SHELTERED

Touchstone, the “grown-up” arm of the Disney company, continues to . . . grow up. That is, its upcoming comedy, the PG-13 rated “Adventures in Babysitting,” includes lotsa references to Playboy magazine and the use of a once-controversial Rolling Stone song that deals, among other things, with rape and murder.

But the lyrics to the Stones’ “Gimme Shelter”--specifically the line that intones, “rape, murder, it’s just a kiss away”--won’t be heard on screen. But not because of any Disney company objections.

Says a spokesman: “We’re giving film makers their freedom to make movies that are realistic and entertaining for today’s younger, smarter audience. We approved the use of the ‘Gimme Shelter’ lyrics, but Mick Jagger’s vocals overpowered the dialogue in the scene, so we just went with the instrumental part for the atmosphere it created.”

The song is used to create atmosphere for a scene in which babysitter Elizabeth Shue, who’s been mistaken for a Playboy centerfold, is chased by bad guys seeking a special copy of the Playboy magazine that she’s got.

Marking the directorial debut of Chris Columbus (known for such Spielbergian scripts as “Gremlins”), “Adventures” originally was turned down by Paramount, which had first right of refusal under a deal with producers Linda Obst and Debra Hill.

Explained Obst: “Paramount wouldn’t do the movie unless Molly Ringwald starred in it. They didn’t think the film was commercial enough.”

The Disney/Touchstone people disagree--and they also just signed Hill and Obst to an exclusive development deal.