If you want to skip the intros and not have to esc out then rename the AVI folder to AVI_back. This will also avoid any problems others have experianced with the bink player.
In your case it sounds like your save game has been corupted.
Try the HOI Fix program that can be found in the bug forum, it is designed to recover some saves games like yours.
In your case it sounds like your save game has been corupted.
Try the HOI Fix program that can be found in the bug forum, it is designed to recover some saves games like yours.