The famous piece of balsa wood that saved Kate Winslet’s character in “Titanic” while tragically sacrificing Leonardo DiCaprio’s role just got sold at an auction.
The significant chunk from the 1997 blockbuster movie secured an impressive bid of $718,750 at Heritage Auctions’ Treasures from Planet Hollywood event, emerging as the most valuable item on offer, outshining iconic memorabilia like Indiana Jones’ bullwhip from “Temple of Doom” and Jack Nicholson’s axe from “The Shining.”
Although often labeled as a door, the auction clarified that the elaborate structure was actually a section of the door frame situated just above the entrance to the ship’s first-class lounge.
Moreover, the chiffon dress donned by Winslet in the concluding scenes of the film was also auctioned off for $125,000.
Fans have long deliberated whether both Jack and Rose could have accommodated themselves on the panel, theoretically saving Jack from succumbing to the freezing waters during the climactic moments of the Academy Award-winning movie.
In light of the film’s 25th anniversary last year, director James Cameron conducted a test alongside a group of scientists and stunt professionals to determine the plausibility of both characters fitting on the panel.
The verdict suggested that “Jack might have survived, but various factors come into play… [and] I believe his decision-making process was driven by not wanting to risk her safety.
This is entirely characteristic of him.”
Among the other items that found new owners at the auction were:
– Harrison Ford’s whip from the set of “Temple of Doom,” setting a record as the most prized prop from the franchise ($525,000).
Additionally, a collection of three Sankara stones featured in the movie was sold for $100,000, along with the Holy Grail known as the “cup of a carpenter” from “The Last Crusade” at $87,500.
– Bill Murray’s distinctive red-rose bowling ball from “Kingpin” fetched $350,000.
– The axe wielded by Nicholson in “The Shining” went under the hammer for $125,000.
– Tobey Maguire
