Vanguard Films, Inc. was a production company formed in 1945 by
David O. Selznick and producing newcomer
Dore Schary. The company, which was located at Selznick's famous plantation-style headquarters on Washington Blvd. in Culver City, lasted until 1951 and is perhaps best remembered for the would-be
Gone With the Wind blockbuster
Duel in the Sun (1946) starring Selznick's wife, Jennifer Jones. Miss Jones wasn't the only performer under contract with the company, which also employed the likes of Shirley Temple, Joseph Cotten, Guy Madison, and Rhonda Fleming. But although he probably considered himself a star-maker par excellence, David O. Selznick could also strike out. He certainly did with Christopher Adams (above right), who was under contract to Vanguard in 1944-1946 but apparently only showed up in the home-front drama
Since You Went Away (1944).
John Anders did even worse, appearing in nothing at all while his name remained on the contract roster 1945-1946.
Cliff Austin likewise failed to make a single movie while allowing the Messieurs Selznick and Schary to pay him for being under exclusive contract. As always, I would dearly love to know what became of these and other gentlemen listed in the various Academy Players guide but not, as far as can be determined, in few, if any, actual cast lists
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