theguardian.com
Citizen Kane" Sled Sells for \$14.75 Million
The sled from Orson Welles's 1941 film "Citizen Kane" sold for \$14.75 million at auction, becoming the second most expensive movie prop ever sold, behind only "The Wizard of Oz" ruby slippers. Director Joe Dante, who obtained it in 1984, was the seller.
- How did director Joe Dante acquire the sled, and what is known about its history and condition?
- This sale highlights the enduring value of iconic movie props and their cultural significance. The high price reflects not only the film's legacy but also the rarity of the prop, given the unknown number of sleds originally made and the wear and tear over time. The sale also underscores the market's demand for tangible pieces of Hollywood history.
- What factors beyond the film's fame contribute to the high value of the "Rosebud" sled, and what future trends might this sale presage?
- The high price fetched by the "Rosebud" sled signifies a growing trend in the collecting market for movie memorabilia. This trend is likely fueled by increased accessibility of auctions to a global audience and the ongoing appeal of classic films. The sale suggests that similar movie props may continue to increase in value in the coming years.
- What is the significance of the \$14.75 million sale of the "Citizen Kane" sled, and what does it indicate about the market for movie memorabilia?
- The sled from Orson Welles's "Citizen Kane," sold for \$14.75 million, making it the second most expensive movie memorabilia after the \$32.5 million ruby slippers from "The Wizard of Oz." Director Joe Dante, the seller, acquired it in 1984 and used it in several films.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the story primarily around the financial success of the auction and the sled's place in movie memorabilia history. This emphasis overshadows other potential narratives, such as the historical context of Citizen Kane or the significance of the sled within the film's narrative. The headline itself centers on the sale price, prioritizing the financial aspect over other potential angles.
Language Bias
The language used is generally neutral, with descriptive words like "iconic" and "mythic" used to enhance the story. However, phrases such as "make history in the process" and "a testament to the enduring power of storytelling" add a celebratory tone that might be considered slightly subjective.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the sale and history of the sled, mentioning other auction items briefly. While it provides context on the sled's significance in Citizen Kane, it omits discussion of the film's broader themes or its cultural impact beyond the prop itself. It also doesn't explore the potential implications of such a high price tag for movie memorabilia. Omitting these aspects limits the reader's complete understanding of the news.
Gender Bias
The article mentions several male figures prominently (Orson Welles, Joe Dante, Harrison Ford, Prince Charles, Steven Spielberg), and while it includes Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn, their presence is limited to a single mention each of items associated with them, rather than a discussion of their careers or contributions to the film industry. This could be considered a subtle gender imbalance.