National Theatre
10925 Lindbrook Drive,
Los Angeles,
CA
90024
10925 Lindbrook Drive,
Los Angeles,
CA
90024
57 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 747 comments)
Ross, thats a great article in the ‘Curbed!’ Best way yet I’ve seen to remember a former theatre, hope that idea catches on!!!
Many THANKS to ‘hollywood90038’ for the photography of the demolition of the National. While it is indeed sad to see this theatre torn down, it is important that all aspects of the theatre be documented when ever possible. I sincerely hope that will all that iron in the frame of the National that it was recycled into another structure and not simply sold to a salvage yard.
The photos newly added just want to make me cry. We will never have theatres like this ever again. I love the newly added photos from the early 70’s.
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