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Julien's & TCM Conclude 'A Week of Hollywood Legends' with Staggering $4.5 Million in Sales

An Electrifying Success: Olivia Newton-John, Bob Mackie, and ‘Classic Hollywood’ Shine Bright

December 14, 2024

a poster for a week of hollywood legends

Julien's Auctions and Turner Classic Movies (TCM) have concluded our inaugural "A Week of Hollywood Legends" event with a resounding success, raking in a staggering $4.5 million over four days of bidding.

The dust has settled, the gavel has fallen, and the numbers are in: Julien's Auctions and Turner Classic Movies (TCM) have concluded our inaugural "A Week of Hollywood Legends" event with a resounding success, raking in a staggering $4.5 million over four days of bidding.

Held at the iconic Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills, the auction saw over 1,000 pieces of Hollywood history find new homes, with items representing the Golden Age of Hollywood, modern classics, and pop culture phenomena all fetching impressive sums.

‘Grease’ is Still the Word: Olivia Newton-John's Collection Wows

The grand finale of the event was dedicated to the extraordinary life and legacy of Olivia Newton-John, and it was her iconic "Sandy Olsson" black leather motorcycle jacket from the 1978 blockbuster musical film "Grease" that stole the show. Electrifying the room, the jacket sold for an astounding $476,000, six times its original estimate. Other highlights from the Olivia Newton-John collection included her custom-painted Steinway turquoise baby grand piano and bench, which fetched $158,750, and a collection of her stage-worn and personal leather jackets, each exceeding expectations.

Olivia Newton-John

Iconic Motorcycle Jacket from "Grease"

Sold Price

$476,250

Estimate:

$80,000 - $100,000

Paramount, 1978. A classic design; made of black leather, three front pockets, zip closures on front and sleeves, silver-tone metal hardware including "stars" affixed to the shoulder epaulets, self-belt, red satin lining with a Western Costume Company stamp evident, no other labels present; worn by the star as "Sandy" in the final scene of the film where she and John Travolta as "Danny" perform the songs "You're the One That I Want" and "We Go Together."

Olivia Newton-John

Steinway Turquoise Baby Grand Piano and Bench

Sold Price

$158,750

Estimate:

$8,000 - $10,000

A custom-painted turquoise blue Steinway model S baby grand piano, numbered "S1051" on the cast iron plate; together with a matching painted bench seat topped with faux leopard-print upholstery; this stunning piano was prominently displayed in the center of the star's Santa Ynez ranch home for many years. The painting of the windmill to the left of the piano is Lot 179 in this auction.

Olivia Newton-John

RIAA Platinum Record Award for "Physical"

Sold Price

$16,250

Estimate:

$1,000 - $2,000

A piece presented to the star for "more than 1,000,000 copies" of her "Physical" album being sold.

‘Unmistakably Mackie’ Sees Bob Mackie's Designs Dazzle

Day two of the auction was dedicated to the legendary Bob Mackie, and his historic collection of award-winning designs and illustrations did not disappoint. Cher's 1977 "It Had to Be You" performance costume worn on The Sonny and Cher Show sold for an impressive $101,600, while her 1975 "Take Me Home Country Roads" performance ensemble from The Cher Show fetched $95,250. Other notable Mackie pieces included Carol Burnett's famous "Norma Desmond" costume illustration from The Carol Burnett Show, which sold for $25,400.

Cher

"It Had to Be You" Bob Mackie Three-Piece 1920s Inspired Performance Costume

Sold Price

$101,600

Estimate:

$4,000 - $6,000

A Bob Mackie three-piece costume design for Cher referencing the 1920s with a fur-trimmed velvet coat, gold bead gown, and a matching beaded turban that Cher wore on The Sonny and Cher Show when she performed "It Had to Be You." Cher wore the gold bead again on The Sonny and Cher Show, season 2, episode 14, air date February 4, 1977, for the show's opening, where both Sonny and her sang "You Make Me Feel Like Dancing."

The design features a full-length fur-trimmed brown cloak with batwing sleeves and a short train, a fully embellished vermicelli beaded gold gown with an asymmetric neckline cut at the center of the bodice and an exposed back, and a matching gold-embellished turban with a draped cowl. Cher's cloak features an upright collar that follows the fur trim outlining the opening and hem of the piece. It is fully lined, with no label present. The gown has a Bob Mackie label sewn at the interior.

