Written by: Frank Pierson (Screenplay)
Directed by: Sidney Lumet
Release Year: 1975
Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller

Dog Day Afternoon is a gripping Hollywood classic based on a real-life bank robbery in Brooklyn, New York, on August 22, 1972. The film tells the story of Sonny Wortzik (played by Al Pacino) and Salvatore “Sal” Naturile (played by John Cazale), two desperate men who attempt to rob the First Brooklyn Savings Bank.

The story begins with Sonny and Sal walking into the bank on a sweltering summer afternoon. Their plan is simple: grab the cash quickly and get out before anyone notices. However, things spiral out of control almost immediately. They discover that most of the money has already been collected for pickup, leaving very little in the vault.

The robbery turns into a tense hostage situation as police,

The robbery turns into a tense hostage situation as police, media, and curious crowds gather outside. Sonny, who appears nervous but charismatic, tries to negotiate with law enforcement while protecting the bank employees inside. His famous cry of “Attica! Attica!” references a prison riot and wins some sympathy from the crowd outside, painting him as a rebel against the system.

Sal, on the other hand, is quiet and unstable, heightening the tension in the room. The film gradually reveals Sonny’s motivation: he needs money to help his partner, Leon Shermer (played by Chris Sarandon), pay for gender confirmation surgery. This personal struggle adds emotional depth and humanity to the otherwise criminal act.

As negotiations continue, FBI agents take over from the local police. They offer Sonny and Sal a way out—a car to take them to an airport. The hostages, though terrified, are treated with surprising care by Sonny, who tries to assure them that no one will be harmed.

The climax is both shocking and tragic. At the airport, just as Sonny believes they are about to escape, the FBI suddenly intervenes. Sal is shot dead on the spot, and Sonny is arrested. The heist ends in failure, but the story remains one of the most humanized portrayals of crime ever shown on film.

1975, Dog Day Afternoon ,Academy Award Best Picture Winners

Main Characters

Sonny Wortzik – Al Pacino

Sal Naturile – John Cazale

Leon Shermer – Chris Sarandon

Moretti (Police Detective) – Charles Durning

Sheldon (FBI Agent) – James Broderick

Actor Salaries (Approx. in 1975)

Al Pacino: $200,000

John Cazale: $50,000

Chris Sarandon: $35,000

Charles Durning: $40,000

James Broderick: $30,000

(Compared to today’s multimillion-dollar salaries, these amounts were significant at the time.)

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In Real Life Safety Solution in Such Situations

Dog Day afternoon Hindi Version Movie

Real-Life Safety Solution in Such Situations

If anyone finds themselves in a bank robbery or hostage situation like in Dog Day Afternoon, the best steps are:

Stay Calm & Avoid Confrontation – Do not argue or resist; sudden movements can trigger panic.

Follow Instructions Quietly – Most robbers want money, not violence. Compliance increases survival chances.

Observe Discreetly – Note details about the robbers (height, clothing, accents) without staring.

Look for Safe Exit Only If Possible – Do not run unless you are sure you won’t be noticed.

Wait for Authorities – Police and negotiators are trained to handle such crises.

Hostages Should Stick Together – Staying grouped helps avoid being singled out.

In real life, the safest resolution is cooperation until law enforcement intervenes. Unlike in movies, heroics can put more lives at risk.

The Only Major Actors Still Alive From Dog Day Afternoon

BY JEREMY SMITH JAN. 18, 2025 1:45 PM EST