Comments about National Theatre in Los Angeles, CA

MSC77 on December 31, 2021 at 4:20 pm

Here’s the link to a 12-page 40th anniversary RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK retrospective featuring a historian Q&A and 70mm playdate chronology. The National is mentioned several times and is featured in one of the images.

MSC77 on March 26, 2020 at 12:21 am

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.

CStefanic on September 5, 2018 at 5:11 pm

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.

rivest266 on March 7, 2018 at 2:20 pm

Great ad: The Exorcist · Fri, Jan 4, 1974 – 65 · The Los Angeles Times (Los Angeles, California) · Newspapers.com

John Miller on January 27, 2016 at 9:01 pm

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.

Cliff Carson on September 10, 2015 at 11:17 am

Anyone have the experience of seeing the Burt Bacharach musical LOST HORIZON at the National?

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.)

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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

Floresaj on August 14, 2012 at 3:13 pm

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!

William on May 25, 2012 at 11:22 am

Yes, it is Regan’s window box. They installed a fan to blow the curtains. It was done by Warner Bros. PR department.

Bill Huelbig on May 25, 2012 at 11:16 am

Is that Regan’s bedroom window with the curtains blowing around on the side wall of the theater? Nice touch of showmanship.

HornerJack on January 17, 2012 at 4:21 am

NOW I remember where I saw “The Exorcist”! Thanks!

ChasSmith on January 12, 2012 at 10:51 am

A big thanks to markinthedark for the latest batch of photos taken on the National’s last night.

Heartbreaking.

BRADE48 on July 25, 2011 at 3:16 pm

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.

JoelWeide on July 15, 2011 at 7:42 pm

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.

JoelWeide on July 15, 2011 at 9:56 am

Ross, thats a great article in the ‘Curbed!’ Best way yet I’ve seen to remember a former theatre, hope that idea catches on!!!

Ross Melnick on June 9, 2011 at 10:15 am

Thanks Joel! CinemaTour is an amazing site. Here’s a photo you must see in Curbed Los Angeles.

BRADE48 on June 8, 2011 at 2:16 pm

I wish I had been taking pictures of the National over the years before it closed. It had one of the best marquees of any theatre. If you took Gayley into the village from Wilshire the National greeted you. The marquee was so large that any graphics really stood out. The pictures on Cinematour with How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days really illustrates how stunning the National was. I still get sad when I drive in Westwood. It is a theatre we will never experience again.

socal09 on June 7, 2011 at 10:26 pm

Thanks for the link JoelWeide. I never went to this theatre before it’s demolition but I like it’s sparse, understated 70’s grandeur. I’m sure not everyone would agree. We’ll never see big, single screen cinemas built like this again. It was unique. What a waste to destroy it and not even fill in the lot with some bland condos. It definitely qualifies as a lost Cinema Treasure.

JoelWeide on June 7, 2011 at 8:17 pm

Greetings Ross: You will find extensive photography of the National Theatre at: http://www.cinematour.com/tour/us/2134.html .

See you at the movies! Cheers!
Joel Weide

National Theatre

10925 Lindbrook Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90024

10925 Lindbrook Drive,
Los Angeles, CA 90024