A Nazi-filled Christmas is not an easy sell. That’s just one of the challenges Tom Cruise faces with his new World War II thriller “Valkyrie,” which opens Dec. 25. In the film, which portrays the seldom-recalled German resistance to Adolf Hitler, Cruise plays would-be Hitler assassin Col. Claus von Stauffenberg.

Watching Cruise promote “Valkyrie,” it’s easy to see a similar indomitable pluck. On his way to a photo shoot, he rapidly changes his shirt, bare chested (and notably muscular) for a flash. Between interviews, he cheerfully autographs a movie poster for a pilot, being sure to sign it “Maverick,” alluding to his “Top Gun” character. He speaks passionately about “Valkyrie,” repeatedly explaining his interest, above all, in entertaining people and “telling stories.”

“I’m a father,” said Cruise, who’s married to Katie Holmes and has three children. “You have to choose the things you want to focus on. I make movies.”

Courtesy of Associated Press

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