Written by Harry Segall and Ferdinand Reyher, the production's screenplay is at least partially based on "Homecoming" by Thomas Walsh, a short story published in Collier's magazine in March 1936.

[1] The film costars Lewis Stone, James Gleason, Bruce Cabot, Louise Latimer and Betty Grable.

After receiving a parole from prison, he rejoins his gang, including his gangster girlfriend, Grace Forbes in robbing a creamery.

During his stints in prison, he sends one of the other gang members to different far-away locales, in order to mail a post card to his family, pretending that he is working there on an engineering job.

To impress Letty, Williams breaks into a jewelry store and steals a bracelet, but kills the security guard so that he can't identify him.

(cast list as per AFI database)[1] In April 1936 it was announced that Don't Turn 'Em Loose was scheduled to begin production on May 15, with Robert Sisk as the supervising producer.

[2] That same month RKO announced that it had assigned Ben Stoloff to direct, based on the original story by Ferdinand Reyher.

[15] However, by the end of September, a court ordered the removed segments returned to film,[16] and after some slight edits, it was released in Ohio in early October.

[18][19] Harrison's Reports gave the film a positive review, enjoying the constant suspense and drama, which was unrelieved by any comedy.

"[21] The Motion Picture Herald enjoyed the performances of the cast, calling Cabot's portrayal "outstanding," and also singling out James Gleason and Lewis Stone.