When Jack Albany (Dick Van Dyke) is being taken to meet Leo Joseph Smooth (Edward G. Robinson), the car he's in passes several movie houses. On the marquees, you can see the names of several cast members, such as Henry Silva, starring in gangster movies.
Leo Joseph Smooth (Edward G. Robinson) was shown to be an artist, as well as an art collector and aficionado. In real-life, Robinson actually was a passionate artist and collector.