National Theatre

10925 Lindbrook Drive,
Los Angeles, CA 90024

62 people favorited this theater

Opened March 27, 1970, the Mann National Theatre was one of the last single screen giants to be erected. Its rather bland exterior belied a large upstairs lobby (which was replete with chandeliers) and an enormous orange-colored auditorium (which boasted a massive screen).

The Mann National closed on April 19, 2007, but re-opened less than a month later under an independent exhibitor on a short-term lease. The theatre closed again on October 7, 2007 and was demolished in January 2008. In summer of 2014 construction began for a 34 apartment unit building.

Contributed by Ross Melnick

Recent comments (view all 750 comments)

Damon Packard on April 16, 2013 at 9:23 am

I’ve just written a script called WESTWOOD NIGHTS set at the NATIONAL in ‘85. An 80’s American Graffiti. It will likely never get made but just thought I’d mention it

DonSolosan on May 30, 2013 at 3:40 pm

I was in Westwood about a week ago and saw men working in the lot where the National stood, so it looks like they might actually be ready to build something there… five and a half years after they tore it down.

trevor1331 on August 10, 2013 at 4:23 pm

I was hired as an usher during the initial run of “Exorcist” and became the National’s AM for several years during the 1970s. CRAZY place filled with CRAZY people. It was glorious!

Richie_T on January 27, 2014 at 4:30 pm

Just recognized the National in all its living glory while watching David Fincher’s Zodiac. The house is packed with a 70s era audience while Dirty Harry plays on the big screen. The lobby is also featured as the film lets out. Check it out if you’re feeling nostalgic.

Chris Utley on June 29, 2014 at 2:53 pm

Looks like they’re building apartments or offices on the lot where this theatre once was.

HowardBHaas on June 29, 2014 at 3:15 pm

Googling, I found permission sought last year for a 34 unit apartment building with retail on ground floor & 2 floors of basement parking.

rivest266 on February 20, 2015 at 1:59 pm

Cultural Impact of The Exorcist 1973 at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mU-9m4DJpdI with interviews with the National’s staff. Admission: $3.50 (nearly 19 dollars in today’s money.)