Celebrated stage actor Anthony "Tony" John, riding high on the success of his current comedy "A Gentleman's Gentleman," is offered the lead in a new production of Shakespeare's ''Othello'' by theatrical producer Max Lasker. Lasker also wants Tony's ex-wife, Brita, to co-star as Desdemona. Tony initially declines the offer to the relief of director Victor Donlan, who knows Tony becomes overly involved in his roles. Brita agrees with Donlan and warns press agent Bill Friend that although Tony's mood is delightful when appearing in a comedy, he is terrifying when appearing in a drama. Tony changes his mind after becoming obsessed with the idea of portraying Othello. Tony meets waitress Pat Kroll at an Italian restaurant, and the two soon begin an affair. Brita reluctantly accepts the role of Desdemona and rehearsals begin. The production opens to rave reviews, but Tony becomes absorbed in his role and begins to hear voices. Tony sees jealousy as the key to his character. On the 300th performance of the play, during Othello's "kiss of death" scene with Desdemona, Tony nearly chokes Brita to death after Brita shows him a locket Bill gave her for her birthday. When the play begins its second year, Tony asks Brita to remarry him, but she refuses. Tony suspects Brita is in love with Bill. Enraged, Tony goes to Pat's apartment and kills her with Othello's "kiss of death." Tony returns to Brita's and falls asleep on her couch. The next day, reporter Al Cooley offers Bill front page publicity for Tony's play by pointing out the similarities between Pat's murder and Othello's "kiss of death." Tony is enraged when he sees the story, and fights Bill. Bill suspects Tony is Pat's killer and goes to the police, only to find that Pat's drunken neighbor has been arrested for her murder. Tony demands Bill's dismissal, and Bill plans a short vacation. Bill tells Brita he loves her, but Brita does not return his feelings. However, Brita tells Bill that Tony left her home
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The figure of Othello from the tragic play by William Shakespeare has appeared in many examples in art and culture since being authored by Shakespeare in the early 16th century.
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