Nice to hear from you Dick. Lost touch with you after you left WB. As the one who has suggested the dine-In concept, I have also contacted all three leading companies who do it to bring their attention to the National. If you read the recent posts on the National page here on Cinema Treasures, you will see that we already have an abundance of “realistic” pessimism. A look at the National page on CInema SIghtlines will show you that some of us even saw this coming. We are all very well aware of the plethora of reasons for things not working out. It just seems less construcive to sit idly by and enable the loss of one of our last good theatres by not at least trying.
Remember that If one man had not brought a lawsuit against the city, another popular bigscreen venue would have been ruined a few years ago, and there would not now be a proper screen with three projectors to show a certain epic in the WB library the way it was meant to be seen. It would be nice to have such a man in this case, but in absence of that we can at least try.
I imagine wherever you may choose, it’s going to be out of the way for some of us, who don’t live near WLA or wherever. If the criteria were a somewhat quiet bar/lounge area, that served liquor and/or food, and was close to a cinema but didn’t require a ticket purchase… well, what else is there beside the ArcLight, the Bridge, the Grove, the Landmark, the Silent Movie Theatre, Universal Citywalk, the Beverly Center or the food court next to the Chinese 6 at Hollywood & Highland?
Based on everyone’s thoughts, sounds like the ideal place might be Joe Musil’s Museum of Theatre Design, but it’s in Santa Ana… and the nearest food or liquor is downstairs.
It’s a nice idea anyway. Let’s see who can show up, and where they’re traveling from…
You know, FWIW, I’m not inclined to read too much into their choice of venue. It doesn’t require anyone to spend any money, it’s near a cinema… and it’s nearly impossible to please everyone.
Honestly, the Crest has no place for an undetermined number of people to sit, hang out, drink and talk for an indefinite period. It’s not as if we could get them to just cancel a show so we could meet in the theatre. They have a business to run.
The CT guys obviously were looking for something near a theatre that had some seating, served alcohol and didn’t require anyone to spend a lot of money. That would pretty much limit them to The Bridge, ArcLight, The Landmark, The Grove (there’s a cafe thing attached to the lobby) or the SIlent Movie Theatre, which probably doesn’t sell liquor.
Too far away for me, but what can you do? I’m not taking this one personally.
The Theatre vs. Theater is a touchy debate. Theat(er) is no more correct than the original Theat(re) spelling. In fact many see it as a less legitimate variation.
From my four decades experience in and around professional legit and movie venues, it was always spelled the original British/European way: Theatre, while the Americanized (theater) spelling was usually… well let’s just say that the classier professional places always spelled it Theatre. Just the way I was brought up, but not without basis in fact….
According to Wikipedia, the original spelling is the French/British “Theatre,” as cited in Samuel Johnson’s 1755 Dictionary of the English Language. American Noah Webster, in 1828, for nationalistic and philosophical reasons, tried to initiate a wide spelling reform, including an Americanized spelling of words like Theatre. Many of his self-created spelling changes didn’t catch on. Those of us trying to preserve some classic traditions, tend to use the original spelling.
CULTURAL HERITAGE HEARING ON THE NATIONAL THEATRE IN WESTWOOD.
The National Theatre in Westwood is one of the 3 last big-screen, large capacity individual movie theatres still standing in greater Los Angeles. This theatre is a rare example of late 60s-early 70s modern architecture, with some historical significance regarding the motion picture events that have taken place there. Known for superior picture and sound presentation, The National Theatre has been a favorite movie showplace in Los Angeles for over 37 years.
The property owner, Simms Development corp, has definite plans to demolish this irreplaceable theatre, to build condominiums and probably some commercial space.
A group called Friends of the National Theatre is applying to the LA Cultural Heritage Commission to grant the building Historical-Cultural Monument status, which could delay demolition while the case is fully reviewed.
The National application is the final item on the agenda of a meeting scheduled for Thursday, November 1 at 10am in Room 101 of City Hall.
