On a hot summer afternoon, the First Savings Bank of Brooklyn is held up by Sonny (Al Pacino) and Sal, two down-and-out characters. Although the bank manager and female tellers agree not to interfere with the robbery, Sonny finds that there's actually nothing much to steal, as most of the cash has been picked up for the day. Sonny then gets an unexpected phone call from Police Captain Moretti, who tells him the place is surrounded by the city's entire police force. Having few options under the circumstances, Sonny nervously bargains with Moretti, demanding safe escort to the airport and a plane out of the country in return for the bank employees' safety.

otsoNY Comments: The movie was based on the story of John Wojtowicz and adheres to the basic facts of what happened, according to the Life article "The Boys in the Bank". According to the article, Wojtowicz, along with Sal Naturile, held up a Chase Manhattan Bank branch in Brooklyn, New York on August 22, 1972. After being apprehended, Wojtowicz was convicted in court and sentenced to twenty years in prison, of which he served fourteen. The film has no musical score other than the Elton John song "Amoreena" (which first appeared on John's 1970 album Tumbleweed Connection) in the opening credits, as well as the Uriah Heep song "Easy Living" which briefly plays on the radio during a scene inside the bank. Exterior shots were filmed on location on Prospect Park West btw 17th and 18th Street in Windsor Terrace of Brooklyn. The interior shots of the bank were filmed in a set created in a warehouse.

Bank, 285 Prospect Park West (btw 17th and 18th Streets) Brooklyn.