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In "Valkyrie," which opens Christmas Day, the actor plays Col. Claus von Stauffenberg, a German officer who led a plot during the Second World War to assassinate Adolf Hitler and seize power.

It's based on true-life events.

Cruise, of course, has had a long movie career, starring in the "Mission Impossible" franchise as well as critically acclaimed films such as "Jerry Maguire" and "Magnolia."

But in recent years, his personal life -- including his marriage to actress Katie Holmes and his support of Scientology -- has largely overshadowed his onscreen work.

"Valkyrie" is being seen by many industry observers as a litmus test of Cruise's future viability as a bankable star.

It marks the actor's second film under MGM's United Artists banner, which he and Paula Wagner took over in late 2006 (she announced over the summer that she was leaving to produce projects independently).

Their first film, the political thriller "Lions for Lambs," was a flop, despite a stellar cast that included Meryl Streep and Robert Redford.

But Cruise's attempts to revive his career with the Second World War drama have not been easy.

The making of "Valkyrie" attracted controversy when it was reported the German government did not allow filmmakers to shoot in certain locations because of Cruise's religion.

Then, a dozen extras on the film were injured when the door of a truck they were riding in fell open.

The film's release date has twice been changed. There have also been reports that test audiences reacted coolly to the image of Cruise wearing an eye patch, and that new trailers show the actor without the facial accessory.

"Valkyrie" will have stiff competition. It's being released at a time when many Oscar contenders hit theatres.