Othello (1914)

Desdemona, a beautiful and high-born Venetian lady, is wooed and won by Othello, a Moorish general whose dusky skin cannot conceal a chivalrous and adventurous spirit such as women love. Desdemona's father, Brabantio, learning of their secret marriage, is much incensed and goes before the Duke of Venice and complains that his daughter has been stolen from him. It so happens that Othello's warlike qualities are in demand upon the very night in which these affairs culminate. He has been in the service of the Venetian government and the state now requires his presence in Cyprus to oppose a Turkish fleet. He is, therefore, suffered to depart in peace with his wife, Desdemona, especially since she in the Council Chamber declares her love and confidence in him. Iago, Othello's ancient or ensign, has sworn secret enmity against his master because the Moor raised Cassio instead of himself to the chief lieutenancy. His enmity has taken the form of carefully laid plots, which began the very nuptial night of Othello. In Cyprus, where Othello and his train repairs, the plots have abundant time for ripening. A storm has wrecked the Turkish fleet and Othello remains in command of land amid a general revelry authorized by him to celebrate the destruction of the enemy and in honor of his own nuptials. During the feast, Iago makes Cassio drunk and involves him in a street brawl. Othello arrives on the scene and deprives the officer of his lieutenancy. Iago advises Cassio to sue for favor and restoration of his rank through Desdemona, since Othello will deny her nothing. Cassio, unsuspicious of treachery, obtains an interview with Desdemona. Iago lures Othello to the scene, innocent enough, but greeted with an ominous shake of the head by Iago. Othello, seeing the gesture, questions his ensign, whereupon the latter instills the poison of jealousy into his master's ears, making him to doubt Desdemona's relations with Cassio; the doubt intensified when the lady, in the kindness of her heart, intervenes for Cassio. Henceforward, Iago loses no opportunity to do his best to add to his master's jealousy. He procures by stealth a handkerchief given by Othello to Desdemona. and causes it to be found in Cassio's possession. Othello becomes convinced that his wife has been untrue to him. He determines upon her death and charges his supposed friend, Iago, with the task of dispatching Cassio. Nothing loathe, Iago embroils Cassio in a night combat with Roderigo, a former suitor of Desdemona, entangled in the meshes of Iago. Cassio wounds Roderigo. Iago desire the death of both, and so unseen, stabs Cassio. Meanwhile Othello goes to the bedchamber of Desdemona and smothers her to death. Emilia, wife of Iago and the devoted servant of Desdemona, proves to Othello that his wife that he has just murdered, is innocent. Iago kills Emilia. Othello wounds Iago. then kills himself. Cassio, who still lives, is advanced to the government of Cyprus and Iago is reserved for a lingering torture.