Of the many storied Hitchcock blondes, Vera Miles has not been discussed in great depth. It was Miles who took Hitchcock blonde roles after Grace Kelly left Hollywood, with Miles appearing in films like The Wrong Man (1960) and Psycho (1960). Moreover, Miles had a strong film career before and after her time with Hitchcock.
Christopher McKittrick’s Vera Miles: The Hitchcock Blonde Who Got Away examines Miles’ life and career, on and off the screen. This is the first full-length biography on Miles and is very well-researched, relying upon interviews and archival materials. McKittrick details Miles’ entry into performing in addition to balancing being a working mother–to the point of detailing her turning down the lead role in Vertigo (1958). Though this gave way to more Hitchcock blondes, in the meantime, McKittrick also continues her story and explores her work in additional films and on television.
This is a welcome addition to the University of Kentucky Press and gives a much-deserving Miles her due.
Hometowns to Hollywood 