About

Based on the true story of would-be Brooklyn bank robbers John Wojtowicz and Salvatore Naturale. Sonny and Sal attempt a bank heist which quickly turns sour and escalates into a hostage situation and stand-off with the police. As Sonny's motives for the robbery are slowly revealed and things become more complicated, the heist turns into a media circus.

8.0
4,781
Directed by

Sidney Lumet

Written by

Frank Pierson (Screenplay)
Leslie Waller (Book)

Runtime

125 minutes

Country

United States of America

Language

English

Tagline

Anything can happen during the dog days of summer. On August 22nd, 1972, everything did

Cast

Keywords

bank robbery new york city asthma police fbi lgbt hostage bank unhappy marriage brooklyn, new york city sex change bank cashier car procession attica based on magazine, newspaper or

Photos

Lists

#322 on 1,000 greatest films They Shoot Pictures, Don't They?

#443 on Empire's 500 Greatest Movies Of All Time Empire

#230 on 500 Essential Cult Movies Jennifer Eiss

1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die Steven Jay Schneider

Awards

Oscar for Best Writing, Original Screenplay Frank Pierson

Oscar nomination for Best Actor in a Supporting Role Chris Sarandon

Oscar nomination for Best Picture Martin Bregman

Oscar nomination for Best Film Editing