Would tougher prisons deter crime?

A long time ago if you went to prison you usually were serving "hard time". Prisoners were placed on chain gangs and made to work hard in the heat of the day. They were in their cells for most of the day, ate food that was barely edible and had no special privileges.These days prisoners work for pay (not much however) have T.V., an exercise yard, plenty of time outdoors, 3 meals a day, visitors, telephone, ect. I'm not saying prison is nice now or fun but its definitely not as bad. If it was how it used to be do you think it would deter people from committing a crime in fear of going to prison or at least make them more determined never to go back?