Based on the non-fiction book Prisoners are People by Kenyon J. Scudder, it is most remembered for its theme song, "Unchained Melody".

Steve Davitt is held in a medium security prison and is struggling with a choice between two options: serving his full sentence and returning legitimately to his wife and family, or escaping and ending up on the run.

Others in the cast included Peggy Knudsen and Barbara Hale, who appeared as women visiting the prisoners.

The film was shot at the prison in Chino, California, where Gordon was then serving time for possession of heroin.

The theme song "Unchained Melody" was written by Alex North and Hy Zaret and performed by Todd Duncan.