National Theatre
10925 Lindbrook Drive,
Los Angeles,
CA
90024
10925 Lindbrook Drive,
Los Angeles,
CA
90024
62 people
favorited this theater
Opened March 27, 1970 with Kenneth Nelson in “The Boys in the Band”. The NGC 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 56ft wide and 26ft high). All seating was on a single sloping floor. It was equipped with Norelco DP-75 projectors which were capable of screening 35mm & 70mm films.
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
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Recent comments (view all 751 comments)
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.
Looks like they’re building apartments or offices on the lot where this theatre once was.
Googling, I found permission sought last year for a 34 unit apartment building with retail on ground floor & 2 floors of basement parking.
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.)
Anyone have the experience of seeing the Burt Bacharach musical LOST HORIZON at the National?
Oh wow! I think this is where I saw a re-release of “Raiders of the Lost Ark” in 1983. I was wondering what theater it was.
Great ad:
The Exorcist · Fri, Jan 4, 1974 – 65 · The Los Angeles Times (Los Angeles, California) · Newspapers.com
Re-looking at the photos from the last night. Man, one of the BIGGEST mistakes this city has EVER made: The closure and raze of the National. Devastating, even now.
Fifty years ago today the National held its invitational premiere grand opening. It’s disappointing the venue isn’t still with us to celebrate the milestone.