2 hours ago
Hulu’s New Doc 'Ruby Red-Handed' Unlaces the Tale of the Stolen Slippers
READ TIME: 3 MIN.
On a summer night in August 2005, the unthinkable happened in the quiet town of Grand Rapids, Minnesota: a pair of the world’s most recognizable shoes—the ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland as Dorothy in "The Wizard of Oz"—were stolen from the Judy Garland Museum, sparking a mystery that captivated true crime enthusiasts, film historians, and LGBTQ+ communities alike . Now, two decades later, Hulu’s new docuseries "Ruby Red Handed: Stealing America's Most Famous Pair of Shoes" (produced by Committee Films for ABC News Studios) reopens the case—streaming exclusively on Hulu and Hulu on Disney+ .
The docuseries chronicles the break-in, the immediate aftermath, and the intense investigation that followed. Viewers are granted unprecedented access to the Grand Rapids Police Department’s files, including interviews with the small-town officers who unexpectedly found themselves at the center of an international media storm . Clues were scarce: the slippers, insured for $1 million and valued far higher due to their cultural significance, vanished without trace or ransom demand. As the case grew colder, the slippers’ absence became an enduring symbol of loss—not just for film buffs, but for the generations of LGBTQ+ people who saw in Judy Garland both a kindred spirit and an icon .
The theft was more than a crime against property. For many, it was a theft of cultural heritage. Judy Garland’s significance to LGBTQ+ communities cannot be overstated. As Dorothy, Garland invited viewers to follow the yellow brick road toward self-discovery and belonging—a narrative that resonated with queer viewers seeking acceptance. Her life, marked by resilience in the face of adversity, and her music—especially the enduring anthem "Over the Rainbow"—helped shape modern queer identity and activism .
The docuseries takes care to explore this legacy, weaving in commentary from LGBTQ+ historians and voices from within the community. It examines how Garland’s story—her struggles with fame, her advocacy, and her tragic early death—intertwined with the birth of the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement, including the Stonewall uprising, which erupted the night of Garland’s funeral in 1969 .
"Ruby Red Handed" also reveals the shadowy world of Hollywood memorabilia, where rare artifacts like the ruby slippers can fetch astronomical sums and inspire elaborate crimes. Featuring interviews with collectors, curators, and legal experts, the series explores how the slippers’ disappearance highlighted vulnerabilities in museum security and ignited debates about the stewardship of queer and cinematic history .
The culmination of the investigation is dramatic: years after the theft, a tip leads the FBI to recover the slippers in a sting operation, finally closing one of Hollywood’s most notorious cases . The documentary’s final act reflects on what the recovery means—not just for the museum or for Dorothy’s devotees, but for all who look to the yellow brick road as a symbol of hope, resilience, and chosen family.
"Ruby Red Handed: Stealing America’s Most Famous Pair of Shoes" is available now on Hulu and Hulu on Disney+, inviting audiences of all identities to re-examine a story where justice, nostalgia, and queer culture intersect . Early critical responses have praised the series for its blend of investigative rigor, cultural sensitivity, and celebration of LGBTQ+ history .
For queer viewers, allies, and classic film fans, the story of the ruby slippers is more than a tale of crime—it’s a reminder that the symbols we cherish can unite and inspire, even in the face of loss.
