This Girl for Hire

"This Girl for Hire" is a gripping, made-for-TV mystery film from the early 1980s that delivers suspense, drama, and a trace of romance against the backdrop of a picturesque American small town. Released in 1983, the movie features captivating performances from veterans of the industry, including Bess Armstrong, Celeste Holm, and Cliff De Young.

Bess Armstrong masterfully assumes the role of the protagonist, Cordelia Morgan. Armstrong effectively conveys Cordelia's transformation from a woman leading a low-profile life in a bustling city to an impassioned detective embroiled in a small-town murder mystery. Cordelia, a computer analyst by profession, is dragged into a world of old secrets, stealth, and style. Armstrong's portrayal of Cordelia is marked by strength, determination, and vulnerability, making the character highly relatable and authentic.

Academy Award-winning actress Celeste Holm plays the character of Hillary, Cordelia's eccentric grandmother. Although she lives a seemingly quiet life in the countryside, Hillary holds a few secrets of her own. Her character adds a dose of humor and intrigue to the plot. The interaction between Armstrong and Holm as granddaughter and grandmother is humorous and heartwarming, providing a riveting subplot that augments the overall narrative.

Cliff De Young complements Armstrong's character as Jack Farrell, the town's sheriff and a suspicious yet charming individual. His performance enhances the sense of mystery and suspense while offering a romantic juxtaposition to the otherwise crime-centric plot.

Set in the quiet town of North Wells, the story begins when Cordelia visits her grandmother, Hillary. Cordelia is a reluctant visitor, having opted for city life and its surrounding noise to overlook her grandmother’s tranquil but dull lifestyle in the country. However, her routine visit takes a dramatic turn when she uncovers a buried town secret and a murder case shrouded in mystery right on her grandmother's property.

The picturesque town of North Wells, with its serene setting, jovial community, festivals, and carnivals, seems to be the last place where one would expect to encounter a murder. Yet, it is here where Cordelia learns about the untimely demise of the town's beloved garden show judge, along with some dark secrets that will impact the town and its inhabitants forever. What convinces Cordelia to delve into an investigation of the murder, making her the eponymous “girl for hire," is the unexpected and increasingly menacing threats directed towards her grandmother.

From a cozy country house to the dense nearby woods, every scene contributes to the thickening plot and brings the viewers closer to the heart of the mystery. The director, Jerry Jameson, who's known for his work in other TV movies, exhibits his knack for well-paced storytelling and creating an aura of mystery. The screenplay unfolds like passages from a classic whodunit novel, replete with clues, red herrings, and hidden motives. The thoughtful direction ensures that even as the plot spirals into a suspenseful crime hunt, the film maintains focus on the warmth of the relationship between Cordelia and Hillary.

The movie also offers a view on technology's role in the early 80s, particularly in the field of computer science, in the context of a murder mystery. Cordelia employs her computer expertise in the most unconventional ways to trace leads and uncover clues, making the movie a unique blend of traditional detective work and budding technology advancements of the time.

Coupled with an engaging script, exceptional performances, and a catchy musical score that well complements the mood and momentum of the film, "This Girl for Hire" is an intriguing mystery movie experience. It takes viewers on a roller-coaster ride of emotions, with its intertwining themes of love, humor, suspense, and liberation.

In conclusion, the film "This Girl for Hire" captures the spirit and suspense of a classic detective story while incorporating a personal and emotional subplot revolving around family dynamics. The wonderful execution of its narrative, coupled with a captivating performance from its star-cast, makes it a distinguished and memorable standout of 80s television mystery movies.