In 1972, John Wojtowicz attempted to rob a Brooklyn bank to pay for his lover's sex change operation. Three years later Al Pacino portrayed his crime in Dog Day Afternoon. We gain a historic perspective on New York's gay liberation movement, in which Wojtowicz played an active role. In later footage, he remains a subversive force, backed by the unconditional love of his mother Terry, whose wit and charm infuse the film. How and why the bank robbery took place is recounted in gripping detail.