“Those were exciting times,” continues Hayes. “Your Show of Shows was the number one show on television in the early 50s.
“My experience on Broadway was wonderful. The day that I recorded The Ballad of Davy Crockett was a big day. That record sold over 4 million copies.”
The Days of His Life
There are also numerous people from Hayes’ run at Days in the film, including his wife, Susan Seaforth Hayes (Julie), Robert Clary (ex-Robert) and former director/producer Wes Kenney.
“Lee was allowed to go to the Days studio and get anybody he could get who was in that day,” notes Hayes. “He had one long lunch period. He shot Kristian Alfonso (Hope), Deidre Hall (Marlena), Matthew Ashford (ex-Jack), Drake Hogestyn (John), James Reynolds (Abe), Patrick Muldoon (ex-Austin) and (executive producer) Greg Meng.”
A Family Affair
Hayes’ two daughters, Carrie and Peggy, are also included in the film.
“Lee would have interviewed my two sons, too, but they were on the other end of the country,” explains Hayes. “He didn’t have budget enough to go interview them in person.”
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In addition to Hayes’ career, World by the Tail delves into the actor’s personal life, too. “It talks about my parents, my brothers, my children, my family… That’s what is most meaningful. I was gifted with five children. One passed away and that’s mentioned. The mother of my five children and I came to a divorce.
“The film talks about that, which is a high point/low point. If it hadn’t been for that, I would not have gone on Days of Our Lives. I would not have met Susan, who I have now been married to for over 42 years. That’s quite a gift.”
Response to the film has been great, too.
“It almost makes me cry,” admits Hayes, calling people’s reactions “so moving. I haven’t heard a bad word, yet. I’ve just been overwhelmed with delightful reviews and reactions.”
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