"Merchant of Venice": Act I: Scene I (07:58)

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This version of the Shakespeare play is set in late-1930s Germany. Antonio complains that sadness has overtaken him. Bassanio wishes to woo the wealthy Portia and asks Antonio for a loan. Antonio agrees to cover the bond if Bassanio can find a lender.

"Merchant of Venice": Act I: Scene II (04:43)

Portia complains that her dead father's will stipulates that each of her suitors must choose correctly from three caskets. She and her maid Nerissa discuss potential husbands.

"Merchant of Venice": Act I: Scene III (10:59)

Bassanio secures a loan, agreeing to lose a pound of flesh if he cannot repay the debt on a specified date. Shylock dislikes Antonio because he lends money without interest and is outwardly anti-Semitic.

"Merchant of Venice": Act II: Scenes II (06:15)

Launcelot considers running away from his employer, Shylock, and plays a prank on his father. Bassanio agrees to allow the pair to work for him. Gratiano asks to go with the merchant to Portia's home.

"Merchant of Venice": Act II: Scene III (01:41)

Shylock criticizes his daughter’s cleanliness. Jessica laments that Launcelot is leaving Shylock's employ and asks him to deliver a note to Lorenzo.

"Merchant of Venice": Act II: Scene I (02:41)

The Prince of Morocco attempts to woo Portia. The pair agrees to go to the temple so he can choose a casket.

"Merchant of Venice": Act II: Scene IV (01:35)

Launcelot delivers Jessica's note. Lorenzo wishes to marry the daughter of Shylock. The group plans a party for that evening.

"Merchant of Venice": Act II: Scene V (05:40)

Shylock is invited to dinner and slaps his daughter. Jessica says that she will lock all the doors and windows. Launcelot warns her to keep the windows open because Lorenzo is coming; Jessica promises to convert to Christianity.

"Merchant of Venice": Act II Scene VI (07:30)

Singers entertain the party-goers; Launcelot performs his soliloquy from Act II scene II. Lorenzo implores his friends to help him obtain his bride.

"Merchant of Venice": Act II: Scene VIII (04:17)

The correct casket to win Portia's hand contains her picture. After misinterpreting the engravings, the Prince of Morocco chooses incorrectly.

"Merchant of Venice": Act II: Scene VIII (02:26)

Solanio recounts how Shylock behaved after his daughter eloped with a Christian and stole his gems. Bassanio and Antonio have parted.

"Merchant of Venice": Act II: Scene IX (09:12)

The Prince of Aragon dances. After misinterpreting the casket engravings, he chooses incorrectly. Portia is relieved and looks forward to Bassanio visiting.

"Merchant of Venice": Act III: Scene I (08:51)

Salerio and Solanio gossip about Antonio losing his ships at sea. Shylock laments that his daughter eloped and converted to Christianity. Henry Goodman performs the Shakespearean soliloquy "Hath not a Jew Eyes?"

"Merchant of Venice": Act III: Scene II (18:21)

Portia asks Bassanio not to choose a casket and stay with her; he selects the correct box. Gratiano asks for Nerissa's hand in marriage. Lorenzo arrives with news that Antonio's ship has been lost at sea.

"Merchant of Venice": Act III: Scene III (02:03)

Shylock demands the bond be repaid. Antonio does not have the income as his ships were lost at sea.

"Merchant of Venice": Act III: Scenes IV and V (04:36)

Jessica and Lorenzo say goodbye. Portia and Nerissa decide to dress as men to disguise themselves in Venice. Launcelot and Jessica argue whether she will be allowed to enter Heaven.

"Merchant of Venice": Act IV: Scene I (14:27)

The Duke of Venice hears Shylock, Bassanio, and Antonio arguing about the bond. Nerissa, disguised as a law clerk, delivers a letter from Bassanio. Portia, disguised as a lawyer, delivers "the quality of mercy is not strained" speech.

"Merchant of Venice": Act IV: Scene I—Verdict (22:21)

Portia argues that the contract allows the moneylender only flesh. The court grants Shylock his bond. The Duke conditionally grants remission of the state's share of the forfeiture. The Duke asks the lawyer to dinner. Portia asks for Bassanio's ring.

"Merchant of Venice": Act IV: Scene II (02:26)

Gratiano delivers the ring to Portia. Nerissa attempts to do the same.

"Merchant of Venice": Act V (20:17)

Jessica and Lorenzo stargaze. Portia and Nerissa pretend to accuse their husbands before revealing they were the lawyer and clerk. Antonio learns that his ships have returned safely; Jessica sings a Jewish hymn.

Credits: Merchant of Venice (01:58)

Credits: Merchant of Venice