Iago and a comrade-in-arms are outside the Venice home of Desdemona's father, who does not yet know that she has eloped with Othello. Iago confides to his friend -- who had hoped to marry Desdemona -- that he serves Othello to further his own ends. Venice needs Othello to protect its commercial interests in Cyprus where the Turkish fleet is headed. Desdemona insists on going to Cyprus, too. In Cyprus, Iago plots to convince Othello that Desdemona has betrayed him with Cassio. A lot more than political ambition seems to be motivating Iago. Summary written by Dale O'Connor {daleoc@interaccess.com} Desdemona defies her father to marry the Moor of Venice, the mighty warrior, Othello. But Iago, (Othello's old lieutenant) doesn't like Cassio, (Othello's new lieutenant), and he plans, with the help of his wife Emilia, to destroy both Cassio and Othello through Othello's feelings for Desdemona.

release year: 1981

star(s): Anthony Hopkins