Robert Taylor

If the success of History's recent miniseries "Hatfields & McCoys" is any indication, it's still tough to beat a good tale from the frontier. Whether emanating from an iPhone or a 90-inch flat screen, there's something about hoofbeats stirring up mountainous mulch and men in big hats meting out justice that twangs the American heartstrings deep and true. Though set in the modern west, A&E's new law enforcement drama "Longmire" hits many of the same notes. A place of flat plains edged with pine-crowded mountains, Absaroka County, Wyoming, still answers to its sheriff, one Walt Longmire (Robert Taylor)

As a celluloid heartthrob, Robert Taylor donned western boots and jeans to portray a gunslinger in "Billy the Kid" and a lawman in "The Hangman. " He dressed the same off-screen to ride horses on his 112-acre ranch in Mandeville Canyon. Taylor died in 1969, but the Brentwood ranch, with its 12-bedroom house, guest quarters, rolling lawns and wooded hillsides, still bears his name. The estate, extensively remodeled in the 1980s by a rock-radio mogul who turned the stables into offices and apartments while leaving the horseshoe-studded stall doors intact, is slated to be sold at auction Nov. 30. A number of parties have toured the Robert Taylor Ranch, one of the largest residential properties on the Westside and recently listed by Hilton & Hyland at just under $19 million.

Robert Taylor, a sprinter who won gold and silver medals at the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, died Tuesday. He was 59. Taylor became ill Monday at the Missouri City, Texas, school where he taught and was taken to a hospital, where he died, his wife, Cheryl, said. She said he had had heart problems. Taylor was a member of the 400-meter relay team that won the gold in Munich.

If the success of History's recent miniseries "Hatfields & McCoys" is any indication, it's still tough to beat a good tale from the frontier. Whether emanating from an iPhone or a 90-inch flat screen, there's something about hoofbeats stirring up mountainous mulch and men in big hats meting out justice that twangs the American heartstrings deep and true. Though set in the modern west, A&E's new law enforcement drama "Longmire" hits many of the same notes. A place of flat plains edged with pine-crowded mountains, Absaroka County, Wyoming, still answers to its sheriff, one Walt Longmire (Robert Taylor)

Concerning Michael Wilmington's "Cowboys and Indians With a Conscience" (Dec. 16), check out "Devil's Doorway" (1950), starring Robert Taylor and directed by Anthony Mann. It's about an Indian coping with prejudice after serving in the Civil War and it's stronger than "Broken Arrow" of the same year. Taylor was strangely cast, yet he is surprisingly effective. Probably his best-acted role. The film is neglected, but well worth a look. ROBERT BLOCK Los Angeles

Barbara Stanwyck's effortless combination of tough, brassy and bold characters who embodied sultry, beguiling and sensitive spirits made her a dominant presence during her 60-year acting career. Robert Taylor's dashing good looks and charming manner earned him star billing as one of MGM's leading men and the designation by Time magazine as "the most admired matinee idol since the late Rudolph Valentino."

Two men convicted of handcuffing an Anaheim couple to their bed and firing shots that killed the wife as she prayed and paralyzed the husband should be sentenced to death, the prosecutor urged a jury Monday. But the attorney for Robert Taylor, 39, of Sunset Beach and Norman James Dewitt, 36, of Cypress argued for lifetime prison terms, saying Taylor, the leader of the two, was a victim of a violent childhood.

Los Angeles County supervisors turned to a retired Los Angeles police commander Tuesday to lead the county's troubled juvenile detention system. Robert Taylor takes over the Probation Department, the nation's third-largest juvenile system, as it struggles with violence in its halls and camps, a rash of escapes, and persistent criticism that it is doing little to help the thousands of juvenile offenders in its care.

If it isn't a neighbor, it's a writer. If it isn't a student, it's a Japanese film crew. Continually nudged to recollect his 1972 Olympic mishap, Rey Robinson has never been close to forgetting any details of the nightmare he experienced 30 years ago. But he has forgiven. Robinson, a 20-year-old sprinter from Florida A&M, was considered a co-favorite with U.S. teammate Eddie Hart to win the 100-meter gold medal in 1972.

