The Merchant of Venice (Maggie Smith at the BBC Collection) (1972)

Director:	Cedric Messina
Actors:	Maggie Smith, Frank Finlay, Charles Gray, Christopher Gable, Robert Harris, Malcolm Stoddard

Few words can fully describe the dazzling range of Dame Maggie Smith. She is an icon of stage and screen, both large and small, yet she is tantalizingly enigmatic when removed from the limelight that most actors crave. However, all thar is required to view any single performance from her illustrious 50-year career to immediately appreciate the personality and breadth she brings to even her smallest roles.

As part of BBC's Play of the Month series, The Merchant of Venice is one of Shakespeare's most famous comedies, celebrated for its captivating villain, Shylock. Also contains Acting in the 60s: Maggie Smith, an interview where Smith talks about comedy.