Catholic University’s auction of ‘Wizard of Oz’ dress uncertain after judge’s order

The auction of a gown worn by Judy Garland in “The Wizard of Oz” is unsure, soon after a decide requested Catholic College in D.C. and auction household Bonhams to not do something with the dress until eventually the scenario is read.

The momentary restraining purchase will come amid a court fight around possession of the dress amongst the spouse and children of the late priest to whom it was introduced and the college.

The purchase from United States District Court docket Judge Paul Gardephe will come as the faculty prepares to auction off the dress, which could fetch far more than $1 million.

The household of Gilbert Hartke, who was Catholic University’s longtime drama director, reported the costume was provided to him by actress Mercedes McCambridge as a personalized reward right after he helped her battle substance abuse. The college said that the costume was offered to Hartke in his formal ability as a professor of drama at the university.

Amin Al-Sarraf, an legal professional for Catholic College, presented a duplicate and cited a 1973 post in The Washington Post, which claims Hartke wished the gown shown at the theater, which bears his name, on campus. He argued that the family’s grievance offers no proof to the opposite.

“The university’s posture is that the allegations in the lawsuit have no basis in legislation or actuality because Catholic University is the rightful owner of the dress and Father Hartke’s estate does not have a assets desire in it,” Al-Sarraf claimed in a statement.

Tony Lehman is the nephew of Barbara Ann Hartke, who is the 81-calendar year-previous niece of the late priest named in the lawsuit. Speaking on behalf of the relatives, he stated they are “miffed” at how Catholic College is managing the situation.

“They’re just mischaracterizing what this is all about, and that this was a reward to Gilbert,” Lehman claimed.

The costume went lacking on campus decades ago and was located in 2021 in the drama room. Lehman stated the costume experienced been a element of household lore because it went lacking, and he also stated that prior to Gilbert Hartke died, he experienced experienced discussions with his relatives about the dress remaining a present to him.

“The sale is possibly not what Gilbert would want to have happened, and it’s form of a secret to the family members why they’re proceeding at this fast rate towards this close goal,” Lehman claimed.

He claimed the loved ones should really have been consulted once the gown was found, and should also have a say about what occurs to the gown.

Al-Sarraf said the rediscovery of the gown was “well publicized” in 2021, but the college did not hear from the household until finally the lawsuit was submitted.

Irrespective of whether the auction proceeds will be up to the decide, who can pick out to possibly allow for it to choose spot or approve a short term injunction in the situation, which would halt the auction.

WTOP has reached out to Bonhams for remark.