I don't see how believing that the spirits of dead aliens pushed out of DC-6's and Atom bombed 600 million years ago inhabiting your bodies should make Tom Cruise any less convincing than Count Col Claus Von Stauffenberg. If anything Cruise's belief in this should make the film all the more realistic. He will know how to play somebody driven mad over Hitler's incompetence at running the war.

John, London, UK

Stauffenberg was a loyal Nazi who eagerly joined the attack on France, Czechoslovakia, Poland and Russia. He said nothing against Hitler when the Communists, Social Democrats and Trade Unionists were arrested tortured and killed or when the Jews were deported to concentration camps etc. Why exactly does the German government and hollywood seek to make him a hero?

heiko khoo, London, uk

After seeing the BBC documentary about Scientology, and their attempt to pass some of the blame for the Holocaust onto Psychiatrists, I would also be worried about this film. Even without this cults influence, Hollywood doesn't have a very good record for historical accuracy.

Karen, Stoke, Staffordshire

Tom Cruise is too short to play Von Stauffenberg. Guy Pearce is a better choice. As for Liev Schreiber playing Hitler, he's much too tall to play him. His Jewish heritage shouldn't be considered a factor as to what role he plays. He is after all an actor. Besides the fact that it is Liev's father who is a Jewish German. His mother happens to be an Irish Catholic and he was raised as such.

R.H., Brooklyn, NY, USA

I haven't sat through a whole Tom Cruise movie in ages. The one picture of him in full color doesn't convince me yet he can play this guy. However, Him doing this movie may get people thinking about this important period of human history.

Kirk , Roseville, MI

Given how well footage of Hitler speaking was manipulated to fit the text in the recent fake documentary about the lip-reading computer, I'd say that this represents the ideal opportunity for the first attempt at an entirely digital leading character.

Ian Kemmish, Biggleswade, UK

The quote "A replica of Hitler’s plane, a Junkers 52 with a swastika on its tailfin, has been flying around the region"
from the story above is 500% WRONG!
Hitler's personal plane in WII was the Prototype FW200 Condor (specifically a VIP airliner style plane) that was the basis for the German Navy's long-range Condor Maritime Patrol aircraft (similar to modern P-3 Orions, but without the sonar - purely a suraface attack version designed to find and attack allied convoys.

Mark Romanow, 5411-105th St, Edm, AB T6H 2M7

With present day technology, make-up artists these days can make anyone look like anything- Here's a good opportunity for some young yet unknown actor who is trying to get their career started, for a role which other actors seem to keep expressing disinterest in-

Scott Benowitz, Rye, New York, U.S.A.

The Nazis and Communists were funded by the same International World Bankers.

Nobody Knows, Orange, California

Most interesting point: If Stauffenberg and his co-conspirators had made it, would Stalin have won WWII, or would we have been spared 50 years of communist occupation of Eastern Europe and millions of people murdered in the Gulags? Because it would have been difficult for America to keep fighting Germany on the side of the Bolshevics if Hitler had been out of power (the Brits, maybe, but they were less important than the U.S. Army)

Also an interesting, lesser known point: After the Nazis rounded up Stauffenberg and his men the BBC broadcast the names of all the conspirators to make sure the Nazis caught every single one of them. Not very heroic, if you ask me.

Susanne Modeski, Pine Ridge, USA

Cruise is a member of a fascist-styled organization. But he is also an accomplished actor who, in my view, equals the efforts of many co-stars e.g. Dustin Hoffman in the film, Rain Man. He is a fine performer. His private life is of no concern, though I believe there are many other actors, German speaking, who should play the role. Isn't is so that we Americans can rember hundreds of baseball player's names and statistics yet can't be bothered to learn another language?

Richard Ray Harris, Desert Hot Springs, CA

Ha ha ... I am falling about, Tom Cruise as Stauffenberg, someone has a sense of humour thats for sure. Must be a comedy, pity, since Count Von Stauffenberg was a brave man.

Dave, Newcastle,

I find this casting of Tom Cruise amazing. He looks very much like the young von Stauffenberg and this is not the first time I've thought so. A fascinating book called "Berlin Diaries" by Marie Vassiltchikov, published posthumously by her brother, has a picture of von Stauffenberg, a friend of the author...when I looked at it years ago, I thought how much he looked like Tom Cruise. This book is still available in paperback and I would recommend it to anyone interested in this time in history. Marie was a White Russian whose family had fled the revolution and who was brought up as a refugee abroad. She and her sister had to find employment when war broke out in Germany; where they found it and who they knew makes for fascinating reading. Their mobility and youth probably saved them, but as Germany began to come under Allied bombing, they had many close calls.

Betsy, Silver Spring,

Prince Harry can play the role of Hitler. He already have the costume.

