Did You Know?
The burglary tools used throughout the film (such as the hydraulic drill used in the opening sequence) were not props, but actual tools which the actors were trained to use. The tools were supplied by actual thieves who served as technical consultants on the film, principally John Santucci, who also portrays Sgt. Urizzi on screen.
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The vault which James Caan's character breaks into in the opening scene was a real vault, purchased at a cost of $10,000, specifically so that Caan could break into it, using the tools and techniques supplied by John Santucci. Every crew member was armed with a fire extinguisher in case of a blaze from the intense heat of the thermal lance. Caan later remarked that although many elements of John Santucci found their way into the character of Frank, he resisted doing a straight impersonation of the boisterous Santucci.
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Frank favors a Colt's 1911A1 "longslide" in .45 ACP customized by pistolsmith Jim Hoag. Carl is using a High Standard Model 10B "Bullpup-style" 12 gauge Police Shotgun, no longer in production.
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After The Godfather, this is James Caan's favorite film of his own. He has stated that his monologue in the diner is the scene he is most proud of in his career.
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The screenplay for this film was adapted from the novel "The Home Invaders", written by Frank Hohimer, himself a professional thief. Hohimer was serving time in prison at the time this film was in production.
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James Caan made sure to speak slowly and clearly and tried to avoid using contractions in his words. He decided that Frank would do this so he would save time by never having to repeat himself.
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When Frank tries to light his cigarette in the diner scene, the lighter does not work. This was not scripted. The prison story that Frank tells in his monologue is based on a letter Michael Mann received from a real inmate.
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In the hospital scene, James Caan decided to stare coldly at J. Jay Saunders who played the doctor. This really frightened Saunders and his reaction in the scene is genuine.
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James Belushi's brother, John Belushi visited the set often. The cast and crew would often hang out at Belushi's speakeasy, The Blues Brothers Bar, after work.
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In the scene in Leo's house, James Caan improvised mispronouncing "elected" as "elected-ed" to show that Frank was an uneducated man who tried project an air of sophistication.
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The character of Sam Grossman was based on Nathan Grossman, the grandfather of a friend of Michael Mann's. The actor playing him, Nathan Davis, is the father of Andrew Davis, another friend of Mann's.
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A late starter, Robert Prosky was already 50-years-old when he appeared in this, his film debut.
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Producer Jerry Bruckheimer went on to executive produce newcomer William Petersen in the long-running TV series, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, almost 20 years on.
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The only film shot by Michael Mann to be presented in a 1.85:1 standard widescreen ratio. After this film, he has shot all of his movies in 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen ratio.
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Director Trademark
Michael Mann:
[Cops & Robbers]
Many real-life Chicago criminals and police officers served as advisors to director Michael Mann, and Mann cast many of them on screen, often in contradictory roles (i.e. former Chicago police officers Dennis Farina and Nick Nickeas appear as criminal henchmen, while former professional thief John Santucci appears as a police officer).
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Spoilers
The house that was blown up was actually a fake structure in front of the real house; nevertheless, when it blew up it heavily damaged the real house behind it. The residents and neighbors were moved to a hotel during filming.
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The big jewel robbery in this film is based on an actual robbery masterminded by John Santucci, who serves as a technical consultant. John's wife, Nancy Santucci, plays the diner waitress.
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The long "sparkler" used to melt into the big jewel safe is a real tool, known as an oxy-lance.
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James Caan badly injured his hand during the Los Angeles heist scene when Frank is breaking through the roof with a crowbar.
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The scene where Frank blows up his car lot was filmed at 4 AM in below-freezing temperature. Still over 2,000 spectators showed up to watch the explosions.
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