The moor Othello, a well-esteemed Venetian general, and the beautiful Desdemona, senator Brabantio's daughter, hold secret nuptials in Venice. At the far end of the church, two men stand in the background: there is Iago, Othello's officer who hides an immeasurable hatred for him, and Roderigo, madly in love with Desdemona. After their union, Othello leaves to fight the Turkish fleet, then meets up with his wife in Cyprus, where he is appointed governor. The deceitful Iago is determined to tear apart the newlyweds' bliss by manipulating their entourage....