A gay activist spent $101,100 to win shirts worn by Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal in the movie "Brokeback Mountain." The items were listed on eBay and are the actual shirts worn by the movie's ill-fated gay cowboy lovers.
"They really are the ruby slippers of our time," said the activist Tom Gregory who bought them. He added that the shirts represent the ongoing plight of homosexuals trying to gain acceptance in society, and are a significant piece of movie history.
His winning bid snagged the two used plaid shirts with just 28 seconds left in the 10-day old auction. The shirts were donated and the money will be donated to benefit Variety - The Children's Charity of Southern California.
The new owner doesn't have any special plans for his new purchases and will keep the shirts, "as they were, on the hanger, entwined. I would never wear them, put them on, or separate them." "It is the ultimate prop from an extraordinary movie."
