A historic prop from the groundbreaking film 'Citizen Kane', the Rosebud sled, has been auctioned off for a remarkable $14.75 million (£11 million). Recognized as one of the most significant artifacts in film history, it was rediscovered in 1984 when director Joe Dante was gifted the sled after it was believed to be lost. Dante later incorporated it into his films, including a nod in 'Gremlins 2: The New Batch'.
This sale ranks as the second-highest for film memorabilia, following the ruby slippers from 'The Wizard of Oz', which sold for $32 million (£23.9 million) last December. Joe Maddalena, an executive at Heritage Auctions, emphasized the sled's status alongside the ruby slippers as icons of Hollywood. The buyer’s identity remains undisclosed.
The sled's name, Rosebud, serves as a key plot device in 'Citizen Kane', which premiered in 1941. Previous versions of the sled have also sold, including one acquired by famed director Steven Spielberg, who subsequently donated it to the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles.
Dante recounted how he discovered the sled while working on his film 'Explorers' at the old RKO Pictures studio, where 'Citizen Kane' was produced. A crew member, aware of his appreciation for vintage films, offered him the sled, which he eagerly accepted. Dante noted the immense value of holding such a pivotal piece of cinematic history, symbolizing the heart of the complex narrative surrounding Kane’s life within the film.
