The Merchant of Venice (1980)
A rich merchant, Antonio is depressed for no good reason, until his good friend Bassanio comes to tell him how he's in love with Portia. Portia's father has died and left a very strange will: only the man that picks the correct casket out of three (silver, gold, and lead) can marry her. Bassanio, unfortunately, is strapped for cash with which to go wooing, and Antonio wants to help, so Antonio borrows the money from Shylock, the money-lender. But Shylock has been nursing a grudge against Antonio's insults, and makes unusual terms to the loan. And when Antonio's business fails, those terms threaten his life, and it's up to Bassanio and Portia to save him.
Director: Jack Gold
Genre: Comedy, TV Movie, Romance, Drama
Runtime: 157 min
Release Date: December 17, 1980
Cast
- John Franklyn-Robbins - Antonio
- John Rhys-Davies - Salerio
- Alan David - Solanio
- John Nettles - Bassanio
- Richard Morant - Lorenzo
- Kenneth Cranham - Gratiano
- Gemma Jones - Portia
- Susan Jameson - Nerissa
- Daniel Mitchell - Balthasar
- Warren Mitchell - Shylock
Screenplay
- William Shakespeare (Theatre Play)
Music: Stephen Oliver, Carl Davis
Production: BBC, Time-Life Television Productions
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English
Original Language: en
More Films by Director: Jack Gold
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is The Merchant of Venice about?
- A rich merchant, Antonio is depressed for no good reason, until his good friend Bassanio comes to tell him how he's in love with Portia. Portia's father has died and left a very strange will: only the man that picks the correct casket out of three (silver, gold, and lead) can marry her. Bassanio, unfortunately, is strapped for cash with which to go wooing, and Antonio wants to help, so Antonio borrows the money from Shylock, the money-lender. But Shylock has been nursing a grudge against Antonio's insults, and makes unusual terms to the loan. And when Antonio's business fails, those terms threaten his life, and it's up to Bassanio and Portia to save him.
- Who directed The Merchant of Venice?
- The Merchant of Venice was directed by Jack Gold.
- Who stars in The Merchant of Venice?
- The Merchant of Venice stars John Franklyn-Robbins, John Rhys-Davies, Alan David, John Nettles, Richard Morant, Kenneth Cranham.
- How long is The Merchant of Venice?
- The Merchant of Venice has a runtime of 2h 37m (157 minutes).
- What genre is The Merchant of Venice?
- The Merchant of Venice is a Comedy, TV Movie, Romance, Drama film.
- Where was The Merchant of Venice produced?
- The Merchant of Venice was produced in United Kingdom.