If there is any hope of saving the theatre, this is the opportunity for Friends of the National Theatre, and anyone wishing to speak up with reasons not to destroy it, to come forward.
What: Cultural Heritage Commission Hearing on the National Theatre
When: Thursday, Nov 1 at 10:00AM
Where: LA City Hall – 200 North Spring Street – Room 1010 – Los Angeles, CA 90012
We suggest you make the Cultural Heritage Commissioners aware of your support for the National Theatre, and help them recognize its historical & cultural significance by faxing polite letters to:
Just asking to keep the theatre standing isn’t as persuasive without some practical ideas for how the theatre could be made into a profitable venture. We are working on a proposal suggesting that the National could be commercially viable if adapted into the popular Movie Tavern/Studio Movie Grill/Alamo Drafthouse concept, which has yet to be done in this area and seems particularly suitable for an upscale college community like Westwood.Â
Keeping the first-rate bigscreen picture & sound presentation, while adapting part of the audience area to accommodate several levels of food service, could broaden the theatre’s appeal by offering something for everyone in a way that is not available elsewhere.Â
Anyone with other ideas is encouraged to write them up and have them ready for the hearing. Please take this opportunity to speak up now, rather than regretting later on that the theatre was lost due to lack of support.  TAKE ACTION NOW!
The 3 bigscreen theatres referred to are, The National, Grauman’s Chinese, and the Cinerama Dome.
I love the glorious El Capitan, but its screen isn’t near the proportions of the others, especially relative to the theatre size. That said, the El Cap’s theatrical environment and showmanship put it into a top class by itself.
I’ll have to wait for whenever you meet in Hollywood. West LA at night is too much of a schlep for me. I think it’s like three busses, a cab and a boat from here.
Meanwhile, don’t forget to fax some supportive letters to the Cultural Heritage commissioners in time for the hearing on the National Thursday morning.
Jason, two voices are better than one,so please feel free to join me in alerting all of the drafthouse/tavern/etc. operations of the National’s potential. I would hope just the mention that one of these businesses might be interested in the National could be reason enough to delay demolition while exploring the possibility. And since this is a very long message string, please re-post the link to your article and also fax it to the Cultural Heritage commissioners at (213) 978-0017.
Jason I have heard of Alamo Drafthouse, and I have also looked up Studio Movie Grille and Movie Tavern, all of which are successful companies who have their top people listed on their sites. I’ve been working on a proposal about how many ways the National can can be viable for this purpose, and I hope to send it out by morning.
Meanwhile we have to prepare some kind of presentation regarding the theatre’s historical significance…
I am hoping Michael Coate can use some of the National article he was working on.
Of course not, because keeping the theatre successful was not the real goal. These past few months operation was just a way to make people think the place wasn’t going to be torn down. But if a real buyer came along…
So there’s no reason why I can’t contact every successful food-service theatre operator I can find, and point out what an ideal venue this would be to bring the concept to LA. It’s an concept that’s new to the area, in a college /upscale community.
The main space might be utilized on several tiers, with a high VIP level at the back, leaving room for a kitchen and two smaller rooms underneath…. A second level added to the upstairs lobby could hold some tables and flatscreens…
Hey, look, it’s worth checking into. I’d rather be able to say I tried something rather than just sit around and talk about how impossible and hopeless it all is.
I still think some sort of partial conversion to a Cinema Grill or Movie Drafthouse could make the National viable. A big screen with top notch presentation, good varied food service (maybe in the rear half of the auditorium, leaving some regular seats for regular use/price) Pitch it as moderately upscale and not too rowdy… And a varied program with some family oriented stuff, cult classics, midnight movies, themed nights/programs, personal appearance, panels, etc… take reservations in advance for a VIP section… This is the kind of stuff I think about all the time.
