The Mystery of a Hansom Cab (1911 film)

The Mystery of the Hansom Cab is an Australian feature-length film directed by W. J. Lincoln based on the popular novel, which had also been adapted into a play. It was one of several films Lincoln made with the Tait family, who had produced "The Story of the Kelly Gang".
It was the first Australian feature film to have a predominantly urban setting. It has been called the world's first suspense mystery film.
Plot.
A Melbourne playboy, Oliver White, is murdered as he is driven home one night in a hansom cab. Investigating the crime encompasses all aspects of Melbourne society. The scenes featured in the movie were:<br>
GUNSLER'S CAFE, COLLINS STREET
DRIVE TO ST. KILDA. 
THE MURDER IN THE CAB – Opposite Church of England Grammar School. 
You Killed Oliver Whyte – Death of Mark Frettleby – End of the Astounding Mystery
Production.
With the exception of one scene in the countryside, shooting took place in Melbourne, with extensive featuring of local landmarks such as the Melbourne Club, Scot's Church, Collins Street, the Orient Hotel, the Esplanade at St Kilda and Melbourne Gaol. The murder sequence, although set at night time, was shot in the afternoon for better lighting.
A newspaper report on 25 March 1911 said the film was to be "produced" in Sydney but this may be a reference to the release of the film.
In 1924 "Nero" wrote to "The Bulletin" to say "the interiors... were taken in one day at a little back-yard studio in St. Kilda, and the exteriors at odd moments during the rest of the week. About a fortnight later the completed effort was shown at the Glaciarium, where it ran for three weeks."
Reception.
The Melbourne "Argus" wrote that:
"Cab" is almost as familiar to Australian readers as "Robbery Under Arms" or "The Term of His Natural Life." Its thrilling incidents provide splendid material for a moving picture drama, and in obtaining the desired film the cinematograph experts have secured an excellent presentation of the features of the novel... The audience took over an hour to throw on the screen, but the keen interest of the audience was held throughout.
The film was usually accompanied by a lecturer.
The movie was a popular success at the box office, particularly in Melbourne. In April 1911 "The Bulletin" reported:
West’s, at Sydney Glaciarium, is booming with Fergus Hume’s success, "The Mystery of a Hansom Cab". Ever since the drama has been running across the screen, money has had to be turned from the doors. In addition to the Mystery there is the usual varied programme; but the items are changed so frequently these nights that it is hardly worth mentioning them. Anyhow, for the present they are completely eclipsed by the Cab story.
In 1924 "Nero" of "The Bulletin" looked back on the film writing "The photography was only fair, and the acting might have been improved upon, but the local “bits,” such as the Town Hall clock, the Orient Hotel, the Melbourne Club, the cab going over Prince’s Bridge, the murder on St. Kilda-road and the old Esplanade Hotel at St. Kilda, were considered enthralling. I had rather a surfeit of the picture myself, because I not only played in it, but lectured on it, and it was rather trying to watch oneself doing the wrong thing night after night for three weeks."
USA Release.
The film was released in the USA in August 1914 by Sawyer Pictures.
Later Versions.
According to W. J. Lincoln an overseas film adaptation soon followed. There was also another version in 1925.