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"Hit Lady" is a 1974 made-for-television thriller film that showcases a tale of crime, passion, and a double life that entangles its protagonist in a web of danger and moral ambiguity. The film stars Yvette Mimieux, who takes on the lead role, with strong supporting performances from Joseph Campanella and Clu Gulager. Directed by Tracy Keenan Wynn, the movie explores the life of an unusual assassin who finds herself caught between her professional commitments and personal desires.

Yvette Mimieux plays the enigmatic lead character, Angela de Vries, a seemingly unassuming artist with a hidden life. By day, Angela is a talented painter whose works capture the attention and praise of the Los Angeles art scene. Her paintings are vibrant and compelling, gaining her entry into the city's elite social circles. However, it's her secret night-time activities that drive the central conflict of the film—Angela leads a double life as a professional hit woman, known for her efficiency and deadly precision.

Joseph Campanella portrays Angela’s handler, a cool and calculating figure who arranges her contracts and provides her with the information she needs to execute her deadly missions. Their business-like relationship is marked by a mutual respect for professionalism, but there is always a sense of underlying tension as they navigate the perilous waters of their clandestine trade.

Clu Gulager plays the role of a police detective who becomes entwined in Angela's life in an unexpected way. As the body count rises, the detective becomes increasingly determined to uncover the identity of the elusive assassin responsible for the string of killings. His dogged pursuit leads him closer to Angela, complicating matters as their lives become intertwined on more than just a professional level.

Set against the backdrop of the city's nocturnal underworld, “Hit Lady" delves into the juxtaposition of Angela's two lives. She lives in a world of contrasts: the bright, expressive world of her art, and the dark, secretive life of her contract killings. The film examines the psychological and emotional toll this takes on Angela, exploring themes of identity, duality, and the struggle to reconcile disparate aspects of one's life.

The narrative also delves into the complexity of Angela's character as she evolves throughout the film. Mimieux brings a nuanced performance to the role, portraying Angela as both vulnerable and formidable, a woman capable of deep emotion yet ensnared by her own lethal skills. Her work as an assassin is not glamorized; instead, it is depicted as a perilous and often isolating way of life, with Angela constantly having to conceal the truth from those around her.

Throughout the movie, Angela's assignments range from eliminating various figures who, for one reason or another, have been marked for death by the nameless, faceless clients who hire her through her handler. Each hit compels Angela to face dilemmas that chip away at her icy demeanor, challenging her to reexamine her life choices and the path she has taken.

One of the intriguing aspects of the film is the detail given to the methods Angela employs to carry out her assignments. She is shown to be a master of disguise, adapting her appearance to avoid detection and blend into her surroundings. Her intelligence and resourcefulness are on full display as she navigates complex scenarios that require both physical prowess and a sharp mind to ensure she completes her objectives and remains one step ahead of law enforcement.

"Hit Lady" balances action and suspense with character-driven drama, making the audience invested in Angela’s fate as she tries to stay ahead of the detective hot on her trail. As the tension escalates and the stakes rise, viewers are drawn into this tale of deception and intrigue, eager to see how Angela manages the increasingly precarious hand she’s been dealt.

In addition to the strong performances and the gripping storyline, “Hit Lady" features the atmosphere of mid-1970s Los Angeles, from the art galleries and upscale parties of the city's high society to the seedy underbelly where clandestine meetings and dark deeds take place. The film’s score and cinematography complement the narrative, capturing the tone of the era and contributing to the overall experience of the movie.

While “Hit Lady” might not be as widely known as other films from the era, it stands out as a distinctive piece of television cinema from the 1970s, offering a complex female lead in a genre often dominated by male characters. It invites the audience to contemplate where the line is drawn between one's professional life and personal identity, and whether it’s possible for someone who lives in the shadows to finally step into the light.

Hit Lady is a 1974 thriller with a runtime of 1 hour and 12 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.6.