The debate over Jack and Rose’s potential survival atop a wooden panel during the climax of Titanic has once again taken center stage, this time as a highlight of a local auction event in Dallas hosted by Heritage Auctions.
Titanic’s infamous wood panel is among the 1,600 items owned by Planet Hollywood, as reported by The Dallas Morning News.
The upcoming auction will showcase extensive film memorabilia from a wide selection of classics, such as Indiana Jones’ infamous whip, Apollo Creed’s patriotic ring entrance outfit, and even Tobey McGuire’s Spiderman suit.
This will be the first chance for the public to bid on some of the items that previously decorated the walls of Planet Hollywood locations around the nation.
The Planet Hollywood collection boasts nearly 70 items from the Titanic set alone, with special emphasis on the infamous wooden panel, meticulously crafted from debris salvaged from the original shipwreck. Despite its frequent misidentification as a door, this artifact holds significant historical and pop-cultural clout, with the bidding starting at $40,000.
For perspective, in 1912, a third-class ticket on the actual Titanic was priced at approximately $9, equivalent to nearly $1,000 in today’s currency. A second-class ticket would have cost around $17, equivalent to nearly $2,000 today, while a first-class ticket required a minimum of $40, which translates to over $4400 with current inflation, as reported by the BBC.
Fans of Star Wars, Jurassic Park, The Wizard of Oz, and a plethora of other classic films will also have a chance to get their hands on some exclusive goods. Need a new ride? Why not bid on the infamous motorcycle Bruce Willis rode in Pulp Fiction? Bidding for the Harley Davidson sits around $18,500.
Two dresses worn by Marilyn Monroe are up for auction. The iconic white dress from The Seven Year Itch will be available for public bidding for the first time.
Planet Hollywood sought to revolutionize the dining experience through its movie-themed eateries, backed by financial support from Hollywood superstars like Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger. However, the last active Planet Hollywood location in Dallas indefinitely closed its doors in 2001, per the DMN.
Bidding for most items will be accessible from March 21 through March 25. Whether participating in person at Heritage or online, the new Heritage Auctions listings offer film enthusiasts and collectors a chance to acquire exclusive memorabilia previously unavailable to the public.