Madame Butterfly is a 1932 American pre-Code drama film directed by Marion Gering, based on David Belasco's play and the story by John Luther Long.

Music is credited to W. Franke Harling (although much of it is an adaptation of Giacomo Puccini's opera Madama Butterfly), cinematography by David Abel, art direction by Ward Ihnen.

At Goro's Tea House, we are introduced to Cho-Cho San (Sylvia Sidney) who is bidding farewell to her mother and grandfather.

After the relatives leave, Goro introduces Prince Yamadori, a prospective husband, to Cho-Cho San.

When Yamadori finds her withdrawn, Madame Goro explains that Cho-Cho San is high-born and is not yet used to the geisha life style.

Meanwhile, on board an American steamship due to arrive in Japan for several months' stay, Lieutenant Barton (Charlie Ruggles) convinces his friend Lieutenant Ben F. Pinkerton (Cary Grant) that once they arrive to skip the American Counsul's party and plan to enjoy themselves instead.

They are seated and watch a performance of dancing and music played by the geishas, and begin to become intimate with them.

Barton takes Pinkerton aside and tells him that "marriage" to Japanese is just a formality: when husbands desert, the geishas can automatically be considered divorced.

Realizing how easy the situation is, Pinkerton informs Goro of his intention to marry Cho-Cho San.

Cho-Cho San's relatives assemble at the couple's new house, and the marriage takes place as a tea ceremony.

In an aside to Barton, Pinkerton explains that he hasn't had the courage to tell Cho-Cho San that he's leaving the following day.

While eating, the commander of the naval vessel visits the table, mentioning they are due to leave tomorrow.

She points out that a robin has nested and speaks to her son, revealing his name as "Trouble" for now, but when Pinkerton returns, it will be changed to "Joy".

In Cho-Cho San's home, her grandfather asks her to marry Yamadori, but Cho-Cho San explains that, unlike in Japan where desertion is ground for divorce, in the United States divorce can only be effected by a judge after a period of years.

He asks her to return home, if only for the sake of the child, but she rejects her grandfather's ways, saying that she and the entire house belong to Pinkerton.

Meanwhile, Pinkerton and his newly married wife Adelaide walk down the marriage aisle to the strains of Mendelssohn's music and rice being thrown by guests.

Cho-Cho San sees a naval ship in the distance and is overjoyed at Pinkerton's imminent return, explaining it to her son.

Suzuki and Trouble fall asleep, but Cho-Cho San continues to watch all night through the morning.