Dog Day Afternoon (1975)

Synopsis of Dog Day Afternoon

Based on a true 1972 story, Sidney Lumet's 1975 drama chronicles a unique bank robbery on a hot summer afternoon in New York City. Shortly before closing time, scheming loser Sonny (Al Pacino) and his slow-witted buddy, Sal (John Cazale), burst into a Brooklyn bank for what should be a run-of-the-mill robbery, but everything goes wrong, beginning with the fact that there is almost no money in the bank. The situation swiftly escalates, as Sonny and Sal take hostages; enough cops to police the tristate area surround the bank; a large Sonny-sympathetic crowd gathers to watch; the media arrive to complete the circus; and police captain Moretti (Charles Durning) tries to negotiate with Sonny while keeping the volatile spectacle under control. When Sonny's lover, Leon (Chris Sarandon), tries to talk Sonny out of the bank, we learn the robbery's motive: to finance Leon's sex-change operation. Sonny demands a plane to escape, but the end is near once menacingly cool FBI agent Sheldon (James Broderick) arrives to take over the negotiations. ~ Lucia Bozzola, Rovi

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Theatrical Feature Running Time:

124 mins

Director(s):

Sidney Lumet

Writer(s):

Frank Pierson

Producer(s):

Martin Elfand, Martin Bregman

Theatrical MPAA Rating:

R(Not For Children, Violence)

• 1975 - British Academy of Film and Television Arts - Best Actor
• 1975 - British Academy of Film and Television Arts - Best Editing
• 1975 - Los Angeles Film Critics Association - Best Picture
• 1975 - Los Angeles Film Critics Association - Best Actor
• 1975 - Los Angeles Film Critics Association - Best Director
• 1975 - National Board of Review - Best Supporting Actor

Warning:  This product is intended for mature audiences only. It may contain violence, sexual content, drug abuse and/or strong language. You must be 17 or older to purchase it. By ordering this item you are certifying that you are at least 17 years of age.

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