This is the first Perry Mason mystery filmed after Raymond Burr's Death. Tony Caruso, Paul Sorvino's role, was named after the actor Anthony Caruso; the writers combined his part with Burr's rather than recasting the Perry Mason role, as a tribute.
The date that is stated during the hearing that Tony Caruso called the ex-wives to arrange the photo shoot was September 12th September 12th of that year was the day actor Raymond Burr, who played Perry Mason, passed away from cancer.