Die Rebel is the film adaptation of Cor Nortjés thriller Sending vir n voortvlugtige (Mission for a fugitive), which was broadcasted twice by the South African Broadcasting Corporation. The rebel Fritz Dercksen (Will Roberts) is an unconventional character. When he is drafted into military service his attitude changes and he becomes a hero. The Army recognises his many talents and he is trained to gather military intelligence. However, due to circumstances beyond his control he is dishonourably discharged and sent to prison. There, Colonel Dreyer (Jan Bruijns) forces him to choose: he either accepts his mission or he stays in prison. Constantia Films Die Rebel (The Rebel) was produced by Bill Troskie in 1976, with Daan Retief as director and scriptwriter.