This specific design was seen in Bob Mackie's 2024 documentary Naked Illusion chronicling Mackie's career and eye catching designs.

Bob Mackie and Cher have become one of the most incredible designer-muse symbiotic relationships of the 20th century. His nude illusion beaded and rhinestone gowns have become a part of fashion's pantheon of designs in pop culture. In 2019, the Metropolitan Museum of Art exhibition on Camp featured numerous Mackie designs from the 1970s and 80s. Designers like Donatella Versace, Alessandro Michelle, and Jeremy Scott were the contemporary designers whose custom looks paid homage to original, sexy, and satirical Mackie's designs.

Bob Mackie's career spans six decades with his work gaining popular and critical acclaim since the 1960s, including, three Academy Award nominations for costume design, nine Emmys wins (total of 33 nominations and awards), a Tony Award for The Cher Show, and the prestigious CDFA Geoffrey Beene award.

Cher

The Cher Show Performance Bob Mackie Beaded Two-Piece

Sold Price

$95,250

Estimate:

$3,000 - $5,000

This is a two-piece fully beaded ensemble designed by Bob Mackie for Cher. She wore it for her "Take Me Home" performance in season one of The Cher Show, which aired April 6, 1975 (1975-76 CBS).

The burgundy iridescent organza ensemble (lined in matching silk crepe) features a symmetric beaded crop top and a low-waisted beaded skirt. The top has darted cups with a low-cut neckline and sleeve on the right and is beaded with iridescent burgundy, faceted rhinestones, and fringe. Heavy beaded embroidery trims the border of the neckline, creating a geometric pattern. The left cup of the bust is fully beaded in matching bugle beading. Top fastens with an interior hook and eye at the overlapping panels at the back of the bodice. The floor-length skirt has a drop waist with heavy beaded embellishment at the waistband and left hip, mirroring the pattern of the neckline. No size or labels are present.

Cher began her own variety show with CBS from 1975 to 1976, following the conclusion of The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour. The show aired for two seasons and had 26 episodes.

This specific design was seen in Bob Mackie's 2024 documentary Naked Illusion chronicling Mackie's career and eye catching designs.

Cher

1979 "Cher...And Other Fantasies" Bob Mackie Snake Skin Ensemble (With DVD)

Sold Price

$44,450

Estimate:

$4,000 - $5,000

An original Bob Mackie costume ensemble worn by Cher for her television special Cher...And Other Fantasies (NBC, 1979). This specific ensemble was worn by Cher when she portrays a snake in a "Garden of Eden" sketch with Andy Kaufman (Adam).

The ensemble includes a spandex catsuit with a painted reptile print, painted reptile-patterned leather gloves, a snakeskin leather jacket, knee-high boots, and an eye mask.

Cher's track "Take Me Home" led to a network special centered around Cher, who is in an abandoned building where each door leads to a different fantasy. The special included guest stars Lucille Ball, Shelley Winters, and Andy Kauffman.

This specific design was seen in Bob Mackie's 2024 documentary Naked Illusion chronicling Mackie's career and eye catching designs.

Bob Mackie and Rhet Turner were nominated for their designs for a Primetime Emmy (Outstanding Costume Design for a Limited Series or a Special) in 1979.

This lot comes with a DVD of the televised 1979 special that aired on NBC.

Diana Ross also wore a similarly designed ensemble for photographs Douglas Kirkland took in the early 80s, likely in 1982.

‘Classic Hollywood’ Glamour: From ‘Oz’ to Olivier

The auction also showcased a treasure trove of Classic Hollywood memorabilia, including a pair of “Dorothy” Ruby Slippers commemorating the 50th anniversary of “The Wizard of Oz,” which sold for an astounding $104,000. Judy Garland’s iconic blue and white gingham pattern pinafore from a 1938 wardrobe test for her role as Dorothy also fetched an impressive $65,000, proving that the love of this timeless classic film remains in at the pinnacle of Hollywood titles.

Meanwhile, Sir Laurence Olivier and Dame Joan Plowright's collections also drew significant attention, with Olivier’s 1948 Venice Biennale Hamlet Golden Lion Award selling for $35,750 and Plowright’s Best Supporting Actress Golden Globe Awards for her roles in 1992’s Stalin and 1992’s Enchanted April fetching $16,250 and $13,000, respectively.

