Germany reverses Cruise ban

In Valkyrie, Cruise plays Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg, who was executed for plotting to kill Adolf Hitler in 1944.

A request to film at the site of his execution was initially rejected.

A defence ministry spokesman said the change of heart came after officials were convinced the film would portray post-war Germany in a good light.

Thomas Raabe said it appeared the movie would underline the fact that "barbarism did not win, but rather a democratic Germany finally arose".

Scientology rumours

When the ban was first imposed, rumours circulated that it was because of Germany's hostility towards Cruise's religion, Scientology.

But a government spokesman later said it was "because the dignity of this place should not be violated".

The building, known as the Bendler Block, is now a memorial for Third Reich resistance fighters.

Film company United Artists said it was "extremely grateful to the German government for allowing us to film" at the site.

It pledged to "take special care to respect its dignity and keep our activities there within the guidelines laid down by the government".

Valkyrie - named after Operation Valkyrie, the codename of the failed plot to kill Hitler - is being directed by Bryan Singer and will co-star British actor Kenneth Branagh.