I suppose the Bridge and ArcLight would be just as vaild for this purpose… The Grove has an adjacent cafe sort of thing…
Does anyone else think the Landmark looks kinda unfinished? That white neon on the theatre walls comes off more like industrial flourescent… Ah well, that’s a discussion for elsewhere…
Brad, Let’s don’t give up without a fight… every one of us could fax a letter to the Cultural Heritage commission just as easily as posting here. What’s that cost anyone? Just a little effort to make it known you WANT the place to stay.
William, I’m not seeing Mann as the culprit here, as much as a landowner who would rather make a bundle now and doesn’t give a shit what we’re losing. According to the website, there is at least a chance: http://www.preservation.lacity.org/process It takes a big community to save and support a theatre, including people to come up with some variety of viable uses to keep the bills paid.
I really don’t think any of the other theatres would have a huge turnout, either, unless there was a good deal of advance word, and just like with the National, the owner could avoid a public outcry by keeping the place open until its fate is sealed.
If you do a search at View link you may be able to see the satellite view of the National, which shows it’s not really on a very large lot.
Howard, There is no longterm legal protection, even for a landmark building in LA. The added multiplex is not what “saved” the Cinerama Dome. Regardless of the public outcry, Pacific fully intended to ruin the Dome and engulf it in the new multiplex. What saved the Dome was a proposed lawsuit against the city, which would have stopped the money Pacific wanted to build their new garage.
The Village, Bruin, Rialto and Crest haven’t any more chances of surviving a greedy developer than the National does. But MAYBE if the hearing on Thursday gets some attention, people might become a little more aware of what they’re losing… so that MAYBE the next endangered theatre might have a better chance.
Just got an e-mail saying that the National is scheduled for Demolition to buiild condos, and that there is a City Hall meeting to stop this on THURSDAY, Nov 1 at 10:00AM. Looking for more info on Monday. I’m toold that updates will be posted at View link
Anyone with media contacts, pass this on… This news should be in the trade papers, and on TV news ASAP.
Nice to hear from you Dick. Lost touch with you after you left WB. As the one who has suggested the dine-In concept, I have also contacted all three leading companies who do it to bring their attention to the National. If you read the recent posts on the National page here on Cinema Treasures, you will see that we already have an abundance of “realistic” pessimism. A look at the National page on CInema SIghtlines will show you that some of us even saw this coming. We are all very well aware of the plethora of reasons for things not working out. It just seems less construcive to sit idly by and enable the loss of one of our last good theatres by not at least trying.
Remember that If one man had not brought a lawsuit against the city, another popular bigscreen venue would have been ruined a few years ago, and there would not now be a proper screen with three projectors to show a certain epic in the WB library the way it was meant to be seen. It would be nice to have such a man in this case, but in absence of that we can at least try.
I imagine wherever you may choose, it’s going to be out of the way for some of us, who don’t live near WLA or wherever. If the criteria were a somewhat quiet bar/lounge area, that served liquor and/or food, and was close to a cinema but didn’t require a ticket purchase… well, what else is there beside the ArcLight, the Bridge, the Grove, the Landmark, the Silent Movie Theatre, Universal Citywalk, the Beverly Center or the food court next to the Chinese 6 at Hollywood & Highland?
Based on everyone’s thoughts, sounds like the ideal place might be Joe Musil’s Museum of Theatre Design, but it’s in Santa Ana… and the nearest food or liquor is downstairs.
It’s a nice idea anyway. Let’s see who can show up, and where they’re traveling from…
You know, FWIW, I’m not inclined to read too much into their choice of venue. It doesn’t require anyone to spend any money, it’s near a cinema… and it’s nearly impossible to please everyone.
Honestly, the Crest has no place for an undetermined number of people to sit, hang out, drink and talk for an indefinite period. It’s not as if we could get them to just cancel a show so we could meet in the theatre. They have a business to run.
