The 1981 BBC adaptation of Shakespeare's classic tragedy about the Moorish general who "loved not wisely, but too well" -- and so is duped by his evil aide into thinking that his wife has been unfaithful.

As war between Venetians and the Turks rages in the 16th century, Othello weds the beautiful Desdemona and promotes Cassio over his longtime assistant, Iago. Othello prepares to celebrate his marriage, but Iago - furious over Othello's snub - has dastardly plans in store for his employer. Iago begins to poison Othello's mind against Desdemona, claiming that she's having an affair with Cassio; he even manages to produce ''proof'' of the infidelity. It doesn't take long for the jealous general to start believing Iago's allegations, and he winds up on the path of destruction.