No Scientology, Tom Cruise Gets Ban in Germany

Germany has put its foot down on Tom Cruise and his Scientology beliefs by banning the makers of his latest film from using Germany military sites to film, reports the BBC.

Tom Cruise is currently in Germany working on a film that centres around a conspiracy to kill Adolf Hitler. Cruise is playing the role of head conspirator, Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg. The plot to kill Adolf Hitler involved planting a bomb in a briefcase that was to be given to Hitler on July 20, 1944. However the murder attempt was not a success.

The reason for the murder attempt is that Stauffenberg was not happy with Hitler's behaviour towards the Jews. On the fateful day the bomb did reach Hitler's headquarters and it did explode, but only caused injury to Hitler.

It is very important to the German military, according to representative, Harald Kammembauer, that the film is done correctly. Kammerbauer said the military, "has a special interest in the serious and authentic portrayal of the events of July 20, 1944 and Stauffenberg's person." (BBC)

The reason for the ban on Tom Cruise, according to the German defence ministry is the he has, "publicly professed to being a member of the Scientology cult." (BBC) In Germany Scientology is not acknowledged and the government believes that the group hides under the guise of being a religion as a way to get money. However, Scientology leaders deny that this is the case.

Partnering Tom Cruise in the production of the film is Paula Wagner who's comments to the BBC indicate that Tom Cruise's religious beliefs have nothing to do with the story they are filming. Wagner told the BBC, "Personal beliefs have absolutely no bearing on the movie's plot or themes."

Wagner also pointed out that they wanted to also ensure that the film was as authentic as possible and the Cruise would play a "heroic and principled figure" and that "Germany is the only place we can truly do the story justice." Wagner also told the BBC that, "We believer the film will go a long way toward reminding the world that even within the ranks of the German military, there was real resistance to the Nazi regime."

Tom Cruise being a Scientologist has not only offended the German military it has also caused upset to Stauffenberg's own family. Berhold Stauffenberg, the colonel's son, was not happy with Tom Cruise being cast as his father because of his Scientology beliefs. He told a local newspaper, Sueddeutsche Zeitung, "He should keeps his hands off my father."

According to Kammerbauer the German military has not yet be contacted officially to discuss using military sites for filming.

The movie is currently titled 'Valkyrie' and should reach cinemas some time in 2008. Besides Tom Cruise, the film also stars Kenneth Branagh. The director of 'Valkyrie' is Bryan Singer.

Sources

BBC report on Tom Cruise ban in German
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/6240312.stm

Reuters reports Tom Cruise banned from German military sites
http://www.abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/story?id=3313674&page=1