Ruined beer ?

[Evertonian]

Been making beer ( & wine ) a long time now, but I've never had had a
*ruined* (?) one, 'til
today. It's taken the usual time to ferment (just over1 week), but when I
checked it today
prior to bottling, the beer had a white & VERY smelly, mould-like film over
the top. Smelt a
bit like a mixture of TCP & perfume !

When I ran some off, through the tap at the bottom of my fermenting bin, it
looked normal & smelt OK.
I've bottled it anyhow & just stopped short ... as the brew's smelly head
reached the tap. Don't know
how it will taste once it clears. Has anyone else had this problem before ?
More importantly, does
anyone know what could've caused this to happen ? The fermentation bin had
it's lid on tightly, all the
way through fermentation. Will the beer taste crap, once it's cleared in a
week or so ? Again, more
importantly, would it be dangerous to drink it .... IF it does taste OK ?

Any feedback greatly appreciated.

Cheers & merry Xmas to all !

[b...@you.com]

Was color was the film?

White or Green?