
Inglis was born Desiree Mary Lucy Hawkins in Colchester, Essex, the daughter of Margaret Inglis (nee Hunt) and Alan George Hawkins. Her screen debut was in the 1934 film, Borrowed Clothes. She then had a small part in The 39 Steps (1935) as Hilary Jordan. She appeared in the 1939 British telefilm version of Gaslight before taking on the role of Adele Ainsworth in The Letter in 1940, which marked the zenith of her film career. By this time she was appearing under the pseudonym/stage name Elizabeth Earl.

The 39 Steps
1935 · as Professor Jordan's Daughter Pat (uncredited)

The Letter
1940 · as Adele Ainsworth

Landslide
1937 · as Vera Grant

Tonight and Every Night
1945 · as Joan (uncredited)

Museum Mystery
1937 · as Ruth Carter

My Love Came Back
1940 · as Party Guest (uncredited)

River's End
1940 · as Linda Conniston

Borrowed Clothes
1934 · as Barbara

Thunder in the City
1937 · as Dolly

Gas Light
1939 · as Nancy