Mark Herd, London,

The link to this story at huffingtonpost.com is entitled, "Tom Cruise Suits Up As Nazi For Controversial Film." Cynthia, of Guernville, California, comments above, "[....] I can think of better places to look for heroes than dead Nazis." I believe that both are inaccurate. A Nazi was a member of the NSDAP, the political party headed by Adolph Hitler. I have read a fair amount about von Stauffenberg , and I am unaware that he ever joined the NSDAP. He agreed with aspects of its nationalist agenda, but he found many other of its doctrines (e.g., racialism) repugnant. He joined the Seventeenth Cavalry Regiment, based in Bamberg, the unit in which members of his family had traditionally served, in 1926 -- long before Hitler came to power.
He remained in military service until the end of his life.
Without more, to call von Schauffenberg or anyone else who served in the German military during World War II a "Nazi" is to paint with too broad a brush. Many who served were conscripts.

J.J. McVeigh, Butler, Maryland

Fred, yes, it does matter which side of the cause you were on. The point of this movie is that Stauffenberg was a hero because he tried to STOP HITLER. If Stauffenberg had instead tried to kill Churchill during WWII, a movie such as this would portray him as a VILLAIN. It is appropriate to make ethical judgements about the cause for which people fight. I think this is expecially so for people in a command position. As for your assertion that the world should "get over" the war, I think that's awefully glib on your part. This was a war in which millions of people were murdered in cold blood for the innocent "crime" of having traits that displeased Hitler--Judaism, mainly, but also Catholocism, homosexuality, disability, opposing political beliefs, etc. This war showed us what human beings can do when they have unchecked power over others. It cannot be forgotten, because it is a cautionary tale for all human beings. So don't take it personally when we remember Nazism.

Margaret, Oakland, USA / CA

Was TC a former Jew? Is Scientology his source for insight to the Nazi mind set? I wonder how much he drew from his personal experience of questioning and defying his "supreme leader".

nell b. uth, grand rapids, usa

I think Tom Hanks would make an excellent Adolf Hitler.

Michael, Bethany Beach, USA

Stauffenberg is being portrayed as a German martyr. We should remember that he was a committed Nazi who both fought bravely and was not unfamiliar with the Nazi atrocities. His 'religion' finally arrived when the Germans were losing and he and the others determined that Hitler was the culprit and had to go. We must not forget that Stauffenberg was a loyal supporter of Hitler while the Germans were winning.

Cyro, Jupiter, Florida

As a retired officer, my opinion is that von Stauffenberg and company waited far too long to act. They knew for at least 3 years of the un-human actions of their leaders. Why wait? If they acted only because military failure was becoming obvious, then they are at least as guilty as Hitler.

Paul, Albuquerque, USA/New Mexico

"...one of Germany’s few war heroes..."

I personally knew about three authentic German war heroes; so I assume there must have been hundreds of thousands. Or does heroism only exist on the side fighting for the right cause? Does heroism depend on which side of the mess you happen to end up? Pardon me, but in my humble opinion it is not what you fight for, but how you fight for it when it comes to judge heroism and bravery.

Get over the war, will you. You won it after all. No need to insult your former enemy 60 years after.

Fred, Frankfurt, Germany

Max Von Sydow would make a very convincing Hitler.Mr Sydow is now in his seventies .However by 1944 Hitler was looking considerably older than his age of 55 years.

s ferguson, Brisbane QLD, aust

This picture is hopeless from the beginning.

Cruise as von Stauffenberg is like the late John Candy as Goering.

Ridiculous.

JOHN CHUCKMAN, Toronto, Canada

"a character to play Hitler"? Shouldn't that be "acter"?

JD, Denverf, USA

No, it should be actor

Mark, Cambridge,

Who is this Hitler bloke I keep hearing about?

From: Confused State School History pupil.

Kevin, Reading, England

Who needs a dwarf to portray a giant? Why not a spot for Paris Hilton?

Mike, Sydney, Australia

The arch tint to your phrase; "one of Germany’s few war heroes" is unwarranted. There are many German war heroes. Unjustly, their reputation is overshadowed by the criminal acts of a minority, and by an oppressive political climate.

Let us reflect upon the present war in Iraq; where the criminality of only a few, alongside an insidious political deceit, obscures the genuine military professionalism and courage of a great many honourable men and women.

Richard Adams, Canberra, Australia

Errrr, I think that any of the "participating countries" in WWII, had heros, why does the author of this document state that Germany had only one hero? Is that because Germany in his view were 100% evil? Hmmmmm, what about the poor man in the army that was doing just what he was told.......I am sure there were a more than a "few" others

John, London,

Paul from LA seems to misunderstand the General Staff. By the 1930s, they had almost 200 years of excellence in matters military and loyalty to the fatherland. Many officers believed politicians were responsible for the crushing 1918 defeat. Circumstances in 1931 were unique: Hitler understood before he came to power that most Germans would confuse loyalty to leader with loyalty to the Fatherland. Further, many on General Staff viewed Hitler as a leader who would right the wrongs of Versailles and not unreasonably celebrated early victories. Hitler's megalomania was not widely recognized until early 1943 and it was his pointless sacrifice of Von Paulus' Sixth Army Group and the loss of 800,000 Axis troops that turned many officers against the Fuhrer: He was thought mad and or incompetent. Most officers fought on owing to loyalty to country not to Hitler.

