Important symbol for Dorothy’s fight against time
The hourglass in “The Wizard of Oz”, the original title of the film, is not only visually appealing. It also plays an important dramaturgical role in fantasy musicals. The Wicked Witch of the West (played by Margaret Hamilton, 1902-1985) shows the captive heroine Dorothy (Judy Garland, 1922-1969) how long she has left to live. Dorothy’s friends the tin man, the scarecrow and the lion must fight against time to save her.
MGM’s producers liked the hourglass so much that they used it in other films. This is how the hourglass can be seen in “Babes on Broadway” (1941), also with Judy Garland. They also use the prop in ‘Diane the Courtesan of France’ (1956) and ‘The Mysterious Dr. Lao’ (1964).
Despite the impressive sum that the hourglass achieved at auction, it may not be the most valuable piece from “The Wizard of Oz”. Dorothy’s famous red shoes that the witch is after are according to estimates Worth 1.8 million euros.