Hearts Of The West (1975)

Set in the 1930s, an Iowa farmboy (Jeff Bridges) has aspirations to be a writer of western novels like his idol, Zane Grey. He heads out west only to discover the correspondence "University" he enrolled in is a scam. But as luck would have it, he ends up in the movies as a stunt man. Directed by Howard Zieff (PRIVATE BENJAMIN). A charming comedy with an impeccably burnished glow courtesy of cinematographer Mario Tosi (CARRIE). In one of his most irresistible performances, Jeff Bridges is perfectly cast as the naive babe in the woods. We're immediately protective of him and rooting for his success. Rich in atmosphere, the film moves along seamlessly thanks to Zieff's direction. The only fly in the ointment is a subplot with two scammers (Richard B. Shull, Anthony James) chasing Bridges that drags the movie down. The reviews were favorable but unfortunately, audiences stayed away. The excellent supporting cast includes Alan Arkin, Blythe Danner, Andy Griffith, Donald Pleasence, Marie Windsor, Matt Clark, Herbert Edelman and Candice Azzara.