In this lively comedy of love and money in sixteenthcentury 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.