Ownership of Judy Garland’s “Wizard of Oz” Dress Dispute Resolved by Federal Judge

A federal judge in New York has dismissed a lawsuit challenging the ownership of a dress worn by Judy Garland in “The Wizard of Oz.” The dress, which has been the subject of a legal dispute for over a year, was set to be auctioned by The Catholic University of America. However, the auction was put on hold due to the lawsuit filed by Barbara Hartke, who claimed ownership of the dress.

Legal Standing and Ownership Rights

Judge Paul Gardephe ruled that Barbara Hartke failed to establish legal standing to assert ownership rights over the iconic “Oz” dress. The dress was previously owned by her late uncle, Rev. Gilbert Hartke, a former professor at Catholic University. The school maintains that it is the rightful owner of the dress.

In his ruling, Gardephe stated that Barbara Hartke had 10 days to present an argument against lifting the injunction that has prevented the auction from taking place since mid-2022. However, the judge expressed doubt that her claim would succeed.

Possible Future Actions

Barbara Hartke’s lawyer, Anthony Scordo III, intends to have her appointed as an executor of her uncle’s estate. This appointment could potentially allow her to renew her claim to the dress’s ownership. Scordo also plans to argue that lifting the injunction would be premature while Barbara still has grounds to contest the ownership.

Catholic University’s Response

Catholic University expressed satisfaction with the judge’s decision to dismiss the lawsuit. The university looks forward to resolving the case in the coming weeks and proceeding with the auction of the dress.

The History of the Dress

Gilbert Hartke, a former chairman of Catholic University’s drama department, received the blue and white gingham dress from actress Mercedes McCambridge, a friend of Judy Garland. It is believed to be one of six dresses worn by Garland in the 1939 film. The dress went missing after Father Hartke’s death in 1986 but was discovered in 2021 during renovations at the Hartke Theater on campus.

Catholic University contracted with the Bonhams auction house to sell the dress in New York, with an estimated value of $800,000 to $1.2 million. However, the auction was halted due to the legal dispute.

Barbara Hartke sued both Catholic University and Bonhams in federal court, leading to the recent ruling by Judge Gardephe.

It remains to be seen whether Barbara Hartke will amend her lawsuit or pursue other legal avenues to assert ownership rights over the dress.