Actor and entertainer Randall Franks, “Officer Randy Goode” from TV’s “In the Heat of the Night,” of Ringgold, stars with fellow CBS alumnus John Schneider in the new film Lukewarm, releasing to DVD and On Demand Tuesday.

Mr. Franks said he looks forward to the release of his fourth film in a year.

“This is an engaging story of a young couple - Luke and Jesse finding their way in a world pulling them in all different directions except towards one another,” he said. “This is a tremendous cast who enveloped themselves in the roles to bring director Thomas Makowski's vision to life. I am pleased to be included in a project with John. I think he does wonderful work.” 

Mr. Franks portrays John Keebley who is both a pastor and surrogate father to the main character Luke Rogers, portrayed by actor Jeremy Jones, in his first lead role.

“Jeremy brought so much to his role and I think that viewers will be drawn to performances by he and Nicole Gale Anderson, who plays his girlfriend Jesse, as they struggle to define their relationship and the role God should play in their lives,” he said. 

According to Mr. Franks, Luke Rogers became estranged from his father Bill (Schneider) as a youth and as a young adult, Luke faces challenges offered from characters portrayed by “October Baby” actor Jason Burkey, and former “Blossom” cast member Jenna von Oÿ.

“One of the most amazing aspects of doing this film was working opposite one of the most talented veteran actors in the business - Bill Cobbs. He portrays ‘Brother Thomas’,” Mr. Franks said. “He and I throw out the lifelines in the film praying that the other characters will grab a hold.”

The film is from Slingshot Pictures, All Entertainment and Image Entertainment. 

Mr. Franks has co-starred or starred in 14 films with stars including Dolly Parton, Christian Slater, William Hurt and Stella Parton. Among his recent films are the family drama “Decision” in which he starred with Natalie Grant and Billy Dean, and a musical cameo in “The Solomon Bunch,” a children’s adventure.

The International Bluegrass Music Museum Legend’s musical stylings have been heard in 150 countries and by more than 25 million Americans. His musical career boasts 17 album releases, 17 singles, and over 200 recordings with various artists from various genres. The award-winning fiddler’s best selling release, "Handshakes and Smiles" was a top 20 Christian music seller. Many of his albums are among the top 30-bluegrass recordings of their release year.

In addition to his solo career that includes 13 years of guest starring for the Grand Ole Opry , Mr. Franks is a former member of Bill Monroe's Blue Grass Boys, Jim and Jesse's Virginia Boys and has performed with Jeff and Sheri Easter, the Lewis Family, the Marksmen Quartet, the Watkins Family, Elaine and Shorty, “Doc” Tommy Scott’s Last Real Old Time Medicine Show and Doodle and the Golden River Grass.

Mr. Franks latest book is “A Mountain Pearl: Appalachian Reminiscing and Recipes” from Peach Picked Publishing and his latest musical DVD “A Mountain Pearl: Concert of Celebration” is from shareamericafoundation.org.

On the set of Lukewarm, Randall Franks (left) as Pastor John Keebley counsels Jeremy Jones as Luke Rogers on matters of the heart.
- Photo2 by Randall Franks Media