This gallery contains 4 photos.
High Wall is a departure for Robert Taylor. In the 30’s he portrayed mostly handsome society boys. In 1941 he toughened up his image with Johnny Eager. This is an entirely different path. The lead character, Steven Kenet, has returned … Continue reading
Robert Taylor’s grave is at the Forest Lawn Cemetery in Glendale, California, in an area not accessible to the public.
At 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, June 8, 1969 Robert Taylor passed away in the arms of his wife, Ursula Thiess Taylor. A lifelong smoker, he had incurable lung cancer. After nine months of intense suffering after an operation on his right lung in October 1968, he was at peace. Future President Ronald Reagan gave the eulogy at his funeral.
Mr. Taylor had faced his illness with the same composure and strength that characterized his entire life. As Ursula Taylor put it, “my husband is giving a performance–the greatest of his lifetime.” (The Pittsburgh Press, Dec. 8, 1968).
Lawrence Quirk, a writer, offered this epitaph: “An American to the core, he loved his land, kept the faith, and looked for the best, and though the ravages of lung cancer brought untold agonies to his final year of life, he faced the end with grace and courage.” (Lawrence J. Quirk, “The Films of Robert Taylor,” page 12)
1935
You are not forgotten, Mr.Taylor.
This gallery contains 2 photos.
Recently I ran across this anecdote from Audrey Meadows book, “Love Alice, My Life As a Honeymooner.” (1995). It seemed worth passing on. Ms. Meadows’ book is available from Amazon and other online retailers. Ladies will recall that not so … Continue reading
This gallery contains 5 photos.
Alexander, Linda J. Reluctant Witness: Robert Taylor, Hollywood, and Communism. Tease Publishing, LLC, 2008. Quirk, Lawrence. The Films of Robert Taylor. Lyle Stuart, 1979. Thiess, Ursula. …but I have promises to keep. XLibris Corporation, 2007. Tranberg, Charles. Robert Taylor: a … Continue reading
Ruth Brugh, Mr. Taylor’s mother, was an invalid throughout his childhood and he learned to cook in self-defense. Barbara Stanwyck, his first wife, had no interest in the culinary arts so he continued to prepare meals much of the time. Bob Taylor loved cookbooks and had a large collection. During his marriage to Ursula Thiess he continued to cook whenever possible despite her talent in the kitchen. His technique was to read a number of recipes for similar dishes and then create his own. The following recipe appeared in the Milwaukee Journal on April 2, 1961. I haven’t tried it (my husband cooks, I microwave) but if anyone does, please let me know how it comes out. I’ve made an effort to copy it accurately but no guarantees.
Cooking on the set of “Conspirator” with Liz Taylor
Robert Taylor’s Chicken in Cider
2 breasts and 2 whole legs of chicken, cut into 8 pieces
1/4 cup flour
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
6 tablespoons butter or margarine
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1/3 cup flour
1 1/2 cups cider
1 1/2 cups stewed tomatoes
1/2 bay leaf
1 tablespoon combined marjoram, parsley, sage, rosemary and monosodium glutamate
Salt and pepper
Parboil chicken pieces for 10 minutes. Cool. Remove skin. Dredge in combined 1/4 cup flour, 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoons of the butter in skillet. Add chicken onion. Saute until chicken is golden brown on both sides. Arrange chicken in greased casserole.
Melt remaining two tablespoons butter in saucepan. Blend in the 1/3 cup flour. Add cider. Cook, stirring over low heat until thickened and smooth. Add stewed tomato, bay leaf and seasonings; bring to a boil. Season to taste. Pour sauce over chicken. Cover. Bake at 300 degrees F until tender, about 1 1/2 hours. Uncover the last 30 minutes. Yield: 8 portions.
In the kitchen with Jean Harlow, 1937 “Personal Property”
Robert Taylor Actor 