Although Bassanio owes his friend Antonio a great deal of money, he must borrow more to make a good impression when he courts his true love, Portia. However, Antonio is short of cash and must borrow from the lender, Shylock. More problems arise when Antonio's ships are wrecked, leaving him penniless when Shylock's loan is due. Bassanio must now find a way to save his friend's life, but help is on the way from an unexpected source!