Meet Marcia Tysseling: Inside the Collection

Marcia Tysseling plunged into the movie props and costumes world as the owner of Star Wares on Main, a star-studded costume and prop resale shop catering to some of Hollywood’s biggest names and production companies. After selling her business, Marcia held onto her favorite memorabilia from movies and television shows including Jurassic Park, The Shawshank Redemption, and Laverne and Shirley. Joined by expert Mark Short, our host, Lisa, explores Marcia’s high-end collectibles and even dons costume pieces from Thelma and Louise. After valuing the well-curated collection, Mark Short proposes a trade that could have Marcia flying as high as a bird…or plane.

1. Thelma & Louise costumes

A number of clothing items from the 1991 film Thelma & Louise are some of Marcia’s favorite items. Just Brad Pitt’s hat alone is worth several thousand dollars! Combine that with the full getup of Thelma and Louise, played by Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon respectively, these items would certainly help Louise recoup some of her stolen life savings!

2. John Travolta’s jacket from Phenomenon

Released in 1996, Phenomenon isn’t the most memorable John Travolta movie, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t value in this screen-worn jacket! Vintage back then, this jacket is one-of-a-kind with remnants of a cigarette burn right in the collar, an unmistakable authenticating factor.

3. Prison uniforms from The Shawshank Redemption

These jackets are from the backs of Red and Andy, seen in the Shawshank prison yard. The Shawshank Redemption is widely regarded as an all-time classic movie. Thus, it’s no surprise that similar items from the film have sold for about $15,000! According to our expert, these jackets worn my Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins could be worth even more.

4. The Shawshank Redemption ledger

The Shawshank Redemption is Marcia’s favorite movie of all-time, so it’s no shock that her collectibles from the film go beyond the prison uniforms. She also has the ledger from the movie, complete with a letter of authenticity!

5. The Shawshank Redemption letter

Topping off her expansive collection for just The Shawshank Redemption, Marcia reveals the iconic letter that Andy plants for Red under the tree. The hand-written letter is the original, and even by itself could sell for upwards of $10,000!

6. Dr. Hammond’s cane from Jurassic Park

This famous prop piece to the original Jurassic Park film was held my none other than Dr. Hammond, played by Sir Richard Attenborough. The famous amber cane with a mosquito inside could be one of the most valuable items in Marcia’s collection. Paying just $2,000 for this prop, seeing a solid return if she were to sell would be quite the understatement. A prototype alone sold for roughly $60,000. This, with the proper authenticity records, could have a six-figure price tag if it were to hit the market!

7. Costumes from Speed

Worn by Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves, these outfits from Speed are just a pair of the 50 costumes Marcia had from the film at one point. The box-office hit, along with the Hollywood standouts who wore these costumes, gives them a steady increase in value.

8. Laverne & Shirley robe and Boo Boo Kitties

Marcia and Cindy Williams, who played Shirley on Laverne & Shirley, have compared their precious Boo Boo Kitties after once meeting at an auction. Over time, the two have become friends. As a result, Marcia has obtained the classic green robe that Laverne frequently wore, along with another Boo Boo Kitty!