I managed the National Twin in 1971/72. It was built as a twin and was beautiful with good presentation. I opened the Cypress Village in 1969 which was the last single screen theatre built by National General. I also worked at National General theatres in Lansing, Ann Arbor, Tucson and Lubbock. Of those only the Spartin was built as a twin. This was a very impressive theatre in it’s day.
Hello to everyone that remembers this theatre. National General built some nice theatres, except they didn’t understand the market and they were obsolete upon opening. Ted Mann started building multiplexes as soon as he took over the company, but efforts to save theatres like this one were always doomed. This was a beautiful theatre with many fond memories, especially the people we were lucky enough to work with and get to know. I met my children’s mother working there.
This theatre was a sister to a theatre in Mission Valley in San Diego. The late 70’s were a hard time for the industry, especially large single screen theatres. Seeing an empty auditorium of that size for 1941 was especially sad. The Jerk had it’s world premiere here. Working this theatre during Animal House, Close Encounters and Raiders was exciting!
I managed the National Twin in 1971/72. It was built as a twin and was beautiful with good presentation. I opened the Cypress Village in 1969 which was the last single screen theatre built by National General. I also worked at National General theatres in Lansing, Ann Arbor, Tucson and Lubbock. Of those only the Spartin was built as a twin. This was a very impressive theatre in it’s day.
Hello to everyone that remembers this theatre. National General built some nice theatres, except they didn’t understand the market and they were obsolete upon opening. Ted Mann started building multiplexes as soon as he took over the company, but efforts to save theatres like this one were always doomed. This was a beautiful theatre with many fond memories, especially the people we were lucky enough to work with and get to know. I met my children’s mother working there.
This theatre was a sister to a theatre in Mission Valley in San Diego. The late 70’s were a hard time for the industry, especially large single screen theatres. Seeing an empty auditorium of that size for 1941 was especially sad. The Jerk had it’s world premiere here. Working this theatre during Animal House, Close Encounters and Raiders was exciting!
Closed in 2002 to become Whole Foods? What happened to Mann’s plans for a new multiplex? What replaced the National?
Are the Village and Bruin still major venues?
Have many great memories involving this theatre. Hope the new operators have a feel for history and presentation!