‘The Shining’ axe wielded by Jack Nicholson sells for $125K

By Dean Murray via SWNS

An axe wielded by Jack Nicholson in The Shining that sold for $125k was the highlight of a Planet Hollywood prop auction on Wednesday, March 20.

The tool featured in the infamous "Heeeeere's Johnny!" scene as Nicholson's Jack Torrance character terrorized his wife by chopping through a bathroom door. A lightweight stunt version of the axe achieved $27.5k.

Hundreds of iconic props and costumes from Planet Hollywood restaurants are going under the hammer this week.

Other sales from last night's Dallas-based Heritage Auctions event included Nurse Mildred Ratched's uniform from "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" ($24k), and a Dorothy pinafore test costume from "The Wizard of Oz" ($58k).

More than 1,600 items are being offered in the sale, ranging from Princess Leia's blaster to the wood panel upon which Kate Winslet stayed afloat in Titanic.

Robert Earl, chairman and co-founder of Planet Hollywood, says: "This auction is an extremely exciting, pivotal moment for Planet Hollywood. We are honored to collaborate with Heritage on this unique collection that features a selection of memorabilia from our vaults."

Joe Maddalena, Executive Vice President of Dallas-based Heritage Auctions, says: "I’ve never done an auction like this, filled with so many touchstone moments from cinema history.

"Planet Hollywood is synonymous worldwide with Hollywood’s magic, glamour and glow. I’ve had the pleasure of working with Planet Hollywood since its inception, and Robert Earl is a true visionary.

"This auction is a testament to his passion for the movies, and I am honored to bring these to our client collectors around the world."

Planet Hollywood was founded in 1991 by a group of Hollywood stars, including Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sylvester Stallone, Bruce Willis, and Demi Moore, among others.

Each Planet Hollywood location typically features movie memorabilia, props, and costumes from various films.

The auction runs from March 20-24.