Filled with quirky humor and funny sight gags, Hearts of the West is both a satire and a nostalgic tribute to Hollywood’s Poverty Row western studios. But what makes the movie work is Bridges’ charming performance as the wide-eyed dreamer, Lewis Tater. His youthful exuberance helps make viewers root for Tater throughout the film. Interestingly, Bridges was only 24 years old when he made this film and yet he was already an accomplished actor.