Chief John Big Tree
ActingAbout Chief John Big Tree
Chief John Big Tree was born on June 2, 1877 in Buffalo, New York, as Isaac Johnny John. He was an actor, known for She Wore a Yellow Ribbon (1949), Drums Along the Mohawk (1939) and Devil's Doorway (1950). He died on July 6, 1967 in Onondaga Indian Reservation, New York. One of three men who posed for artist James Fraser for the profile which became the famous "Indian head nickel" or "buffalo nickel" minted 1913-1938. The other two were Chief Two Moons (of the Cheyenne) and Chief Iron Tail (of the Lakota Sioux). The image was reused for a special commemorative $50 gold piece in 2006--the USA's first 24k (pure gold) coin. Big Tree was a member of the Seneca Nation.
Chief John Big Tree Movies & Career Overview
The filmography of Chief John Big Tree reflects a career marked by diverse experimentation. Across 49 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.
Dominant Genre
A large portion of Chief John Big Tree's work falls within the Western genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.
Success Ratio
Approximately 22% of Chief John Big Tree's films maintain ratings above 6.5, indicating a consistent level of audience approval.
One of the most highly rated entries in their career remains The Oregon Trail, which stands out as a key performance.
Best Chief John Big Tree Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Chief John Big Tree's career based on audience ratings.
Full Filmography
Every movie Chief John Big Tree has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1950 | Devil's Doorway | Thundercloud | Hit | Similar → |
| 1949 | She Wore a Yellow Ribbon | Chief Pony That Walks | Hit | Similar → |
| 1941 | Las Vegas Nights | Indian | Average | Similar → |
| 1941 | Western Union | Chief Spotted Horse | Average | Similar → |
| 1940 | Hudson's Bay | Chief | Average | Similar → |
| 1940 | North West Mounted Police | Blue Owl (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1940 | Too Many Girls | Chief | Average | Similar → |
| 1940 | Brigham Young | Big Elk | Flop | Similar → |
| 1940 | Maintain the Right | Chief | Flop | Similar → |
| 1939 | Destry Rides Again | Indian in Saloon (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1939 | Drums Along the Mohawk | Blue Back | Hit | Similar → |
| 1939 | The Oregon Trail | Spotted Elk | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1939 | Susannah of the Mounties | Chief (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1939 | Stagecoach | Indian Scout (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1938 | The Girl of the Golden West | Indian Chief in Prologue | Flop | Similar → |
| 1937 | Prairie Thunder | Indian (uncredited) | Flop | Similar → |
| 1937 | Hills of Old Wyoming | Chief Big Tree | Flop | Similar → |
| 1937 | Lost Horizon | Porter (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1937 | Maid of Salem | Indian Man (Uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1936 | The Bold Caballero | Tavern Indian (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1936 | The Adventures of Frank Merriwell | Indian John | Flop | Similar → |
| 1936 | Custer's Last Stand | Medicine Man | Flop | Similar → |
| 1935 | The Singing Vagabond | Chief White Eagle (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1935 | The Farmer Takes a Wife | Indian | Average | Similar → |
| 1934 | Wheels of Destiny | Chief War Eagle | Flop | Similar → |
| 1933 | King of the Arena | Circus Indian | Flop | Similar → |
| 1933 | The Telegraph Trail | Indian Chief (uncredited) | Flop | Similar → |
| 1932 | The Golden West | Indian (uncredited) | Flop | Similar → |
| 1932 | The Last of the Mohicans | Huron Warrior (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1931 | Red Fork Range | Chief Barking Fox | Flop | Similar → |
| 1930 | The Big Trail | Indian (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1929 | Sioux Blood | Crazy Wolf | Flop | Similar → |
| 1929 | The Overland Telegraph | Medecine Man | Flop | Similar → |
| 1928 | Wyoming | An Indian | Flop | Similar → |
| 1927 | Spoilers of the West | Red Cloud | Flop | Similar → |
| 1927 | Painted Ponies | - | Flop | Similar → |
| 1927 | The Frontiersman | Grey Eagle | Flop | Similar → |
| 1927 | Winners Of The Wilderness | Chief Pontiac | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1926 | The Desert's Toll | Red Eagle | Flop | Similar → |
| 1926 | Mantrap | Indian (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1926 | The Frontier Trail | Chief Gray Wolf | Flop | Similar → |
| 1925 | The Iron Horse | Cheyenne Chief (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1925 | The Red Rider | Indian Chief | Flop | Similar → |
| 1923 | The Huntress | Otebaya | Flop | Similar → |
| 1922 | The Primitive Lover | Chief Johnny Bluebottle | Average | Similar → |
| 1921 | The Avenging Arrow | Modoc | Flop | Similar → |
| 1919 | A Fight For Love | Swift Deer | Flop | Similar → |
| 1917 | The Spirit of '76 | Gowah | Flop | Similar → |
| 1915 | The Cactus Blossom | Chegup | Flop | Similar → |
Chief John Big Tree - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Chief John Big Tree?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Chief John Big Tree is "The Oregon Trail" with a rating of 8.0/10.
How many movies has Chief John Big Tree acted in?
Chief John Big Tree has been featured in at least 49 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Chief John Big Tree?
Other notable films include "Stagecoach", "Winners Of The Wilderness", and "Destry Rides Again".