The CT guys obviously were looking for something near a theatre that had some seating, served alcohol and didn’t require anyone to spend a lot of money. That would pretty much limit them to The Bridge, ArcLight, The Landmark, The Grove (there’s a cafe thing attached to the lobby) or the SIlent Movie Theatre, which probably doesn’t sell liquor.
Too far away for me, but what can you do? I’m not taking this one personally.
The Theatre vs. Theater is a touchy debate. Theat(er) is no more correct than the original Theat(re) spelling. In fact many see it as a less legitimate variation.
From my four decades experience in and around professional legit and movie venues, it was always spelled the original British/European way: Theatre, while the Americanized (theater) spelling was usually… well let’s just say that the classier professional places always spelled it Theatre. Just the way I was brought up, but not without basis in fact….
According to Wikipedia, the original spelling is the French/British “Theatre,” as cited in Samuel Johnson’s 1755 Dictionary of the English Language. American Noah Webster, in 1828, for nationalistic and philosophical reasons, tried to initiate a wide spelling reform, including an Americanized spelling of words like Theatre. Many of his self-created spelling changes didn’t catch on. Those of us trying to preserve some classic traditions, tend to use the original spelling.
News From Cinema Sightlines:Â Â
www.cinemasightlines.com
CULTURAL HERITAGE HEARING ON THE NATIONAL THEATRE IN WESTWOOD.
The National Theatre in Westwood is one of the 3 last big-screen, large capacity individual movie theatres still standing in greater Los Angeles. This theatre is a rare example of late 60s-early 70s modern architecture, with some historical significance regarding the motion picture events that have taken place there. Known for superior picture and sound presentation, The National Theatre has been a favorite movie showplace in Los Angeles for over 37 years.
The property owner, Simms Development corp, has definite plans to demolish this irreplaceable theatre, to build condominiums and probably some commercial space.
A group called Friends of the National Theatre is applying to the LA Cultural Heritage Commission to grant the building Historical-Cultural Monument status, which could delay demolition while the case is fully reviewed.
The National application is the final item on the agenda of a meeting scheduled for Thursday, November 1 at 10am in Room 101 of City Hall.
If there is any hope of saving the theatre, this is the opportunity for Friends of the National Theatre, and anyone wishing to speak up with reasons not to destroy it, to come forward.
What: Cultural Heritage Commission Hearing on the National Theatre
When: Thursday, Nov 1 at 10:00AM
Where: LA City Hall – 200 North Spring Street – Room 1010 – Los Angeles, CA 90012
We suggest you make the Cultural Heritage Commissioners aware of your support for the National Theatre, and help them recognize its historical & cultural significance by faxing polite letters to:
Mary Klaus-Martin – President
Richard Barron
Alma Carlisle
Glen C. Dake, ASLA
Miriam “Mia” Guttfreund Lehrer, ASLA
Cultural Heritage Commission
Fax (213) 978-0017
View link
http://cityplanning.lacity.org
Just asking to keep the theatre standing isn’t as persuasive without some practical ideas for how the theatre could be made into a profitable venture. We are working on a proposal suggesting that the National could be commercially viable if adapted into the popular Movie Tavern/Studio Movie Grill/Alamo Drafthouse concept, which has yet to be done in this area and seems particularly suitable for an upscale college community like Westwood.Â
Keeping the first-rate bigscreen picture & sound presentation, while adapting part of the audience area to accommodate several levels of food service, could broaden the theatre’s appeal by offering something for everyone in a way that is not available elsewhere.Â
Anyone with other ideas is encouraged to write them up and have them ready for the hearing. Please take this opportunity to speak up now, rather than regretting later on that the theatre was lost due to lack of support.  TAKE ACTION NOW!
Further details at www.cinemasightlines.com
I understand a corrected, more detailed version of this story was sent in to CT, and we look forward to seeing the correct version posted.
The 3 bigscreen theatres referred to are, The National, Grauman’s Chinese, and the Cinerama Dome.
