This episode pays extensive homage to The Phantom of the Opera.
This is the only episode in the entire Lupin III series where the English and the Italian titles are the same.
Zenigata's drive to have Lupin shot at as he makes a getaway was inspired by several episodes of Part 1, including Part 1 Episode 8.
Zenigata's deal with Fujiko is inspired by Part 1 Episode 1, where he makes a deal to get rid of Fujiko's arrest warrant if he catches Lupin for her. His corruption and his confident posturing are also inspired by the Masaaki Osumi episodes of Part 1.