Tattle: FBI had a file on Anna Nicole Smith

ONE WOULD think that after being dead for two years, Tattle items about

Anna Nicole Smith

would begin to dry up.

But noooooooooo . . .

The Associated Press' Anna Nicole bureau has exclusively obtained the former sexpot's FBI records (as opposed to the records she used to pole-dance to) and learned that the FBI investigated whether Anna Nicole plotted to kill her tycoon husband's son as they battled for his father's fortune.

Anna Nicole's FBI records say the agency investigated her in 2000 and 2001 in a murder-for-hire plot targeting E. Pierce Marshall, who was at the center of a long legal fight to keep the busty blonde from collecting his father's oil wealth, valued in the hundreds of millions. He died three years ago of natural causes.

The documents released under the Freedom of Information Act depict an investigation going on as the fight raged over J. Howard Marshall II's estate.

There is no indication how authorities became aware of any alleged scheme, but agents interviewed Anna Nicole on July 3, 2000. Told why she was being questioned, "Smith began crying and denied ever making such plans," a report said.

In what strikes Tattle as a bout of surprising lucidity, Anna Nicole told agents that killing Pierce Marshall would not have made sense because her ex-husband's money would still be tied up in a trust, and because she believed the court battle over the fortune was nearly over, the report states. She told agents she believed that the story about the plot had been made up by a former lover who was angry that she had broken off their relationship, according to the files.

"Smith adamantly denied ever contemplating such a crime," an agent wrote, and prosecutors eventually agreed the case could not proceed.

Keys to entrepreneurship

Alicia Keys is launching AK Worldwide, a company to handle her projects, especially those outside of music.

The first venture is the Barber's Daughters, a handcrafted jewelry line engraved with messages of hope and wisdom.

"The words, when you read them, they really do resonate with you. They kind of inspire you to want to find that place in yourself," she said, sporting a silver oval ring that read: "May you find inspiration and meaning soaked in the wonders of the imagination cradled in compassion of the heart and hold a will to make difference."

Huh?

Alicia also will launch iamasuperwoman.com, devoted to spotlighting inspirational women and causes.

"It really calls out to all those brilliant, amazing, fantastic women every day that are doing their thing and need kind of a community to support each other," she said.

Alicia credits Oprah Winfrey and other business-minded people with turning on her entrepreneurial spirit.

"Why do I love Oprah? Because she's able to bring you things that will really change your life," she said.

Weird how billionaire moguls can do that.

Tattbits

* Jennifer Hudson returns to Chi-

cago for an ABC prime-time special, "Jennifer Hudson: I'll Be Home for Christmas," that will air in December.

The network says Jennifer will share childhood memories of the music, people and places that set the stage for her career. Musical performances will be filmed on location throughout the city.

Jennifer's mother, brother and nephew were slain in Chicago last year so Christmas won't be all colored lights and presents.

* Regina Kimbell is suing

Chris Rock and several film companies for at least $5 million and trying to block the release of his documentary, "Good Hair" (opening tomorrow in selected cities).

She claims Rock's project is a copycat of her film, "My Nappy Roots," which, she says, she screened for Rock in 2007.

The suit states that "My Nappy Roots" traces the business and cultural history of black hair care and has otherwise been shown only at colleges and film festivals since its completion in 2006.

* If Hollywood isn't remaking a

moving they're rebooting it - which is really just a hipper term for remaking it.

The Hollywood Reporter says Adrien Brody is set to star in "Robert Rodriguez's "Predators," even though Rodriguez isn't directing it. Nimrod Antal is.

* Not ready to remake or reboot? How about creating a follow-up.

The Hollywood Reporter says New Line is mulling a sort-of-sequel to 1983's "Vacation."

The story this time will focus on Rusty Griswold, son of Chevy Chase's Clark Griswold. Rusty is now also a dad and he too takes his family on a road trip.

Ooh, how original.

Chase and Beverly D'Angelo, who played the mom in the original movies, will appear as grandparents, which is sure to mean flatulence and Viagra jokes.

* The Appletini doesn't fall far from the tree.

According to TMZ.com, Nick Nolte's son, Brawley King Nolte, was arrested for suspicion of DUI and possession of a controlled substance Tuesday in Santa Monica.

* TMZ.com reports that Stephanie Birkitt, whose diary detailed sex with David Letterman while she was on his staff led to alleged blackmail by her ex-boyfriend, has been banned from the "Late Show" set.

Stephanie used to be Dave's assistant - appearing on the "Late Show" numerous times handing out popcorn and dinner gift certificates.

TMZ.com says she later became Dave's personal attorney - another example of a lawyer screwing a client.

* Today we'll give the last word on

Dave to his former girlfriend - and employee - Merrill Markoe. Merrill wrote on her blog last week:

"As you can imagine this is a very emotional moment for me because Dave promised me many times that I was the only woman he would ever cheat on."

Ed Weiner and Daily News wire services contributed to this report.

E-mail gensleh@phillynews.com