Chance of a Lifetime

Chance of a Lifetime was a talent game show.

Broadcast
ABC 1952-1956

DuMont 1953-1955

Packager
Robert Jennings Productions

Distributors
ABC Television Distribution (1952-1956)

DuMont Television Distribution (1953-1955)

Host
Dennis James (ABC Version)

John Reed King (DuMont Version)

Announcer
Ken Roberts

Gameplay
At first, this was a guessing game. It then turned into a talent game show. Three professional performers, usually singers, dancers or instrumentalists, competed in the first half of each episode. The winner of that first half, determined by an audience applause meter, then competed against a returning champion in the second half. After both champion and challenger, in that order, have performed, the audience applause meter determines the champion, who receives $1000 cash, the opportunity to return the following week, and a week's engagement at a popular nightspot.