The Mystery of a Hansom Cab (2012 film)

The Mystery of a Hansom Cab is a 2012 Australian television movie about the events surrounding the murder of Oliver Whyte, whose body is discovered in a hansom cab in 19th-century Melbourne. The investigation is conducted under the leadership of Detective Samuel Gorby, who soon arrests Brian Fitzgerald, who had hoped to marry Whyte's betrothed, rich wool merchant Mark Fittelby's daughter, Madge. Brian is defended by barrister Duncan Calton and Detective Kilsip, who eventually discovers secret blackmail against the Fittelbys which leads to the discovery of a previous marriage and a legitimate daughter, Sal Rawlins, which means that Frettlby is a bigamist and his second daughter Madge is illegitimate. It is an adaption of the 1886 novel of the same name, created by Fergus Hume, who wrote it as an examination into the evils of the 'Big City' and the corruption that can be found inside it.

Directed by Shawn Seet, with the screenplay written by Glen Dolman, The Mystery of a Hansom Cab was released on 28 October on ABC1 as an ABC-exclusive drama telemovie. As the fourth film adaptation of the Hume novel, the telemovie received moderate praise for its work in “bringing colonial Melbourne to life with wonderful detail” but overall received mixed reviews.