Tony Luke's a filmmaker, too

He performed in high school theatrical productions at Philadelphia High School for the Creative and Performing Arts, but these days, Tony Luke Jr. feeds his acting jones with motion pictures.

He's had small roles in such shot-in-Philly flicks as "10th & Wolf" and "National Treasure." He almost stole the movie "Invincible" (about Eagles folk hero Vince Papale) from star Mark Wahlberg with his brief, scenery-chewing turn as an out-of-shape, cape-garbed hopeful at an Eagles tryout session.

Luke's biggest celluloid venture to date was a low-budget independent piece he conceived and co-wrote called "The Nail: The Story of Joey Nardone." Luke also played Joey, a one-time promising boxer who returns from prison to his South Philly neighborhood, where he befriends a troubled kid and mentors him in the ways of boxing - and life.

Luke appeared in almost every scene (including several with Tony Danza) and carried the picture with a moving, realistic portrayal. Perhaps it wasn't such a stretch, playing a gentle giant who's deeper and more nuanced than his hulking, intimidating visage.

For months, "The Nail" has been one of the most popular viewers' choices on the Showtime premium channel, according to the network's website.

Buoyed by that modest success, Luke is working on his next production. There's no release date yet, and he refused to go on the record with plot details, but he promised fans and friends will see him in a way they never have before.

He also boasted that the film's cultural impact on Philadelphia will rival "Rocky."

- Chuck Darrow