After enduring a lifetime of persecution, a money lender has his chance for revenge when he takes to court a respected merchant who has defaulted on a loan, demanding payment of a pound of flesh.
Antonio promises money to help his friend Bassanio woo Portia. He borrows the sum needed from the cruel Shylock, but there will be a dreadful penalty if the loan is not repaid.
A comedy about a creditor demanding a pound of flesh in payment for a defaulted loan, and a lover who must choose among three caskets in a riddle game to win the hand of a wealthy lady.
Venetian moneylender Shylock insists that one of his contracts be followed even when it means the death of Antonio, a merchant. The wealthy and beautiful Portia helps defend Antonio in front of the Duke of Venice to defeat Shylock.