition, TCM produces the wildly successful podcast “The Plot Thickens,” which has had more than 6 million downloads to date. TCM hosts a wealth of material online at tcm.com and through the Watch TCM mobile app. Fans can also enjoy a classic movie experience on the Classics Curated by TCM hub on HBO Max.
