Film about Hitler assassination plot draws German government scrutiny

More than 60 years after a group of German officers tried to assassinate Adolf Hitler, international recognition that has eluded them for years may soon be on its way -- despite resistance from within Germany.

As the country marks the anniversary of the July 20, 1944 plot, historians say a new film starring Tom Cruise about the doomed attempt to blow up Hitler would bring the subject to a global audience. But it may trivialize the story too, they warn.

The film's production has been dogged by opposition from German government ministries, both due to Cruise's adherence to Scientology -- which Berlin considers a cult and not a church -- and because of the conspiracy's significance regarding the post-war rebirth and international rehabilitation of Germany.

Ian Kershaw, a leading British authority on the Third Reich, told Reuters on Friday that the film "will doubtless help to raise awareness of the resistance to Hitler within Germany."

"However, Hollywood's record in dealing with historical subjects does not inspire confidence in its potential for dealing with this issue," he added.

Even at the risk of appearing intolerant, Germany has been anxious to stop anyone from misrepresenting the conspiracy, as its legacy is inextricably linked to the country's efforts to atone for crimes that still haunt it on a daily basis.