The phrase "chain gang" refers to a group of prisoners who are forced to work together while being physically chained or linked together. Full definition
This film caused an uproar during the heyday of the Hays Code for its portrayal of chain gangs as abusive and negligent means of torture, which at the time was the preferred course of punishment in America. (rottentomatoes.com)
by Bill Chambers The package containing Fight for Your Life drew me towards it the way a pie cooling on the windowsill draws fugitives from chain gangs. (filmfreakcentral.net)