In this lively comedy of love and money in sixteenth-century Venice Bassanio wants to impress the wealthy heiress Portia but lacks the necessary funds. He turns to his merchant friend Antonio who is forced to borrow from Shylock a Jewish moneylender. When Antonio's business falters repayment becomes impossible--and by the terms of the loan agreement Shylock is able to demand a pound of Antonio's flesh. Portia cleverly intervenes and all ends well (except of course for Shylock).
