Case of the Smiling Widow, The (A Scotland Yard supporting feature)

Inspector Duggan is driven to the home of Christopher Nicholls where the Maid had earlier discovered the body of Peter Adams lying with his head in the gas oven. Parkside SW19 with number 26 in the background.

John Harwood visited Parkside. (SJ)

The car comes to a stand on the driveway of the large Hampstead home. 25 Parkside in Wimbledon.

John H. found only this one gate open and so plumped for an off-angle rather than an obscured view. (SJ)

Detective Superintendent Duggan (Russell Napier) and his Detective Sergeant Henry (Vernon Greeves) wait after ringing the doorbell while Police Driver Bates (Glyn Houston) makes his way to the rear of the house in search of a cup of tea. The front door to number 25 Parkside.

John again off-angle for the reason explained for the previous comparison. (SJ)

Following a conversation with Nancy Morgan the maid and housekeeper Mrs. Wiggins, Bates returns to the car. The driveway at 25 Parkside in SW19.

Bates mentions that the housekeeper had told him that the gas was off the night before Adams was found dead and that he'd had a quarrel with Nicholls. Parkside in Wimbledon with Wimbledon Common to the left.

John found the same avenue of trees. (SJ)

After Superintendent Duggan is told by the Assistant Commissioner of a link between Nichols and a 17th century Italian painting known as "The Smiling Widow", he and Sergeant Henry head for Essex. Tolworth Rise, Kingston By Pass at Old Malden in Surrey confirmed by Peter Bywaters. The scene is also used in 'Night Crossing' from the same year.

Peter provides this view of the scene as it appears now.

The two arrive at the home of the late Peter Adams. Facing number 10 Pelhams Walk in Esher, Surrey.

John found a straight on view obscured by trees so had to go off-angle to see the house, but at least it was a lovely day for it. (SJ)

Superintendent Duggan and the Sergeant are let in by Mrs. Bailey the housekeeper and shown to a room where Mr. Nichols has been burning something whilst tidying up. Looking from 10 Pelhams Walk towards number 1 Pelhams Walk in Esher.

John did the best he could, not wanting to venture up the drive. (SJ)

Discovering the ashes of a drawing similar to "The Smiling Widow" in the fireplace at Adams' house, the Superintendent heads to Rome to consult with art experts.

While in the Italian capital, Duggan meets with the Commissioner of Police. Facing the Gate of Piazza del Popolo in Rome, Lazio.

When the Commissioner is shown some photos of the drawing's fragments, he telephones the Director of the Cellini Art Gallery.

The Commissioner and Superintendent Duggan are driven to the Cellini Art Gallery where the fragments are found to have been made my the same man who painted a forgery of "The Smiling Widow".