We'll never know what Vera Miles could have done with Vertigo. But I don't really see how she could have been any better than Kim Novak who was a perfect choice (even if Hitchcock didn't even know it then). It's not like her turning down the role was a career-endershe was in so many classics and is still well-respected in the industry.
"It's hard for me to watch American Idol because I have perfect pitch."
-Jenna, 30 Rock

Vera Miles doesn't regret that she wasn't in the film. And the film itself wouldn't have really done much for her career at the time it was released as the film was not a box office success it's initial release. Personally, I wish she was in it. She's so much of a better actress than Kim Novak.

And don't forget she was a major favorite of Disney, and appeared in two classic TV shows, Twilight Zone and Outer Limits, and was in classic episodes of those shows, as well. I think she must've had a lot of goodwill in Hollywood, since actors back then - in fact, up until recently - never did TV after entering the movies. But she did both, went back and forth, with no problem. She wasn't a huge star, which is part of the reason, but also, from what I can gather, she was very professional, fun to work with, reliable, had talent, had fans, and probably knew everybody - all of which must've helped her in tinseltown at the time, and over the years.

At the time, I believe Ms. Miles statement after giving birth, and "Vertigo" was made and released was:
"Hitchcock got his movie. I got a son."

I agree totally. People say it's hard to picture anyone else but Novak in that role but Hitchock could work wonders with actors - he was that good, and not just technically. I think she may have even been better, although ironically it may not have been the star-making role people assume she turned down, since it flopped badly in 1958.
I actually read somewhere that Vera had given birth by the time production began but Hitch didn't want to change the role at that point. Personally, I think he was disappointed that he had another blond star who was choosing a personal life over, well, him, like Grace Kelly did.

Vera Miles was pregnant and turned the role down. I think she would have been perfect in Vertigo. Unforunately, we'll never know what that could have done for her career. At least she was in two John Ford classics, The Searchers and The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, and two of Hitchcock's greatest films in The Wrong Man and Psycho.
"Dry your eyes baby, it's out of character."