Meet Tiny Kline, the daring 'iron jawed' aerialist and queen of the Slide for Life.
Tiny Kline (1891-1964), born Elvira Emma Klemke, was a Hungarian-born Jewish immigrant who arrived in the United States in 1905. While her stage name might suggest a diminutive stature, Tiny Kline possessed a spirit and talent that were anything but small. She was a pioneering female stunt performer, best known for her breathtaking Slide for Life, a feat that captivated audiences and cemented her place in entertainment history. Tiny Kline inspired several scenes in Silver Echoes.
Tiny's journey to becoming a daredevil performer wasn't a straight line. Details about her early life are somewhat scarce, adding to the mystique surrounding her. However, it's clear that she possessed an adventurous streak and a fearless nature. She began performing at carnivals and fairs, honing her skills and developing her unique act.
Early Tragedy
Tragedy struck early in her career when her husband, Wild West trick rider Otto Kline, died shortly after their marriage. Left to forge her own path, she began working in the circus, starting as a statue girl before progressing to Roman rider. Driven to advance, she developed her signature Slife for Life stunt. This daring iron jaw act involved dangling from a trapeze rigging by her teeth and sliding to the ground. No safety net, no elaborate rigging—just Tiny, her skill, and her nerves of steel. The sheer audacity of the stunt, combined with Tiny's showmanship, made it a must-see spectacle.
Tiny Kline performs her Slide for Life in New York City, 1932
Tiny's career flourished in the early 20th century, a time when women were often confined to traditional roles. She defied expectations, carving out a space for herself in the thrilling world of stunt performance. She toured with circuses and vaudeville shows, thrilling audiences across the country. Her most famous Slide for Life took place in 1932, high above the bustling crowds of Times Square in New York City. She slid down a wire stretched from the Hotel Edison to the Prospect Theatre, a death-defying feat that cemented her legendary status. This particular act, a daring publicity stunt, is immortalized in rare newsreel footage, a testament to her courage and showmanship. Newspaper articles from the era often described her performances with awe and wonder, marveling at her bravery and skill.
Versatility and Courage
Beyond the "Slide for Life," Tiny also performed other stunts, showcasing her versatility and courage. She was a true pioneer, paving the way for future generations of female stunt performers. She challenged societal norms and proved that women could be just as daring and capable as their male counterparts.
Unfortunately, like many performers of her time, Tiny Kline's story isn't as widely known as it should be. Information about her personal life and later years is limited. This makes it even more important to remember and celebrate her achievements. She was a woman who dared to defy gravity, both literally and figuratively. She lived a life on her own terms, pushing boundaries and captivating audiences with her extraordinary talent.
Tiny Kline's legacy serves as an inspiration, reminding us that courage, skill, and a touch of showmanship can take you to great heights—even if you're sliding down a wire hundreds of feet in the air! Let's remember Tiny Kline, the Queen of the Slide for Life, and celebrate her remarkable contribution to entertainment history.
Do you know more about Tiny Kline or other forgotten female performers? Share your thoughts and insights in the comments below! Let's keep these incredible stories alive.
GOLD DIGGER and SILVER ECHOES by historical novelist Rebecca Rosenberg are available now at Amazon
