"The Climbers" is a strong drama. This show ran on Broadway in 1901 for 163 performances and was revived again in 1904. It is dated by social & professional roles of women at the dawn of the 20th century, which were quite different than today's standards. The play initially caused controversy because the opening scene shows women who are crying just after a funeral. There are great opening clashes between the widow Mrs. Hunter and her sister-in-law Ruth. The action builds well from act to until the final curtain. The main issue involves an examination of ethics and the stock market as we find that Hunter went broke in a copper deal and his son-in-law Sterling who is an investment broker runs through family fortunes like water on one speculative deal after the next.