The movie “Chief Crazy Horse” released in 1955, tells the story of the famed Lakota Sioux war chief. The movie shows an unique aspect as it narrates the entire story from the viewpoint of the Indians. The film features Victor Mature as Crazy Horse, along with Suzan Ball and John Lund in significant roles. Apart from the intriguing plot, this article also explores the behind-the-scenes facts and the sites where this movie was shot.
Where it Filmed?
The filming of “Chief Crazy Horse” took place in multiple locations in the USA. It was filmed in Badlands National Park & 777 Ranch in South Dakota, Montana and Wyoming. Some scenes were also shot in the Universal Studios located at Universal City, California. The shooting of this movie was completed in June 1954.
Cast Details
| Cast Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Victor Mature | Crazy Horse |
| Suzan Ball | Little Fawn – aka Black Shawl |
| John Lund | Maj. Twist |
| Ray Danton | Little Big Man |
| Keith Larsen | Flying Hawk |
| Paul Guilfoyle | Worm |
| David Janssen | Lt. Colin Cartwright |
| Robert Warwick | Spotted Tail |
| James Millican | Gen. Crook |
| Morris Ankrum | Red Cloud |
| Donald Randolph | Aaron Cartwright |
| Robert F. Simon | Jeff Mantz |
| James Westerfield | Caleb Mantz |
| Stuart Randall | Old Man Afraid |
| Pat Hogan | Dull Knife |
| Dennis Weaver | Maj. Carlisle |
| John Peters | Sgt. Guthrie |
| Henry Wills | He Dog |
| Emile Avery | Capt. William Fetterman (uncredited) |
| Jerado Decordovier | Indian with Dull Knife (uncredited) |
| Charles Horvath | Hardy (uncredited) |
| Willie Hunter Jr. | Cavalryman (uncredited) |
| David Miller | Lieutenant (uncredited) |
| Regis Parton | Doctor (uncredited) |
| Robert St. Angelo | Sergeant (uncredited) |
| Bill Williams | Sergeant (uncredited) |
Trivia and Facts
- The film marked the final appearance of Suzan Ball. By the time the filming began in June 1954, she was already missing her right leg and moved with an artificial one. She passed away a few months after the release of the film.
- In some scenes, General Crook was erroneously depicted having the rank of Lieutenant General, even though he was only a Brigadier General in the time setting of the movie (1876-1877). It’s hinted that this could have been influenced by General Crook’s Sioux nickname of ‘three stars’.
- The production of this movie had the involvement of the Oglala Sioux Tribe of South Dakota.
- The film was also known under different titles like Valley of Fury in the United Kingdom and South Africa and El gran jefe in Spain.
Geo Location Details
- Location Name: Badlands National Park, South Dakota, USA
- Latitude: 43.8553804
- Longitude: -102.3396912
- Place ID: ChIJIyAFGAyHfocR8Hfm2jFeaGk
- Map Link: Google Map
- Place Address: Badlands National Park, South Dakota, USA
- Timezone: America/Denver
- Location Name: Montana, USA
- Latitude: 46.8796822
- Longitude: -110.3625658
- Place ID: ChIJ04p7LZwrQVMRGGwqz1jWcfU
- Map Link: Google Map
- Place Address: Montana, USA
- Timezone: America/Denver
- Location Name: Wyoming, USA
- Latitude: 43.0759678
- Longitude: -107.2902839
- Place ID: ChIJaS7hSDTiXocRLzh90nkisCY
- Map Link: Google Map
- Place Address: Wyoming, USA
- Timezone: America/Denver
- Location Name: 777 Ranch, Hermosa, South Dakota, USA
- Latitude: 43.8397124
- Longitude: -103.1910204
- Place ID: ChIJjSz8Y5M9fYcRuSGtFU_J1A0
- Map Link: Google Map
- Place Address: Hermosa, SD 57744, USA
- Timezone: America/Denver
- Location Name: Universal Studios – 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, California, USA
- Latitude: 34.1370713
- Longitude: -118.3533061
- Place ID: ChIJzzgyJU–woARcZqceSdQ3dM
- Map Link: Google Map
- Place Address: 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608, USA
- Timezone: America/Los_Angeles
