bills rained down from the heavens, drifting down into the Great Sound or wafting gently in the direction of land.

But it was all too good to be true. The cash was fake, blown into the air during a stunt explosion for the TV movie Bermuda Grace.

And now, the funny money is causing a headache for Police.

The explosion climaxed the filming of the TV movie on the Island last Thursday. The bills were printed especially for the scene, which featured a boat chase between "goodies'' and "baddies'' that ended in a spectacular blast.

Yesterday, Police spokesman P.c. Gary Venning warned residents to beware of fake notes that escaped the clear-up after the shooting.

They are black and white, on thick paper, with a face on both sides and "stage money'' printed on them.

The Bermuda Grace crew, most of whom are expected to leave today, did boost the economy with some real cash. They estimate half the movie's $3.5 million budget was spent on the Island.

FUNNY MONEY -- It looks real, but the stage money blown up in "Bermuda Grace'' last week isn't worth a cent.