'The Dukes'

Newsday (MCT) - The directorial debut of Robert Davi, a veteran character actor, "The Dukes" tells the story of a small-time Los Angeles doo-wop group that takes an ill-advised turn to crime.

None of the 50-something Dukes _ bandleader Danny (Davi) and backup singers George (Chazz Palminteri) and Armond (the late Frank D'Amico) _ look old enough to have enjoyed doo-wop's heyday, though their manager, Lou (filmmaker Peter Bogdanovich, nearing 70) is more believable. At any rate, when the band's last bid for success _ singing in tomato costumes for a low-budget commercial _ goes bust, the three plan to knock over a dentist's office where a safe full of gold awaits.

Like the 1958 Italian caper-comedy "Big Deal on Madonna Street" _ seemingly an influence here _ "The Dukes" gets by mainly on generosity of spirit. The script, by Davi and James Andronica, maintains a light feel, concentrating more on genial banter than suspense. The sweetness grows cloying by the end, but perhaps that's fitting for a film that's so clearly a labor of love.

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THE DUKES

2 stars

Cast: Robert Davi, Chazz Palminteri, Peter Bogdanovich

Length: 1:34

Rated PG-13 for brief sexuality and drug references

This modest caper-comedy feels lovingly made, but a little too good-natured for its own good.

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© 2008, Newsday.