Originally, this feature film was intended to be a tele-movie made-for-television film. When the producers saw how well Amy Madigan played the title role, they released it in theaters, so that Amy Madigan had a chance at an Academy Award nomination. In the end, she wasn't nominated for this film, but a few years later, she was actually Oscar nominated for the picture Twice in a Lifetime (1985)).
Reportedly, technical advisor Terry Jean Moore was not able to advise and consult the production during principal photography at Florida's Broward County Institution as she was at that time still banned from returning to the premises due to still being on her 7½ year probation period.
The film's closing credits state: "We would like to thank the following for their cooperation: the Florida Motion Picture and T. V. Office, Ben Harris - Director; the Florida Department of Corrections; Louie L. Wainwright - Director; Superintendent of Broward Correctional Institute Robert Bohler; and the Correctional Officers and Inmates of Broward County Correctional Institute Broward County, Florida."