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Actor Randall Franks fiddles and funnies his way in the children’s adventure film “The Solomon Bunch”

Actor/entertainer Randall Franks, “Officer Randy Goode” from TV’s “In the Heat of the Night,” makes a special cameo appearance in the children’s adventure “The Solomon Bunch” releasing Tuesday, Feb. 5 to DVD and on digital download.

“This was a tremendously fun movie to be involved in,” Franks said. “It is beautifully directed and shot. When I saw it, I just wanted to climb up into the screen and make Brookville my permanent home.

“All the young stars do a magnificent job in pursuing the mysterious misadventure while seeking the wisdom of King Solomon,” Franks said.

Among the youth stars are Abbey Kochman, Landon Dodson, Ethan Meeks, Micah Courtland, and Ashton Williamson. 

“The director Jason Prisk chose a rather eccentric comedic character named Edgar Albert for me to portray,” Franks said. “He is a musical savant that plays the fiddle. He adds some interesting engaging opportunities for the young actors.”

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 18 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 twenty Christian music seller. Many of his albums were among the top 30-bluegrass recordings of their release year. The Atlanta Country Music Hall of Fame member shared a top country vocal collaboration with Grand Ole Opry stars The Whites.

In addition to his solo career which includes 13 years of guest starring for the Grand Ole Opry, 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.

Franks said it was an honor to join the adult stars Craig Crumpton, Audrey McCroskey, and Todd Maynor and all the cast who made this film so much fun to make and to watch.

The film received a rating of five out of five Doves by the Dove Foundation. 

The children’s film is from Image Entertainment, Slingshot Pictures, Creekside Films and Pinecrest Pictures.

For more information about Randall Franks, visit http://randallfranks.com/.

Randall Franks and the Watkins Family perform at the premiere of “The Solomon Bunch”

Actor/entertainer Randall Franks, “Officer Randy Goode” from TV’s “In the Heat of the Night,” recently attended the premiere of his new film – “The Solomon Bunch.”

“This is such a wonderful film that is tailored for youth,” he said. “In the story five youth learn a lesson as they seek the wisdom of Solomon while solving a summer mystery in their small town.”

Franks made a special appearance in the film as the somewhat quirky “Edgar Albert,” he said.

“I was honored to do a cameo in this project,” he said. “I am sure kids around the world will enjoy this movie for years to come. It was beautifully directed and filmed.”

Franks and The Watkins Family joined cast members on the red carpet before entertaining over a thousand attendees at the debut at Eagle’s Landing First Baptist Church in McDonough, Ga.

The Watkins Family opened the event with songs from their latest CD “Heaven’s Worth Waiting For” including their upcoming single “What Love Has Grown.”

The Watkins Family is Judy Watkins, Todd Watkins, Lorie Watkins and guitarist Jeff Stanley.

“What an exciting event to be part of,” Lorie said. “It is amazing the sweet spirit that was present throughout the night.”

For more information about the Watkins Family, visit www.watkinsfamilymusic.com.

Later in the program, the Watkins joined Randall Franks on stage as he brought the attendees to their feet with his award-winning fiddling and performances from his “Handshakes and Smiles” CD.

Jason Prisk directed the children’s film from Creekside Films and Pinecrest Pictures. It also stars Craig Crumpton, Audrey McCroskey, Todd Maynor, Abbey Kochman, Landon Dodson, Ethan Meeks, Micah Courtland, and Ashton Williamson.

For more information about Randall Franks, visit http://randallfranks.com/