TOM CRUISE - TOM CRUISE BANNED FROM SITES IN GERMANY

TOM CRUISE BANNED FROM SITES IN GERMANY

Tom Cruise has been banned from entering military sites in Germany because the actor is a Scientologist.

Cruise is set to play Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg in a new film depicting the military leader's unsuccessful attempt to assassinate Adolf Hitler in 1944.

But the movie has been dealt a blow after the German military said Cruise could not film at military sites crucial to the plot of the story.

Harald Kammerbauer, spokesman for the German defence ministry, said that Cruise would not be allowed to film because he has "publicly professed to being a member of the Scientology cult".

Mr Kammerbauer added that the German military had "a special interest in the serious and authentic portrayal of the events of July 20th, 1944 and Stauffenberg's person".

Paula Wagner, Cruise's production partner, said that the actor's "personal beliefs have absolutely no bearing on the movie's plot, themes or content".

The film, entitled Valkyrie, will tell the story of Stauffenberg and his attempt to blow up Hitler using explosives packed in a briefcase.

Stauffenberg's plan went awry and although the device went off with Hitler in the room, the dictator escaped injury and the military leader was executed.

Cruise has starred in a number of Hollywood blockbusters throughout his career and last year celebrated the birth of his first daughter with his wife and actress Katie Holmes.