Hayes made her film debut in the 1954 comedy "Francis Joins the WACS". Her second film, "Sign of the Pagan", provided her with an important role in a relatively minor film. Opposite Jack Palance, she played the part of a siren who ultimately kills him. Despite the strength of her second film role, she played minor roles in her next few films. Originally cast in "Foxfire" (1955), she was removed from the film during a lawsuit filed against Universal Pictures for injuries, including broken ribs, that she had sustained during the filming of "Sign of the Pagan". Released from her contract, she was signed by Columbia Pictures in 1955.