Greatest Props in Entertainment History

Props are those inanimate things that make a scene in a movie or show come alive.

Here are some of the most memorable props of the 20th and 21st centuries.

There are some movies, television programs, or live performances that thrill and wow us, but that ultimately fade from our memory after a time.

Except for those few iconic items that appeared on, alongside, or in a scene with the star.

The 7 Greatest Props in Entertainment History

You’d have to include these in any list of the greatest props in entertainment history:

Ruby Slippers

That’s all we really need to say. Look up “iconic footwear” and you’ll find a picture of these—the shoes Judy Garland wore as Dorothy in 1939’s The Wizard of Oz.

Four pairs of them are known to exist.

They now reside in the Smithsonian Institution, the Judy Garland Museum in Minnesota, with a private bidder, and with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

The private bidder paid over $600,000 for them at auction. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will display them at their new museum opening later in 2020.

The Maltese Falcon

The production had several of these, and in recent years, there has been a lot of controversy about the authenticity of the ones that survive—some made of lead, some of resin or plaster.

The provenance of one was allegedly established by bent tailfeathers—the result of a props person dropping it on Bogart’s foot, bruising two of his toes.

Wilson

Tom Hank’s best friend and fellow Castaway, Wilson the volleyball became the second character in a one-man movie.

His popularity spawned replicas, complete with his bloody-handprint face.

Superbowl Halftime Stunners

Remember Katie Perry’s “Roar”ing entrance atop a giant lion?

How about JLo’s recent dazzling dance number featuring sparkling canes?

And the artist formerly known as Prince danced on a stage shaped like his symbol while playing his symbol-shaped electric guitar in a raging downpour.

Now that’s entertainment.

Inigo Montoya’s Sword

Mandy Patinkin still can’t go anywhere without being asked to say, “My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.”

After several false accusations, in The Princess Bride, Inigo finally meets his match and uses his iconic sword for his stated purpose.

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Elliot’s Bike

E.T. in the basket, soaring into the sky—admit it, you wanted to be Elliot in that moment.

The silhouette of the three of them (bike, Elliot, and E.T.) in front of the moon was so logo-worthy that it became, well, a logo for Amblin Entertainment, Spielberg’s production company.

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Luke’s Lightsaber

If you were lucky enough to be in the first generation of Star Wars fans, you’ll never forget the opening shot of Episode IV.

The Imperial Destroyer shaved off the top of your head chasing the Tantive IV. Second, only to the ships was the lightsaber; you surely remember the sound, the color, and the “force.”

RELATED: The Complete Library Of Star Wars Titles on Netflix to Watch

What is your favorite entertainment prop?