Bob Broughton: Transitioning from Walt Disney to War Films

Bob Broughton, renowned for his camera effects artistry, left an indelible mark in both Walt Disney Studios and the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), the precursor to the CIA. Over his 45-year tenure with Disney, Broughton played a pivotal role in nearly every animated classic, showcasing his expertise in combining live action with animation. His notable contributions include making penguins dance and enabling Mary Poppins to fly.

Born on September 17, 1917, in Berkeley, California, Broughton began his Disney journey in 1937 after earning a degree in chemistry, physics, mathematics, and optics from UCLA. Starting as a mail delivery person, he swiftly moved to the camera department, contributing to classics like Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Broughton’s mastery of the multiplane camera, used to add depth to animated features, led to his key role in films like Fantasia, Pinocchio, and Bambi.

The multiplane camera, a technological marvel, allowed the filming of artwork on glass layers, creating depth and richness in animated scenes. Broughton’s technical wizardry played a crucial role in the evolution of Disney’s animation magic, from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in 1937 to The Little Mermaid in 1989.

When World War II erupted, Broughton answered the call to service, leaving Disney to join the OSS. Under Hollywood director John Ford, he utilized his unique talents to create documentary films about the war. This work played a significant role in incorporating film into intelligence, with the OSS Intelligence Photographic Documentation Project documenting areas of strategic importance worldwide.

After the war, Broughton returned to Disney, working with legend Ub Iwerks on live-action motion pictures. He employed innovative techniques like Color Traveling Matte Composite Cinematography, creating visual effects in films such as Mary Poppins, The Parent Trap, and Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds.

Retiring in 1982, Broughton’s impact continued through his coordination of the retiree club, The Golden Ears, for 15 years. Recognized as a Disney Legend in 2001, he left behind a legacy of creativity and talent. Broughton passed away on January 19, 2009, at the age of 91, survived by two sons, five grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. His warmth, humor, and passion for Disney endure in the hearts of those who knew him.

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