Roger H. Werner, Stockton, CA

Tom Cruise looks like he making a Mel Brookes film in that uniform. He can't be serious.

Mel, manchester,

I find Cruise very suitable for the part, especially becaue he is a freedom loving fellow. He is also a fine actor! AND the facial likeness is uncanny.

Sybille Rentmeister, Toronto, Canada

Perhaps Tom Cruise will play Hitler as well. A change in his hair part, a little moustache, some latex around his neck, etc...One has to wonder what the appeal of the subject is for him. I can think of better places to look for heroes than dead Nazis.

cynthia, guerneville, ca

Your going to see the end of Tom Cruises' career. His numbers are down according to his last releases and this will be his downfall...

Ruptured, Oakland, California

And not only is Liev Schreiber Jewish, he's also 6'3", whereas Hitler was around 5'8", which why Tom, who is 5'7" should play him instead.

Me, Chicago, IL

"a character to play Hitler"? Shouldn't that be "acter"?

JD, Denverf, USA

Indeed, let us hope the filming upholds the accuracy the producers are strivig for, rather than the inaccuarcies the german government seems to wish for. How could the german government insure accuracy? It could have brokered a deal for the filming to take place in historical buildings in exchange for overviewing the filming's accuracy. That opporutunity to make suggestions in the film has been passed.

terryeo, San Francisco, CA

There were no German heros in the General Staff. When the Military Academy was opened in 1936 in Berlin, the General Staff was very proud. When Czechoslovakia was occupied in 1938, the General Staff was elated. When Poland was crushed in 1939, the General Staff was beside itself with glory.
When France fell in 1940, the General Staff's honor was restored and the Fuhrer could not do wrong. In July 1944, and after killing the Fuhrer, the General Staff's plan was not to dismantle the Reich and make it democratic, but to retain all the teritories that were "stolen", all for the glory of the Greater Reich. So, there were no German heros in the General Staff.

Paul, Los Angeles, california

I hate to be an anorak, but Hitller's plane was a Junkers 52, not Junker 52.

It was a very quaint looking plane, with 3 engines, and 3 propellers.

Winston Smith, Barcelona, Spain

A midget plays Stauffenberg? what is the world coming to?

Edwina Rigby, Blackburn, England

I am curious as to why Thomas Kretschmann didn't get the role. I'd much rather see him as Stauffenberg than Tom Cruise.

Hedda, Houston, Texas/USA

How about the actor who portrayed Hitler in the film "Downfall."

Peter G Gilbert, Glendale, WISCONSIN, USA

Just as well Mel Gibson is not making it. He would have had Hitlet blowing up Von Stauffenberg. Anyway I though Von Stauffenberg was tall, is there a height discrepancy here?

alan, Benalmadena, Spain

Wow, Tom really looks a lot like him. That picture of Cruise in character is definately attention grabbing. Looks like it will be a great picture. Tom goes into character so well.

BrianF, New York, New York

Stauffenberg was indeed a courageous man, however, it is worth considering what the country would have been like had he been successful. If Hitler had of been killed, it is quite feasible that he would have become a martryr of National Socialism, with damaging effects. At this point in the war, Germany still had a very strong army and more importantly battle hardened troops many of whom had seen service on the perilous Eastern front and so was in a capable position to fend off the attack in the West from the allies many of whom had seen little action. In Holland and in the Ardennes in late 1944 the Germans proved their worth and stopped the allied advance for some further 4 months. However, it was Hitler's stubboness to hold all front sto the last man that tactically cost him the war, and had he not been alive, we can but presume that this role would have been left to another, highly decorated leader, who may have tactically changed the war, and more importantly the outcome of the war.

Jules Justice, Leeds, UK

Never mind Hitler, who is going to play his psychiatrist?

Bobnessuk, London, England

You might have added that Liev Schreiber -- "German-American actor" -- also happens to be Jewish.

Matilda, Metulla, USA

I'd play him for a small fee....

I can take lessons in the role, from watching my local Magistrates Court Bench....

(Only joking and no offence meant)....

Pete Balchin, Solicitor, Bristol, uk

Two Years ago there was a very good german TV-Production on the very same topic with Sebastian Koch playing Stauffenberg (some may know him from "Das Leben der anderen" - "The Life of others". He was also Albert Speer in "Speer und er".). The qualitiy of a film on a topic like this depends strongly on historic accuracy. Let's hope Bryan Singer doesn't make an action-movie out of it.

Tulkas, Braunschweig, Germany