‘Titanic’ floating door prop sold for staggering $718,750 at auction

The floating door that saved Rose, played by Kate Winslet in the 1997 film Titanic has been sold for a staggering $718,750 at a recent auction. The movie prop has been at the centre of the most hotly debated topics as many argued that Jack (Leonardo DiCaprio) could have been saved and there was enough space on the door for both the main characters.

Controversial movie prop sold

The door was one of the many famous props sold at the Heritage Auctions’ Treasures from Planet Hollywood event. Winslet’s chiffon dress worn during the climactic scene fetched $118,750.

While the slab of wood may seem like any other door, it is far from it. The auction reportedly specified that it was a part ofthedoor frame located just above the ship’s first-class lounge entrance.

Since its release in 1997, fans have argued that the door on which the two main characters clung for safety after the ship sank could have accommodated both of them.

In the film, both Rose and Jack initially tried to climb onto the door, but realised there was only space for one, and so he sacrificed his life for her.

The debate raged on for years, until 2022 when the film marked its 25th anniversary.

In 2022, director James Cameron, in a bid to settle the argument once and for all, conducted what he called a “scientific study” which involved forensic analysis with a hypothermia expert, reproduction of a raft, and two stunt people who were the same body mass as Winslet and DiCaprio.

The so-called “scientific study,”Cameron told Postmedia, found “there was no way they both could have survived.” He also compared the film to Romeo and Juliet calling it a movie about “love and sacrifice and mortality” and said that Jack “needed to die.”

Other items sold

Props from one of the highest-grossing films of all time were not the ones up for auction. Cinematic goodies like Harrison Ford’s iconic whip from Temple of Doom – a part of the Indiana Jones franchise – was sold at $525,000.

Additionally, items like Jack Nicholson’s axe from the film The Shining ($125,000), Bill Murray’s red rose bowling ball from Kingpin ($350,000) and Tobey Maguire’s black suit from Spider-Man 3 ($125,000) were also part of the auction.

(With inputs from agencies)