Eddie Constantine was an American-born singer and actor in international films from the 1950s. Nana mentions appearing in a film with him, "No Pity".
Jean Ferrat plays a cameo as a man playing his own song, 'Ma môme', on the jukebox.
Rafael Romero (1910-1991) is a noted Spanish flamenco singer. He also appeared as singer, dancer and actor in at least nine films.
The story being read to Nana is "The Oval Portrait" by Edgar Allan Poe.