The film stars Juanita Brown, Roberta Collins, Erica Gavin, Ella Reid, Rainbeaux Smith, and Barbara Steele.

In Los Angeles, undercover officers arrive at a motel where those inside, including Jacqueline Wilson, are trafficking illegal drugs.

Jacqueline is arrested and sentenced to 40 years inside a women's correctional prison for possession of illegal drugs and attempted murder.

One of Alice's sex clients turns out to be an undercover officer, who attempts to arrest her and Maggie under suspicions of soliciting a prostitute.

Back at the prison, Lavelle, one of the inmates who attempted to escape, is relieved from further therapy based on good behavior, and is given a job at the clinic.

There, Doctor Randolph makes Belle, who is under sedation, sign a medical form allowing him to perform psychological surgery if she wants parole.

Jonathan Demme had produced two films for Roger Corman, including the women in prison picture The Hot Box (1972).

Demme succeeded in raising the finance on his own, with help from Artists Entertainment Complex, a production company formed by Martin Bregman and Samuel Gelfman.

For his film, Demme introduced new aspects to Caged Heat, including a satirical approach and making the sadistic warden female instead of male.

[2] Kevin Thomas of the Los Angeles Times wrote: "With wit, style and unflagging verve, writer-director Jonathan Demme sends up the genre while still giving the mindless action fan his money's worth.

"[1] A review from TV Guide gave the film three out of four stars, stating "Director Demme's auspicious debut transcends the sleazy dictates of its genre and stands along with Stephanie Rothman's Terminal Island as a genuine feminist political statement in a milieu lifted straight out of the most misogynistic fantasies of men ... Steele, a cult favorite for a number of Italian horror films by Mario Bava, does a wonderful turn as the crippled, demented warden.