Ruby Slippers

1989 Commemorative Pair Made for the 50th Anniversary of "The Wizard of Oz"

Sold Price

$104,000

Estimate:

$5,000 - $7,000

A pair of exact replica shoes based on the low-heeled pumps worn by Judy Garland as "Dorothy" in the all-time classic film; made of leather, red sequin overlay covers entire shoe, red rhinestone and bugle bead "bow" on the vamp, pale yellow leather interior lining, left shoe has a Western Costume Co. label reading "No. 50017 / Name Judy Garland / Wizard of Oz," red leather sole with added orange felt glued to the toe area; not marked but a women's size 6B.

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of "The Wizard of Oz" in 1989, Western Costume Company was commissioned to make a limited number of these replica Ruby Slippers because it is believed that WCC worked on the beading for the original pairs back in 1939. WCC used Judy Garland's actual shoe mold (or last, as it's called) to make these replicas which were pattered after the original 1939 blueprint for the shoes as seen in Rhys Thomas' 1989 definitive book, "The Ruby Slippers of Oz." These pumps are a size 6B (Garland's real-life shoe size) and match the "Roberta Bauman" pair which were sold in May 2000 at a Christie's East auction in New York City. WCC planned on selling these replica Ruby Slippers for $5,000, though, according to various sources on the Internet, interest just wasn't there in 1989, so production was halted -- but thankfully, not before a few pairs were made, including these on offer now. This particular pair was obtained by WCC employee, Antonio Martinez Garcia, himself a costume designer, who later founded his own company, Costume Detail West. His family has now consigned these Ruby Slippers to Julien's.

Judy Garland

1939 Test Pinafore from "The Wizard of Oz"

Sold Price

$65,000

Estimate:

$50,000 - $70,000

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, 1939. A traditional-style pinafore; made of cotton in a blue and white small gingham pattern, pleated at waist, two front pockets (sewn asymmetrically on opposite sides of side seams), blue rickrack trim on top portion and pockets; three-button closure on back; inside label handwritten in black fountain pen ink reads "Judy Garland / 4206;" paper drycleaning tag stapled to interior waist notes "MGM 30 / 32551;" worn by the star on October 31, 1938 in a wardrobe test photograph where she seems to be pulling the left side pocket closer to the middle to align with the placement of the right side pocket; it is speculated that the left pocket was purposely sewn to the side so the costumers could decide where the pockets looked better; ultimately, this pinafore was not chosen to be part of "Dorothy Gale's" outfit, so the pocket placement became moot; included is a copy of the 1989 book titled "The Wizard of Oz: The Official 50th Anniversary Pictorial History" by John Fricke, et al. where a black and white photo of Garland wearing this pinafore can be seen on page 74.

The Wizard of Oz

1903/1939 Cast Signed Book

Sold Price

$44,450

Estimate:

$10,000 - $15,000

A later-printed hardcover from 1903; no dust jacket; the original owner penned the character names in black fountain pen ink on the front free end paper, and then went about obtaining as many autographs as possible on the set of the 1939 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer film; signatures include those of main stars Judy Garland (who used blue fountain pen ink), Ray Bolger, Bert Lahr, Jack Haley, and Billie Burke; some other signatures are also evident, but are either secretarial or the owner just filled them in him/herself for "completion;" on the opposite page, a number of blue or black fountain pen ink autographs of the "Munchkins" appear; the book is housed in a custom-made green cloth and black leather slipcase with text on the spine reading "Baum / The Wizard of Oz / Signed By / Cast and Crew."

Interestingly, according to a "Wizard of Oz" expert, the names of the characters are penned in the same hand as the person who handwrote many of the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer costume labels of that era; also, some provenance about the book has been discovered: the original owner of the book, an 8 year-old girl named Ann Tremaine, was living in Tarzana, CA at the time with her family; her mother bought a copy of the book, gave it to their neighbor who was an executive at MGM, and asked if he would get the cast to sign it for Ann -- he obliged, and is likely the one who filled in the rest of the signatures when he couldn't obtain them on the set; in any case, he tracked down most of the main stars for his young neighbor!

Laurence Olivier

1948 "Hamlet" Venice Biennale Golden Lion Award

Sold Price

$35,750

Estimate:

$10,000 - $15,000

A piece presented to the actor-director by the Venice Film Festival for Hamlet (Rank Film Distributors, 1948).

