Catholic University barred from auctioning Judy Garland ‘Wizard of Oz’ dress

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A federal judge blocked Catholic University from auctioning off a gingham dress worn by Judy Garland in “The Wizard of Oz,” one day before it was set to be put up for bids that some expected to generate up to $1.2 million for the school’s drama department. On behalf of the school, the auction house Bonhams had been expected to auction the dress Tuesday in Los Angeles, along with a number of other Hollywood and television memorabilia, including a Leslie Howard jacket from “Gone With the Wind” and a chair from Rick’s Cafe in “Casablanca.” But earlier this month, Hartke’s niece, Barbara Ann Hartke, sued to block the sale after learning about the plans to auction the dress from news reports, including on NBC’s “Today” show. “We look forward to presenting our position, and the overwhelming evidence contradicting Ms. Hartke’s claim, to the Court in the course of this litigation.” The dress donation made headlines in the 1970s when it was given to Gilbert Hartke by Oscar-winning actress Mercedes McCambridge, who was an artist-in-residence at the drama program. Gardephe rejected Catholic University’s contention that Barbara Ann Hartke’s case was frivolous, that her arguments were made in bad faith and that her interest in establishing ownership of the dress was purely financial.