This fact-based prison drama tells the tale of a band of prisoners living in the innovative 2,600-acre prison at Chino, California. The place takes a humanistic approach to reform and there are no armed guards, no lockups and no uniforms. The underlying philosophy is that if these things are not there, the prisoners will not want to escape, and will instead accept their punishment. A new inmate arrives and soon accustoms himself to the new idea. The story includes the Oscar nominated song Unchained Melody.
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
 Elroy 'Crazylegs' HirschSteve Davitt | Steve Davitt |
 Barbara HaleMary Davitt | Mary Davitt |
 Chester MorrisKenyon Scudder | Kenyon Scudder |
 Todd DuncanBill Howard | Bill Howard |
 Johnny JohnstonEddie Garrity | Eddie Garrity |
 Peggy KnudsenElaine | Elaine |
 Jerry ParisJoe Ravens | Joe Ravens |
 John QualenLeonard Haskins | Leonard Haskins |
 Tim ConsidineWin Davitt | Win Davitt |
 Stafford ReppMr. Miller | Mr. Miller |
 Bill KennedySanders | Sanders |
 Kathryn GrantSally Haskins | Sally Haskins |
 Robert PattenSwanson (uncredited) | Swanson (uncredited) |
 Mack WilliamsMr. Johnson (uncredited) | Mr. Johnson (uncredited) |
 Sol GorssPolice captain (uncredited) | Police captain (uncredited) |
 Henry NakamuraJerry Hakara (uncredited) | Jerry Hakara (uncredited) |
 Don KennedyMike Gladstone (uncredited) | Mike Gladstone (uncredited) |
 Dexter GordonSaxophone Player (uncredited) | Saxophone Player (uncredited) |
 Art GilmoreNarrator (voice) (uncredited) | Narrator (voice) (uncredited) |