The Mystery of a Hansom Cab

The original novel was a best-seller in its day. This screen adaptation was about as convincing as a junior high school production. Nothing seemed to work ... accents were inconsistent and inaccurate, delivery was appalling, script was poorly constructed. Sets, costumes, sound, make-up and lighting were ridiculously caricatured. At times it seemed as if the whole thing were supposed to be some sort of joke. I kept waiting for a punchline which never arrived. As it progressed, I felt more and more uncomfortable and acutely embarrassed that overseas viewers might think that we're actually proud of material such as this.

It's hard to understand how such a talented group of Australian actors could put their names to such amateurish rubbish.

Such a disappointment!

I enjoyed this movie very much. The acting was solid and the story was well told. It may be slow for some and if you're a cynic you probably won't enjoy it. I was particularly pleased with Margaret (also called Madge) as she was independent and tough and did not shrink under pressure from the men around her. There were definite cliches but there were also moments that I thought were going to turn into cliches that went in a different direction. It was a pleasant surprise and I'm really glad I watched it.

The plot held our attention and the acting was better than average. Very enjoyable.

Director Shawn Seet delivers a top production. The late 19th Century Melbourne location is captured with the help of some CGI backgrounds of the 1800's Melbourne. The mansion is big and fitting the plot of an aristocrat with a secret. The novel was written in the late 1800's by Fergus Hume and has had four films based on it. It was very popular. Even more than Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Who killed the blackmailer is the main question. Could it be the fiance? John Waters is the father of Jessica De Gouw, Madge. Mario Chiappi is Waters' lawyer. Shane Jacobson is the first detective who is followed by Felix Williamson. Chelsie Preston plays Sal Rawlins who is key to all aspects of the plot. Helen Morse delivers the best performance as the down and out grandmother of Sal Rawlins. Glen Dolman wrote the script which keeps your attention from start to finish.

This whodunnit was actually interesting and was presented beautifully, highlighting the brutal class system and the lack of independence of women in the 19th century Melbourne. A stirring depiction of the haves and have-nots. The entire cast acted well and elevated the movie experience.