---
title: "The Merchant of Venice"
year: 1953
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/the-merchant-of-venice-1953"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 469590
imdb_id: null
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 102
community_rating: 6.7
vote_count: 0
content_rating: "Unrated"
---

# The Merchant of Venice (1953) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/the-merchant-of-venice-1953

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

The Merchant of Venice is a 1953 drama film released on July 12, 1953, in France, with a runtime of one hour and forty-two minutes. It is loosely based on William Shakespeare's Elizabethan play of the same name.

The film tells the story of a depressed rich merchant named Antonio who borrows money from a money-lender named Shylock to help his friend Bassanio woo Portia, whose father left a strange will involving three caskets. Cultural significance stems from its adaptation of Shakespeare's work, presenting a dramatic exploration of personal grudges, financial desperation, and unusual contract terms.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "A depressed merchant borrows money from a begrudged lender to help his friend woo Portia."

### Why Watch
- It is loosely based on William Shakespeare's Elizabethan play of the same name.
- It features a narrative involving a high-stakes loan agreement with a money-lender.
- It explores themes of friendship, romance, and unexpected business failures.

### Caveats & Content Note
- The synopsis cuts off before revealing the full resolution of the loan terms when Antonio's business fails.
- Tone & Suitability: The film runs for one hour and forty-two minutes and falls under the drama genre.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: #elizabethan-drama, #shakespearian-adaptation, #financial-conflict, #romantic-pursuit, #grudge-match

## Streaming Availability Matrix

Direct streaming licensing updates dynamically. Consult the live tracking interface at https://www.archytele.com/show/the-merchant-of-venice-1953#watch.

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Pierre Billon
- **Networks / Studios**: Élysée Films, Venturini Film

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Michel Simon** as *Shylock*
- **Andrée Debar** as *Portia*
- **Massimo Serato** as *Antonio*
- **Armando Francioli** as *Bassanio*
- **Giorgio Albertazzi** as *Lorenzo*
- **Liliana Tellini** as *Jessica*
- **Olga Solbelli** as *Bianca*
- **Clara Auteri Pepe** as *Nerissa*
- **Franco Balducci** as *Ami d'Antonio*
- **Nerio Bernardi** as *Le doge*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: Where to stream The Merchant of Venice (1953)?
Streaming availability for this 1953 film is not specified in the provided sources.

### Q: Is it worth watching?
It may appeal to viewers interested in cinematic adaptations of William Shakespeare's Elizabethan plays.

### Q: What is the binge duration?
The film has a total runtime of one hour and forty-two minutes.

### Q: What are the essential episodes?
As a feature film released on July 12, 1953, it is viewed as a single complete movie rather than a series with episodes.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [The Merchant of Venice — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/469590)
- [The Merchant of Venice (1953 film) - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Merchant_of_Venice_(1953_film))
- [The Merchant of Venice (1914) | ČSFD.cz](https://www.csfd.cz/film/144431-the-merchant-of-venice/prehled/)

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*