Spielberg, Hanks team up again in 'Bridge of Spies'

NEW YORK (WABC) -- Events depicted in "Bridge of Spies" took place more than half a century ago during the Cold War between the Soviet Union and the U.S. But recently there's been a chill in the air between our countries so the movie has new relevance. The story also has a special connection to our city.

The character Tom Hanks plays was born in the Bronx, raised his family in Brooklyn, and even served on the Board of Education in the city, but James Donovan was a man forgotten by history until his role in the Cold War was brought to life by Steven Spielberg.

"My generation lived under the threat of atomic mushroom cloud. We were terrified of that kind of death from above. We were all going to be incinerated in a thermo-nuclear exchange with the Soviet Union," Spielberg explained.

The director has often turned to history for his best films and the chance to film a slice of New York history proved irresistible.

Acting on a tip in 1959 the FBI picked up a Russian spy in Park Slope who was represented by an American lawyer - James Donovan- who later negotiated a swap for an American pilot shot down over the Soviet Union.

"Bridge of Spies" marks the fourth time Spielberg has directed his close friend Tom Hanks, who had a message for his fellow cast members.

"Let's make sure we have ideas here guys, otherwise the boss is going to give us a stern talking to," Hanks said.

Spielberg told me Hanks "brings out the best in him."

"And I think I bring out pretty good characters when I am working with him," Spielberg said.

Now one more portrait gets added to the gallery they're creating together.

So confident was Hanks as Donovan, his director and pal was even a bit intimidated. At the New York Film Festival where the movie premiered, Spielberg told me when Tom was doing the full Donovan - yes, even the famous director got intimidated because he was so strong in that role.