That Mann National was built in 1970 and designed by Architect, Harold Levitt, who also built contemporary Mid Century Modern homes.
The modernist theatre was designed and built by Architect, Harold Levitt who was also known for building Mid Century Homes in Los Angeles.
Some of you might remember when the “Exorcist” and “Phantom Of the Paradise” played at the Mann National. Movie goers waited four hours in drizzling rain on the opening weekend of "The Exorcist". It was an unforgettable experience for many. If you look very closely on that huge painted sign on the right side of the building... that little thing sticking out was a recreation of Regan's bedroom window with the curtains blowing out.
Audiences react to seeing The Exorcist at the Mann National
“Phantom Of the Paradise” played at the Mann National.
Photo courtesy of Richard Wojcik
It was one of my favorite theaters in the Village and I had many great movie going experiences there as agrowing up. One very memorable experiences was seeing Natalie Wood and her daughters behind us in line for "Superman". She was just a regular Mom on an outing with her children that day. It was very sad that I would see "Brainstorm", (her last film) at this same theatre just a few years later.
As a teenager I saw, "Raiders of the Lost Ark”"The Nude Bomb", “Beverly Hills Cop”, “At Close Range”, “Top Gun”, "The Untouchables", “The Twilight Zone”, "License To Kill", "Single White Female" and "Clueless" at the Mann National. It was one of my Friday night destinations in during the 1980s and 90's.
The Mann National was also captured on celluloid in the 2007 movie, “Zodiac”. No set designer was necessary because its original retro design was intact until the end.
Screen shot from "Zodiac" featuring the Mann National. It was depicted as a theatre in San Francisco for the movie. Production got in at the last minute. The Theatre was torn down the same year.
Prop "dummies" used as theatre goers for "Zodiac"
Photo below show the theater's condition the year it was torn down
in 2007. It was completely intact. I'll never forget that grand staircase that took you up to the theater.
A gorgeous time capsule of mid-century design. It's an irreplaceable loss. It's so frustrating how builders are incapable of incorporating existing structures, facades, etc into new builds. Disregarding The Mann National was irresponsible and deplorable.
What took its place at 10925 Lindbrook Drive is disgraceful.
This is not progress. This theatre should still be standing. So should many others such as the Beverly Theatre, Cathay Circle, and the ABC Entertainment Center, for example. It should be against the law to tear down such historic places. I will never understand how they all got away. 
(Photos found on Google & Cinema Treasures)
Alison Martino is a writer, television producer and personality, and L.A. pop culture historian. She founded the FACEBOOK PAGE Vintage Los Angeles in 2010. In addition to writing for Los Angeles Magazine and VLA, Martino muses on L.A’s. past and present on Twitter and Instagram