The former commander of the Los Angeles Police Department's Anti-Terrorist Division, who reportedly is under departmental investigation on suspicion of claiming overtime pay while moonlighting as a college instructor, was named this week to head the city's Northeast Division. Capt. Robert M. Smitson, 49, will replace Capt. Robert Taylor as commander of the police division that includes the Northeast communities of Highland Park, Eagle Rock, Los Feliz and Silver Lake.

Ursula Thiess Actress was married to Robert Taylor Ursula Thiess, 86, a German-born actress who was married to actor Robert Taylor, died June 19 at an assisted living facility in Burbank, said her son, Terry Taylor. The cause was not given. Thiess began modeling in Germany in the late 1940s and was billed as a "rising German model" on the cover of Life magazine in 1951. She made her U.S. film debut in "Monsoon" in 1952. Her movie roles included "The Iron Glove" (1954)

Los Angeles County Probation Chief Robert Taylor, charged with overhauling a troubled department amid repeated federal investigations and criticism from children's advocates, has announced plans to retire early next year. Taylor, 66, was appointed probation chief three years ago, after then-Chief Paul Higa had a fatal stroke.

Robert Taylor, a sprinter who won gold and silver medals at the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, died Tuesday. He was 59. Taylor became ill Monday at the Missouri City, Texas, school where he taught and was taken to a hospital, where he died, his wife, Cheryl, said. She said he had had heart problems. Taylor was a member of the 400-meter relay team that won the gold in Munich.

Robert Thad Taylor, who founded the Shakespeare Society of America and the Globe Playhouse for Shakespearean theater in West Hollywood, died Oct. 5, according to Katy Taylor, his niece. He was 81. She said he died of complications from heart disease at the Veterans Administration hospital in Los Angeles. Starting in the early 1970s, Taylor realized his dream of staging the 37 plays of William Shakespeare, raising the money for productions and filling in with his own savings.

Carrying a message his bosses may not be eager to hear, Los Angeles County's new probation chief has begun a politically delicate campaign for hundreds of millions of dollars to resuscitate the county's troubled juvenile detention system. Robert Taylor, who took over the Probation Department last month, has told the five-member Board of Supervisors he needs more than $115 million to boost security at the violence-plagued juvenile halls and camps. An additional $22.

Los Angeles County supervisors turned to a retired Los Angeles police commander Tuesday to lead the county's troubled juvenile detention system. Robert Taylor takes over the Probation Department, the nation's third-largest juvenile system, as it struggles with violence in its halls and camps, a rash of escapes, and persistent criticism that it is doing little to help the thousands of juvenile offenders in its care.

Her eight marriages have made headlines, as has her friendship with Michael Jackson. She's tirelessly raised funds for the fight against AIDS. She's battled substance abuse, life-threatening illnesses and currently is recuperating from surgery for a benign brain tumor. Elizabeth Taylor, who turns 65 today, is much more than just a high-profile celebrity. Her film career has spanned five decades, and she's one of the few actresses to have won two Oscars and the AFI Life Achievement Award.

Carrying a message his bosses may not be eager to hear, Los Angeles County's new probation chief has begun a politically delicate campaign for hundreds of millions of dollars to resuscitate the county's troubled juvenile detention system. Robert Taylor, who took over the Probation Department last month, has told the five-member Board of Supervisors he needs more than $115 million to boost security at the violence-plagued juvenile halls and camps. An additional $22.

If it isn't a neighbor, it's a writer. If it isn't a student, it's a Japanese film crew. Continually nudged to recollect his 1972 Olympic mishap, Rey Robinson has never been close to forgetting any details of the nightmare he experienced 30 years ago. But he has forgiven. Robinson, a 20-year-old sprinter from Florida A&M, was considered a co-favorite with U.S. teammate Eddie Hart to win the 100-meter gold medal in 1972.

Barbara Stanwyck's effortless combination of tough, brassy and bold characters who embodied sultry, beguiling and sensitive spirits made her a dominant presence during her 60-year acting career. Robert Taylor's dashing good looks and charming manner earned him star billing as one of MGM's leading men and the designation by Time magazine as "the most admired matinee idol since the late Rudolph Valentino."