Sylvester Stallone’s early career featured roles in iconic films of the 1970s, although he often went unrecognized in minor parts. His character in “Rebel,” Jerry Savage, represents the standout moment before he became a household name with “Rocky.” This lesser-known film, originally released in 1973 as “No Place to Hide,” focused on a group of anti-war activists monitored by the FBI. Unfortunately, it quickly fell out of the public eye despite a brief re-release attempt by director Robert Allen Schnitzer in 1976.
Schnitzer struggled to find an audience for “Rebel,” even attempting to repackage it as a comedy titled “A Man Called…Rainbo” in 1990, coinciding with the release of “Rocky V.” However, his latest initiative—a 4K remaster now titled “Rebel: Director’s Cut”—marks a significant attempt to revive the film’s visibility more than three decades later.
The remaster is currently on tour across the country, offering Stallone fans a chance to see him in a substantial role from his early career. While it remains to be seen how many will turn out to watch this film, it could attract completists eager to explore more of Stallone’s work before his famed rise in Hollywood.
Schnitzer’s reflection on Stallone during the film’s production reveals the initial doubts surrounding his unique speech style. Nevertheless, Schnitzer chose to cast him, leading to Stallone’s subsequent successful films like “The Lords of Flatbush,” “Capone,” and “Death Race 2000.”
As of now, interest appears muted, with fewer than 400 users logging “Rebel” on Letterboxd. This revival showcases the film industry’s capacity to revisit and appreciate the lesser-known works of acclaimed actors, potentially highlighting hidden gems deserving of a second chance.
For Stallone enthusiasts, this film offers a nostalgic dive into his pre-“Rocky” period. What are your favorites from his early catalog? Would you lean towards “The Lords of Flatbush” or “Death Race 2000”? Share your thoughts!