An image of Olivier holding the award is available here.

PROVENANCE Property from The Collections of Sir Laurence Olivier and Dame Joan Plowright

Laurence Olivier

1948 "Hamlet" Best Actor Golden Globe

Sold Price

$29,250

Estimate:

$10,000 - $15,000

A piece presented to the actor for Outstanding Performance by an Actor in Hamlet (Rank Film Distributors) by the Hollywood Foreign Correspondence Association.

With Hamlet, Olivier became the first actor to direct himself to a best actor Golden Globe win and he repeated the feat at the Academy Awards ceremony the same year.

PROVENANCE Property from The Collections of Sir Laurence Olivier and Dame Joan Plowright

Laurence Olivier

BAFTA Award

Sold Price

$26,000

Estimate:

$1,000 - $2,000

A BAFTA Award, presentation plaque not present.

PROVENANCE Property from The Collections of Sir Laurence Olivier and Dame Joan Plowright

‘Sci-Fi, Horror, & Action’ Proves to be A Collector's Dream

Our auctions truly offered something for everyone. Fans of these genres were not disappointed, with a collection of props and memorabilia from Sci-Fi, Horror, and Action films also hitting the auction block, and commanding respectable results. Bruce Lee’s “Enter the Dragon” shoes sold for $22,750, while the "City Hunter / The Predator" mask prop worn by Kevin Peter Hall in “Predator” fetched $13,000. Other notable sales included "Jason Voorhees" “Friday the 13th Part VII” hero machete prop and an original Robot B-9 technical drawing from “Lost in Space.”

Bruce Lee

Screen-Used "Fist of Fury" Nunchaku

Sold Price

$32,500

Estimate:

$20,000 - $40,000

A pair of gray, bubble-grip Nunchaku made by George Lee, and personally owned and screen-used by Bruce Lee in the film Fist of Fury (Golden Harvest, 1972).

The pair features 13 metal chain links connecting two lightweight wooden batons covered in bubbled gray rubber.

Accompanied by an original Letter of Authenticity dated 08/29/2014 from creator George Lee (and signed by his wife Mary Lee on his behalf) that states:

"I, George Lee, certify that this iconic nunchaku was personally commissioned and used by my friend and teacher, the late great Bruce Lee, during the filming of his filmic masterpiece, Fist of Fury.

Handmade to Bruce's exact specifications, this unique nunchaku is crafted from lightweight wood coated in durable rubber with a metal chain linking the two batons. The primary purpose of its unique lightweight design was to enable physical contact with stuntmen, whilst greatly minimizing the potential for serious injury.

A milestone in martial arts cinema history, Fist of Fury marks The Little Dragon's big-screen debut with deadly nunchaku -- an evocative and dynamic instrument of destruction that will be forever connected with the legacy and legend of Bruce Lee.

Bruce used this very distinctive pair of bespoke nunchaku extensively during Fist of Fury's unforgettable climactic fight sequence, where his character, Chen Zhen, goes one-on-one with Japanese sword-master, Hiroshi Suzuki, played by Japanese actor Riki Hashimoto.

Bruce also deploys this historic nunchaku during the opening dojo fight sequence; particularly during the ground-based attack where Chen Zhen attacks the legs and feet of numerous Japanese Karateka. In this scene, Bruce interchanged the bubble-grip nunchaku with wooden nunchaku: the former for striking the stunt performers in the scene and the later for solo displays and close-ups to camera.

Fist of Fury's epic tale of betrayal, revenge and deadly confrontation set a new gold standard for martial arts action-cinema. This historic nunchaku is undoubtedly one of his signature weapons.

I verify and guarantee that this genuine Fist of Fury Bubble Grip Nunchaku is an authentic item of Bruce Lee Memorabilia, which has been safely kept in my possession for over forty years. I offer it as a very important and personal article of Bruce Lee history."

Bruce Lee

1973 Shoes from "Enter the Dragon"

Sold Price

$22,750

Estimate:

$1,000 - $2,000

Warner Bros., 1973; a pair of traditional 'martial arts' black cotton slippers with a tan rubber sole; worn throughout the film by the star as "Lee."

PROVENANCE Originally sold in the Butterfield & Butterfield Los Angeles auction "Entertainment Memorabilia," Sale #6083B, July 18, 1994, Lot 317; provenance noting from The World of Bruce Lee Museum in Los Angeles; B&B lot sticker still on bottom of right shoe; later sold in the Christie's London auction "Film and Entertainment Memorabilia," Sale #1854, May 30, 2007, Lot 245, two Christie's lot tags still affixed to shoes.

