The sled, pivotal to the film's narrative, was saved from destruction in 1984 and is now among the most valuable pieces of film history.
**Iconic Rosebud Sled from Citizen Kane Fetches Nearly $15 Million at Auction**
**Iconic Rosebud Sled from Citizen Kane Fetches Nearly $15 Million at Auction**
A crucial piece of cinema memorabilia, the beloved Rosebud sled from Citizen Kane, sells for an impressive $14.75 million.
The legendary Rosebud sled, a significant prop from the timeless classic Citizen Kane, was auctioned off for an astounding $14.75 million (£11 million). This particular wooden sled, one of only three surviving copies, was thought to be lost until it was rescued in 1984 by director Joe Dante, who cherished it as a nostalgic relic from the film revered as one of the greatest ever made. Dante, known for his work on films like Gremlins 2, utilized the sled as an Easter egg in his projects, ensuring its legacy lived on.
According to Joe Maddalena, executive vice president of Heritage Auctions, which managed the sale, the Rosebud sled and Dorothy's ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz are among the most recognizable symbols in Hollywood. While the buyer's name has not been disclosed, this sale marks the second-highest amount ever paid for a piece of movie memorabilia, following the ruby slippers that fetched $32 million (£23.9 million) in December.
The Rosebud moniker holds significant relevance to the plot of Citizen Kane, a film released in 1941 that continues to resonate in the film industry. Different versions of the Rosebud sled have been sold over the years, including one acquired by Steven Spielberg, who later donated it to the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles.
Dante recounted how he stumbled upon the sled while working on his film Explorers in 1984 at the same studio that produced Citizen Kane. An alert crew member offered him the vintage prop, which Dante eagerly accepted, stating his utter astonishment at having the chance to own such an essential piece of cinematic history. "Citizen Kane may be the greatest film ever made, and Rosebud is the linchpin of the story," he remarked. "As a director, owning this prop representing a critical element of a cinematic treasure is particularly meaningful."
According to Joe Maddalena, executive vice president of Heritage Auctions, which managed the sale, the Rosebud sled and Dorothy's ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz are among the most recognizable symbols in Hollywood. While the buyer's name has not been disclosed, this sale marks the second-highest amount ever paid for a piece of movie memorabilia, following the ruby slippers that fetched $32 million (£23.9 million) in December.
The Rosebud moniker holds significant relevance to the plot of Citizen Kane, a film released in 1941 that continues to resonate in the film industry. Different versions of the Rosebud sled have been sold over the years, including one acquired by Steven Spielberg, who later donated it to the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles.
Dante recounted how he stumbled upon the sled while working on his film Explorers in 1984 at the same studio that produced Citizen Kane. An alert crew member offered him the vintage prop, which Dante eagerly accepted, stating his utter astonishment at having the chance to own such an essential piece of cinematic history. "Citizen Kane may be the greatest film ever made, and Rosebud is the linchpin of the story," he remarked. "As a director, owning this prop representing a critical element of a cinematic treasure is particularly meaningful."
