Originally posted by Turnbull:
"Dog Day Afternoon" is indeed based on a real life incident. On August 22, 1972, John Wojtowicz ("Sonny Wortzig" in the movie)) held up a Bay Ridge, Brooklyn branch of the Chase Manhattan bank in order to get money for his lover's sex change operation. Part of the hoopla surrounding the robbery and hostage-taking was carried live on TV. My understanding is that he's out of jail and is now living on welfare in Brooklyn with his mother.
Wow great info. Thanks for the update. Makes you realize how accurate the film portrayed the incident.
