The Merchant of Venice
Synopsis
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.
Top Cast
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Release History & Theatrical Window
February 1, 1914
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Lois Weber, Phillips Smalley
- Screenplay & Story
- Lois Weber, William Shakespeare
- Original Title
- The Merchant of Venice
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 40m
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Lois Weber, Phillips Smalley
Lois Weber, William Shakespeare
Dal Clawson
Department Leadership Roster
Lois Weber
Director
Lois Weber
Writer
Phillips Smalley
Director
Dal Clawson
Director of Photography
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Merchant of Venice.
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Merchant of Venice
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
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 Lois Weber, Phillips Smalley.
Who stars in The Merchant of Venice?
The principal cast of The Merchant of Venice includes Phillips Smalley, Lois Weber, Douglas Gerrard, Rupert Julian, Jeanie Macpherson.
When was The Merchant of Venice released and how long is it?
The Merchant of Venice was released in 1914 with a total runtime of 40m.