Oklahoma Lawmaker's Real Life Tragedy Debuts on Silver Screen

By Rusty Surette, News 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- A former Oklahoma state senator is making his Hollywood debut with a movie based on his real life personal tragedy.

"Heaven's Rain" is produced and co-written by former Oklahoma Senator Brooks Douglass.

In 1979, Douglass and the rest of his family were shot by two men who invaded their Okarche home. Douglass and his sister, Leslie, survived the attack. Their parents, Dr. Richard and Marilyn Sue Douglass, died shortly after being shot.

Years after the murders, Douglass took an interest in law and politics and was elected to the state senate in the early '90s. During his time in office, Douglass passed laws aimed at protecting victims of crime.

After stepping out of the political ring, Douglass moved to Los Angeles where he currently lives and has spent the last three years working on a movie based on his life and the trying times his family has struggled with.

"I'm so happy to have it done and happy to have it finally to a place where we can release and show it to audiences. It's a great feeling from a personal level that it's accomplished so professionally and personally it feels good," Douglass said.

"Heaven's Rain" made its Oklahoma debut with a press screening Tuesday night at Science Museum Oklahoma. The movie's premier is scheduled in Los Angeles later this week and a second premier showing is scheduled for Oklahoma City on September 14.

The film will open to the public in select cities, which includes Oklahoma City, on September 17.