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= E.S.P. (1958) (Television Program) = E.S.P. was a short-lived American television game show filmed in New York City, that aired on the American Broadcasting Company network for six weeks in the summer of 1958, from July 11th to August 22nd. Hosted by renowned horror actor Vincent Price, the show centered on the topic of extrasensory perception (ESP), and for the first 3 episodes, featured contestants who claimed to have psychic abilities as well as parapsychology consultant Carroll B. Nash. Each of the first 3 episodes of the show included two contestants who were separated and placed in isolation booths. From the isolation booths, contestants had to guess the number on the card that host Vincent Price was holding up that only he and the audience could see. The idea was a competitive psychic ability game show, but by episode 4 the formula was changed to re-enacting paranormal experiences with celebrity guests as a dramatic anthology. This formula change came with change to the title of the program now called "Tales of E.S.P." Unfortunately, these changes did not save the show from the chopping block and was cancelled by ABC executives after a one season stint. Despite its brief run, E.S.P. remains a notable part of television history and a reflection of the public's fascination with paranormal phenomena during the late 1950s.

Price's Involvement
Vincent Price was well-suited for his role as the host of E.S.P. for several reasons. First, he was a well-known and respected actor with a career spanning several decades. He was perhaps best known for his roles in horror movies, including classics such as "House of Wax" (1953), "The Fly" (1958), and "The House on Haunted Hill" (1959). Price's deep, distinctive voice and theatrical presence made him a natural fit for a show that dealt with mysterious and supernatural themes.

In addition to his acting career, Price had a personal interest in the paranormal and was a known advocate for psychic research. He was a member of the American Society for Psychical Research and wrote several books on the subject, including "The Vincent Price Treasury of American Art" and "I Like What I Know: A Visual Autobiography". His personal interest in the paranormal gave him a unique perspective and credibility that lent weight to the show's themes.

Finally, Price's charisma and charm made him a natural fit for the role of host. He was able to engage with the audience and contestants in a friendly and engaging manner, creating a sense of excitement and wonder that was integral to the success of the show. Overall, Vincent Price's combination of talent, personal interest, and charisma made him the ideal choice to host E.S.P. and helped to make the show a memorable part of television history.

Ep. 4
Episode 4 featured guest Lillian Roth.

Ep. 5
Episode 5 featured guest Joan Fontaine.

Ep. 6
Episode 6 featured guests Thorin Thatcher and Boris Karloff.

A story about a nineteenth-century ship's captain who sees an apparition aboard her husband's ship.

Ep. 7
Episode 7 featured guest Eduardo Ciannelli.

A story about a woman who has a recurring dream about her husband's impending death.

References:

https://www.avclub.com/tv/reviews/e-s-p-1958

Fox, Rina. E.S.P. http://ctva.biz/US/GameShow/ESP.htm https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0051269/

https://www.fernsehserien.de/e-s-p

https://www.nytimes.com/1958/07/12/archives/tv-review-esp-leaves-much-to-the-imagination.html?auth=login-google1tap&login=google1tap

https://gameshows.fandom.com/wiki/E.S.P

https://vincentpriceexhibit.com/TVRadio.html

https://anthonybalduccisjournal.wordpress.com/2013/10/25/e-s-p-1958/

http://www.classicscreams.com/Celeb_Pages/Vincent_Price.html

https://books.google.com/books?id=HilZDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT20&lpg=PT20&dq=E.S.P.+1958+tv+show+vincent+price&source=bl&ots=FInLWLrLpP&sig=ACfU3U3wDyndXv_YwzD-ZoI7y1_qlrP6Dg&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiRxtbz0Lb-AhWDj4kEHScsCjM4HhDoAXoECAMQAw#v=onepage&q=E.S.P.%201958%20tv%20show%20vincent%20price&f=false