Opinions on the premiere of Bermuda Grace which VSB aired on Wednesday evening have been wide-ranging.

While many people took the film at face value, as a work of fiction, others were furious at the portrayal of Bermuda.

But no-one could fail to be impressed with the Island as a backdrop to the film, which could become a TV series if it proves a hit in the United States where it will air tonight.

Although there was no sign of a Bermudian accent throughout the two hour show, many people felt the depiction of life in Bermuda was an insult to the Island.

Government MP the Hon. John Stubbs went as far as to express fear it would hit tourism when Americans saw the guns, fast cars, fast boats and fights.

But how seriously should folk take this work of fiction? Should poetic licence be ignored completely in favour of realism? Bermuda Grace set out to be a mixture of a thriller and a comedy for the US and UK television markets. It succeeded. It was as entertaining as any two hours of recent television.

The film was not aimed at that audience which claims (in public) to watch only serious documentaries. Its target audience were viewers who get a kick out of Miami Vice, the Rockford Files and the like.

It was a typically tongue-in-cheek, often slapstick cops-and-robbers movie aimed at those wanting to wind down after a hard day's work.

The filming of the Island's scenery was often stunning, especially the shots from Mr. Mike Smatt's helicopter.

Yes, there was a lack of a Bermudian accent. Bermuda came over as a very British colony. That is one of the things that appeals to many American visitors. But how many people would have spent a 16-hour day filming a two minute fight scene? Those with speaking parts were, in the main, professional actors, and if a series does follow there should be plenty of opportunities for locals.

The Police Commissioner came over as incompetent but isn't that the case in almost every Dirty Harry film? It's just part of the plot.

The real Commissioner of Police Mr. Lennett (Lennie) Edwards was not at all upset. In fact he confided that he was hoping to lose a little weight so he could fit into the actor's uniform in the near future! Mr. Edwards said he enjoyed the film.

Harbour Radio were a little annoyed at the misconception that they did not man their posts at lunchtimes. They are a dedicated service and deserve praise rather than scorn. It was unfortunate as the statement was meant simply to illustrate the pace of life here, which certainly is 20 mph compared to the 200 mph lifestyle of the United States.

Many works of fiction will drop characters into strange locations and situations. How would a battle-hardened Philadelphia detective respond to life in Bermuda? No-one can be sure? Bill Sadler was believably bemused by it all in his role as Sam Grace and his partner Trevor Watkins, played by David Harewood, may have been a little overpowering to start off, but the Americans will love him. His character bore many of the characteristics of British boxer and panto star, Frank Bruno.

A man who made his mark in many wacky "Carry On'' films, Leslie Phillips was probably at his most serious as one of Bermuda's wealthy whites. And Serena Scott Thomas just seem to fit perfectly into the Bermudian way of things.

Bermuda Grace did not tax anyone's brain power and at times was very silly indeed, but at the end of a working day, do we want to watch television that is going to ram facts and figures into our heads, or depress us.

I believe the film will be a hit in the United States and the United Kingdom and that can only be a boost for Bermuda.

ALAN WRIGHT.