National Theatre
10925 Lindbrook Drive,
Los Angeles,
CA
90024
10925 Lindbrook Drive,
Los Angeles,
CA
90024
59 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.
Contributed by
Ross Melnick
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Recent comments (view all 750 comments)
A big thanks to markinthedark for the latest batch of photos taken on the National’s last night.
Heartbreaking.
NOW I remember where I saw “The Exorcist”! Thanks!
Is that Regan’s bedroom window with the curtains blowing around on the side wall of the theater? Nice touch of showmanship.
Yes, it is Regan’s window box. They installed a fan to blow the curtains. It was done by Warner Bros. PR department.
Man what a loss… I was at opening night here for Krull, Star Trek The Motion Picture, and bunches of others, My home theater was the Village, but this was a special place!
A fantastic theater to see any movie. I saw “The Exorcist” when the engagement was winding down. Most of the audience was sitting toward the back of the auditorium. Big butch me, I went to sit, all alone, about 10 rows from the front. When I looked around, all I saw was the huge screen and rows of empty seats. When the film ended, the ushers found me in a fetal position, having a conversation with Sigmund Freud. I am now a popular religious figure with a large congregation, and I plan on marrying my partner. He’s six years old, and his favorite movie is “The Exorcist.”
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
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.
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!
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.