Tom Cruise banned from filming at German military sites because of Scientology beliefs

Germany has banned the makers of a movie about the plot to kill Adolf Hitler from filming scenes at Germany Military sites. They banned the filming because the movies star, Tom Cruise, is a Scientologist.

The German government does not recognize the Church of Scientology as a church. They say the church pretends to be a religion to make money. Scientology leaders defend the church saying that is not the case. Defense Ministry spokesman Harald Kammerbauer said the film makers and crew “will not be allowed to film at German military sites if Count Stauffenburg is played by Tom Cruise, who has publicly professed to being a member of the Scientology cult.”

"In general, the Bundeswehr (German military) has a special interest in the serious and authentic portrayal of the events of July 20, 1944 and Stauffenberg's person," Kammerbauer said.

Cruise has the role of Colonel Claus von Stauffenburg who attempted to assassinate Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler but attempts failed. Stauffenburg planted a bomb in a briefcase which was sitting under a table in Hitler’s headquarters. The bomb went off but did kill Hitler; it only wounded one man.

The film is due for a 2008 release. Kammerbauer said the defense ministry has not received official requests from the producers of the film which is called “Valkyrie.” The film is named for the plots codename which was ‘Operation Valkyrie.’

Cruise’s rep has not made a comment yet about the situation.

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