Ex-convict Smith Brown used a heart-shaped wooden matchbox and one simple trick to fool 1800s Melburnians into handing over their savings, making him one of old Melbourne’s craftiest conmen. 
 

From alleyway gangsters to cold war spies to eccentric entrepreneurs, Australian history is full of colourful but forgotten characters. Host Jen Kelly talks with experts, historians and yarn spinners to uncover the untold stories of some of our most interesting and offbeat ancestors. 

From alleyway gangsters to cold war spies to eccentric entrepreneurs, Australian history is full of colourful but forgotten characters. Host Jen Kelly talks with experts, historians and yarn spinners to uncover the untold stories of some of our most interesting and offbeat ancestors.

A podcast miniseries about Melbourne's forgotten characters. Presented by the Herald Sun

In Black and White

Host Jen Kelly talks with experts and historians to uncover the untold stories of some of our most interesting and offbeat ancestors.

Ex-convict Smith Brown used a heart-shaped wooden matchbox and one simple trick to fool 1800s Melburnians into handing over their savings, making him one of old Melbourne’s craftiest conmen.

Snake oil and swindle: Part 2. Smith Brown

In Black and White Podcast: Harry Houdini: The great escape - Part 2

In the very last of our great history stories, we turn to Harry Houdini, one of the great magicians in history, and his time in Australia.

In the very last of our great history stories, we turn to Harry Houdini, one of the great magicians in history, and his time in Australia.

His tale is told by Andrew McConville, from State Library Victoria.

There are almost 280 stories in the In Black and White show, and they're all available for free in this podcast feed.

As we say goodbye after five ears unearthing colourful stories from our past, we would like to sincerely thank our listeners for tuning in and sharing your ratings and reviews.

Tune in to the final episode for some final thank you and a farewell message from the host, Jen Kelly.

Like the show? Read more at heraldsun.com.au/ibaw

In the very last of our great history stories, we turn to Harry Houdini, one of the great magicians in history, and his time in Australia.
His tale is told by Andrew McConville, from State Library Victoria.
There are almost 280 stories in the In Black and White show, and they're all available for free in this podcast feed.
As we say goodbye after five ears unearthing colourful stories from our past, we would like to sincerely thank our listeners for tuning in and sharing your ratings and reviews.
Tune in to the final episode for some final thank you and a farewell message from the host, Jen Kelly.
Like the show? Read more at <a href="http://heraldsun.com.au/ibaw" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://heraldsun.com.au/ibaw&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1724222175880000&amp;usg=AOvVaw39HRoBhqcdTxPfYkfoaGRb">heraldsun.com.au/ibaw</a>

Harry Houdini: The great escape - Part 2

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/284e9f4b-5edd-4bcc-a6da-b1d200469b6b/transcript

In Black and White Podcast:  Harry Houdini: The great escape - Part 1

In the very last of our great history stories, we turn to Harry Houdini, one of the great magicians in history, and his time in Australia.

His tale is told by Andrew McConville, from State Library Victoria.

There are almost 280 stories in the In Black and White show, and they're all available for free in this podcast feed.

As we say goodbye after five ears unearthing colourful stories from our past, we would like to sincerely thank our listeners for tuning in and sharing your ratings and reviews.

Tune in to the final episode for some final thank yous and a farewell message from the host, Jen Kelly.

Like the show? Read more at heraldsun.com.au/ibaw

In the very last of our great history stories, we turn to Harry Houdini, one of the great magicians in history, and his time in Australia.
His tale is told by Andrew McConville, from State Library Victoria.
There are almost 280 stories in the In Black and White show, and they're all available for free in this podcast feed.
As we say goodbye after five ears unearthing colourful stories from our past, we would like to sincerely thank our listeners for tuning in and sharing your ratings and reviews.
Tune in to the final episode for some final thank yous and a farewell message from the host, Jen Kelly.
Like the show? Read more at <a href="http://heraldsun.com.au/ibaw" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://heraldsun.com.au/ibaw&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1724222175880000&amp;usg=AOvVaw39HRoBhqcdTxPfYkfoaGRb">heraldsun.com.au/ibaw</a>

Harry Houdini: The great escape - Part 1

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/2ba1d115-377f-4c74-972f-b1d200469bdb/transcript

In Black and White Podcast: A bushranger's body in the window - Part 2

George Melville was a daring highwayman who pulled off one of Australia's biggest heists. But when the law caught up with him, his fate was most gruesome indeed. Damien Beard from Pentridge Prison Tours joins the show with more.

WARNING: DISTURBING CONTENT. George Melville was a daring highwayman who pulled off one of Australia's biggest heists. But when the law caught up with him, his fate was most gruesome indeed. Damien Beard from Pentridge Prison Tours joins the show with more.

Warning: This series contains discussions of self harm.

If you or anyone you know needs help:

Lifeline: 13 11 14

Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636

Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800

Love the show? Read more at heraldsun.com.au/ibaw

WARNING: DISTURBING CONTENT. George Melville was a daring highwayman who pulled off one of Australia's biggest heists. But when the law caught up with him, his fate was most gruesome indeed. Damien Beard from Pentridge Prison Tours joins the show with more.
Warning: This series contains discussions of self harm.
If you or anyone you know needs help:
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800
Love the show? Read more at <a href="http://heraldsun.com.au/ibaw" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://heraldsun.com.au/ibaw&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1724114156157000&amp;usg=AOvVaw1417zPqCmjoHaCPoFvVz6n">heraldsun.com.au/ibaw</a>

A bushranger's body in the window - Part 2

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/eb28adb9-9271-41c7-88ff-b1d2004b1c32/transcript

Snake oil and swindle: Part 2. Smith Brown

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