The Mystery of a Hansom Cab

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 handsom 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 an illegitimate daughter, Sal Rawlins. 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. Plot In colonial Melbourne, two men named Oliver Whyte and Roger Moreland, are in a public house, having a discussion with Whyte lamenting his circumstances. Whyte ends the conversation stating "this poet's time has come". After stumbling, drunk, through the streets, Oliver eventually collapses in a stupor, where he is helped by a man who recognises him into a hansom cab before leaving. Awakening in the cab, Whyte discovers that the man has returned, but is soon killed through the use of chloroformed rag by him, who steals a written paper from his jacket and flees the scene through another cab. Two weeks earlier, Oliver Whyte is attending a lavish party hosted by Mark Frettlby, where he meets Duncan Calton, a well-renowned barrister, his daughter Margaret, known as 'Madge', Brian Fitzgerald, a rich wool merchant who he offends, Felix Rolleston, a journalist and socialite. While there, Whyte tries and fails to make conversation with Madge. After the party he presents a sealed note to Frettlby, implied to be blackmail. Mark Frettlby soon after informs Madge she is betrothed to Whyte, which she is displeased with as she is in love with Fitzgerald, who promises that he “won’t let this happen”.