Stefan Kalipha (Maurice) dismisses as "Hollywood talk" Gene's paraphrasing of James's Bond's "drive or ride" quip from Dr. No (1962). Kalipha went on to play the role of Gonzales in the Bond picture For Your Eyes Only (1981).
The character of Don Fleming could be an homage to Donald Hamilton, creator of Matt Helm, and Ian Fleming, creator of James Bond.
Paul Maxwell (Donald Fleming) and Stefan Kalipha (Maurice) will both appear in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989) (as Panama Hat and Hatay Tank Gunner, respectively).