Conan the Destroyer

Arnold Schwarzenegger "Conan the Destroyer" Atlantean Sword Prop

Sold Price

$19,500

Estimate:

$15,000 - $25,000

An original Atlantean sword prop used by Arnold Schwarzenegger as "Conan the Destroyer" during the production of the film Conan the Destroyer (Universal Pictures, 1984).

This Atlantean sword comes from the personal collection of Ron Downing, a Stand-By Prop Man and part of the Art Department who worked on the production of the film. Included images show Ron on the set with Arnold and other cast and crew members while on location. This will mark the first time that this prop has come to auction.

The sword prop is composed of resin and features an internal metal armature. Both the blade and the hilt have been hand-painted during production and feature iridescent silver-tone and gold-tone finishes, with an imitation cord wrapped handle.

The Atlantean sword was originally designed by Ron Cobb, with hero versions being produced by weaponsmith Jody Samson. Along the edge of the blade are runic symbols, which according to Jody Samson were not from a real language. This unique style of sword features a blade guard that extends above the guard so that the user had a larger range of grip and motion.

In this continuation of Conan the Barbarian (Universal Pictures, 1982), Conan finds himself ensnared by the cunning Queen Taramis, played by Sarah Douglas. Tasked with a treacherous mission to retrieve the "Heart of Ahriman," he soon realizes that Taramis intends to eliminate him once he completes his quest. As tensions rise during a ritual meant to awaken the god Dagoth, the Queen's plans unravel with her unexpected death. Through a tumultuous journey filled with fierce confrontations, Conan emerges victorious against Dagoth, paving the way for Princess Jehnna to rise as the new queen, taking her mother’s crown and destiny into her own hands.

This type of sword is used by Schwarzenegger throughout the film and is one of the most identifying props of his character.

Accompanied by a Letter of Provenance from Ron Downing's son, Jeremy Downing. The Letter of Provenance reads, "This letter serves to confirm the authenticity of the Conan the Destroyer “Atlantean” sword given to me by my father, Ron Downing, who served as the on-set Stand-by Prop man on the film Conan the Destroyer (Universal Pictures, 1984). Among working in other countries around the world, he worked in Mexico on large budget movies in the 80’s. Part of his duties would be to instruct the actors on how to carry and wear the prop armoury and accessories correctly. During the production of Conan the Destroyer, he would have worked with Schwarzenegger and the cast daily during shooting, as you can see from the supporting photos taken at the time. Shooting took place in Mexico City from November 1, 1983, to February 10, 1984. After acquiring the sword during the production of the film, the sword was given to me as a present by my father when I was a boy and I have kept it in very good condition ever since. It is sad to pass on such an iconic prop that has much sentimental value to me however I am happy that Julien’s Auctions will find a good home where it will be valued and cared for over time."

PROVENANCE From the Collection of Ron Downing, Stand-By Prop Man for Conan the Destroyer

A Monumental Success

"We could not have been more thrilled with the results of this magnificent auction," said Martin Nolan, Executive Director/Co-Founder of Julien’s Auctions. "One legendary item after another from “Grease” to “The Wizard of Oz” smashed all expectations in this wildly successful four-day event."

The immense triumph of "A Week of Hollywood Legends" is a true demonstration to the enduring power of Hollywood and the passion of collectors worldwide. With its carefully curated selection of iconic memorabilia, the event provided a unique opportunity for fans to own a piece of Hollywood history.

Thank You

We’d like to issue a heartfelt thank you to the Waldorf Astoria for hosting our Julien’s & TCM “A Week of Hollywood Legends” exclusive cocktail reception on December 9th to kick out our run of auctions, and being such remarkable hosts for our auctions.

We couldn’t be more pleased with our cumulative results, and are thankful to our partners, loyal consigners, bidders, staff, and everyone who helped make this monumental event of auctions such a well-executed success.

Join us as we continue our fascinating end to 2024, with our “Fine Art From The Playboy Archives” auction taking place on December 18th at Julien's Studios in Los Angeles. Register & Bid.

Live Auction

FINE ART FROM THE PLAYBOY ARCHIVE

Dec 18, 2024

10:00 AM PST