POLLYWOOD | HOLLYWOOD ON THE POTOMAC

BY JANET DONOVAN

9/11 in primetime, the taxman cometh and Bo Derek- still a 10 at 50.

He said, she said. It started out with good intentions: Former New Jersey Governor Thomas H. Kean (Chairman 9/11 Commission), News Talk 630 WMAL, ABC 7/WJLA and The National Press Club hosted a beyond classy party at The Press Club on Aug. 23 for a special advance screening of ABC's epic mini series 'based' on the 9/11 Commission. The film's star Harvey Keitel, who plays FBI anti-terrorism expert John O'Neill, would have loved it: Sumptuous buffet, open bar, great guests, charged atmosphere. But that's where the love fest ended. Something happened between the pasta and the film's end which left many guests either dumbfounded or outraged, perhaps along party lines.

"It turned out not all the facts were correct," Keitel noted later when questioned on the validity of the project. That was an understatement according to 9/11 Commission member Richard Ben-Veniste, who challenged the project's validity by pointing out inaccuracies and inconsistencies, forcefully.

The most heated argument regarding the film's content revolves around the supposed failures of then-President Bill Clinton and his aides to eliminate Osama bin Laden in the '90s when given the opportunity. Then-National Security Advisor Sandy Berger's role comes off as the most controversial.

Ben-Veniste: "There was no incident like the one portrayed (applause). I'm hopeful that when we see the rest of the film there will be better accuracy and a greater political balance." Governor, could you respond? Kean: "I would never argue with Richard." FBI screw up? Film screw up? Lewinsky screw up? What we do know is that Clinton officials pushed the red light to stop the airing of The Path to 9/11 on Sept. 10 and 11. ABC defended it, calling criticism premature. Pass the popcorn.

So others may live. The "suits" showed up in force at The Uptown Theater on September 6th in the form of the U.S. Coast Guard at the World Premiere of The Guardian, Disney's latest action/drama flick starring Kevin Costner, Ashton Kutcher and Sela Ward. All walked the red carpet.

The movie, shot in Shreveport, La. after having been forced by Hurricane Katrina to bail out of New Orleans was no easy production. The plot revolves around legendary rescue swimmer Ben Randall, played by Costner, who after losing his crew in a fatal crash is sent to teach at an elite training program and takes on the task of molding Jake Fischer (played by Kutcher). He helps Jake to understand the true meaning of heroism and sacrifice... "So others may live."

"This is a young man's game, but I didn't give up," said Costner. "At least I'm comfortable in the water. We were there for two months. All my mail is still going to Shreveport."

Ward, who plays Costner's wife, said, "I wasn't out there like the guys in the water. It's an important movie. I had no good knowledge of what the Coast Guard did. They are extraordinary men."

Actor Brian Geraghty couldn't do it in real life. "I've got to let someone more equipped do that." Is there a line between reality and entertainment? "You need both," commented director Andrew Davis. "The movie is realistic and we hope it is entertaining."

Demi Moore, who preceded her husband on the red carpet, simmered in a short silver belted skirt. Followed by Ashton in a black striped velvet suit, it was impossible to hear what they were saying over the screams of adoring fans. Don't believe it? We've got the tape, which could pass for Scream II.

Ticket holders: Rep. Mary Bono, former Secretaries Norman Mineta of Transportation and Tom Ridge of Homeland Security.

Countdown.... Don't bother doing the math: Bo Derek is still a 10. If you didn't catch her at Café Milano for her launch party on August 30th, you can watch her weekdays on My Network TV. Brought to you by the folks at FOX, Fashion House also features Morgan Fairchild as Sophia Blakely, who seeks revenge against Maria Gianni, the ruthless fashion mogul played by Derek. Sounds like a Dallas/Devil Wears Prada combo on speed.

You've got 'swag'. If the IRS comes knocking, pay up! From now on there'll be more than jewelry, cruises, Blackberries, beauty products and other high octane booty in your goody bag and it's called the tax form. "There's no special redcarpet tax loophole," said Tax Commissioner Mark Everson. Why? Because they are not given "solely out of affection, respect, or similar impulses for the recipients of the gift bags." Bummer.