Bermuda's public and private face is laid bare tonight in a TV documentary which knocks the Island's safe and friendly image.

A&E's one hour "Bermuda: Death on the Rock'' will tell millions of Americans of the pretty side of the Island shown in the tourist brochures -- contrasting it with a dark face exposed following the July, 1996 murder of Rebecca Middleton.

The Royal Gazette has viewed the programme in advance of tonight's 11 p.m.

slot.

And already, the film has caused upset in Canada, where the mother of Rebecca Middleton has distanced herself from the show, in which her former husband David took part.

Mrs. Cindy Middleton, who recently remarried, said she was not approached by the programme's makers, Jupiter Entertainment, for an interview.

And she added that she was apprehensive of what it would reveal.

"I wasn't interviewed and I didn't speak to anyone from A&E. I would like people to know that I had nothing to do with the film,'' she said.

"I have no idea what it is going to show or what it will say, but I hope it doesn't jeopardise the proceedings.'' Last night, a spokesman from Jupiter said Mrs. Middleton was not interviewed for logistical reasons, as she was in Canada when filming took place in Bermuda. David Middleton was on the Island at the time.

In the show, a number of residents and local personalities are interviewed, giving their opinions on Bermuda, its people and the crime.

In December, Justis Smith was cleared of premediated murder after the judge ruled an abuse of process and lack of evidence.

The Court of Appeal subsequently overturned the decision, which is to be appealed in the Privy Council in London later in the year.

Magistrate Archibald Warner -- part of Justis Smith's defence team during the trial -- is featured, along with David Middleton, Ashfield DeVent, Dr. Clark Godwin, Johnny Barnes, St. George's Town Crier E. Michael Jones and historian William Zuill.

Showing pink beaches, clear water and traditional pastel coloured houses, the film tells Bermuda's story -- from Sir George Somers to tourism and international business.

The safety, friendliness and tradition are stressed as the factors that appeal to tourists, adding that "violent crime is almost unheard of...and where tourists are never touched''.

Bermuda, it says, is a "pastel paradise'', "Disneyland'' or "Fairyland''.

But, it says there are problems, "not to be discussed in front of the tourists''.

An interviewee tells how Court Street truly represents black Bermuda, with its wide mix of culture. And the difference between white and black is emphasised as the disparity between Front and Court Streets.

The narrator talks about the "back of town'', where Justis Smith grew up, contrasting it with the neat homes in Tuckers Town.

Mr. Warner provides a description of Justis Smith, whereas David Middleton and Rick Meens talk of 17-year-old Rebecca.

The crime, subsequent investigation and legal proceedings are all brought right up to date, with the pending Privy Council appeal against the Bermuda Court of Appeal decision to order a retrial of Justis Smith.

Mr. Warner provides details about the December trial and preceding legal moves involving Kirk Mundy, who was sentenced to five years imprisonment after pleading guilty to being an accessory after the fact.

But, there are no interviews with the Bermuda Police Service or lawyers from the Attorney General's Chambers or any Members of Parliament.

Finally, the programme concludes that the crime was something of a wake-up call for Bermuda.

The narrator finishes: "bad things can happen to good people...even in a tropical paradise, even in Bermuda''.

MURDER MUR