I love the glorious El Capitan, but its screen isn’t near the proportions of the others, especially relative to the theatre size. That said, the El Cap’s theatrical environment and showmanship put it into a top class by itself.
May I take this opportunity to request that future site enhancements include the ability to go back and re-edit our own posts? : )
Okay it’s late and that was a very embarrassing typo…
I’ll have to wait for whenever you meet in Hollywood. West LA at night is too much of a schlep for me. I think it’s like three busses, a cab and a boat from here.
Meanwhile, don’t forget to fax some supportive letters to the Cultural Heritage commissioners in time for the hearing on the National Thursday morning.
Jason, two voices are better than one,so please feel free to join me in alerting all of the drafthouse/tavern/etc. operations of the National’s potential. I would hope just the mention that one of these businesses might be interested in the National could be reason enough to delay demolition while exploring the possibility. And since this is a very long message string, please re-post the link to your article and also fax it to the Cultural Heritage commissioners at (213) 978-0017.
Jason I have heard of Alamo Drafthouse, and I have also looked up Studio Movie Grille and Movie Tavern, all of which are successful companies who have their top people listed on their sites. I’ve been working on a proposal about how many ways the National can can be viable for this purpose, and I hope to send it out by morning.
Meanwhile we have to prepare some kind of presentation regarding the theatre’s historical significance…
I am hoping Michael Coate can use some of the National article he was working on.
Of course not, because keeping the theatre successful was not the real goal. These past few months operation was just a way to make people think the place wasn’t going to be torn down. But if a real buyer came along…
So there’s no reason why I can’t contact every successful food-service theatre operator I can find, and point out what an ideal venue this would be to bring the concept to LA. It’s an concept that’s new to the area, in a college /upscale community.
The main space might be utilized on several tiers, with a high VIP level at the back, leaving room for a kitchen and two smaller rooms underneath…. A second level added to the upstairs lobby could hold some tables and flatscreens…
Hey, look, it’s worth checking into. I’d rather be able to say I tried something rather than just sit around and talk about how impossible and hopeless it all is.
I still think some sort of partial conversion to a Cinema Grill or Movie Drafthouse could make the National viable. A big screen with top notch presentation, good varied food service (maybe in the rear half of the auditorium, leaving some regular seats for regular use/price) Pitch it as moderately upscale and not too rowdy… And a varied program with some family oriented stuff, cult classics, midnight movies, themed nights/programs, personal appearance, panels, etc… take reservations in advance for a VIP section… This is the kind of stuff I think about all the time.
I suppose the Bridge and ArcLight would be just as vaild for this purpose… The Grove has an adjacent cafe sort of thing…
Does anyone else think the Landmark looks kinda unfinished? That white neon on the theatre walls comes off more like industrial flourescent… Ah well, that’s a discussion for elsewhere…
Brad, Let’s don’t give up without a fight… every one of us could fax a letter to the Cultural Heritage commission just as easily as posting here. What’s that cost anyone? Just a little effort to make it known you WANT the place to stay.
William, I’m not seeing Mann as the culprit here, as much as a landowner who would rather make a bundle now and doesn’t give a shit what we’re losing. According to the website, there is at least a chance: http://www.preservation.lacity.org/process It takes a big community to save and support a theatre, including people to come up with some variety of viable uses to keep the bills paid.
You have an excellent point there, but how many single screeners have a place for a few people to hang out?
Cliff, You can fax your supportive comments to the Commissioners, the info is on the National page at Cinema Sightlines.
Bill H: This is a website dedicated to preserving theatres. If you don’t share that feeling, you needn’t waste your time here.
Confirmed over at Cinema Sightlines:
Meeting between Building & Safety and the Cultural Heritage Commission regarding the planned demolition of the National Theatre.
THIS IS THE OPPORTUNITY FOR FRIENDS OF THE NATIONAL THEATRE TO COME FORWARD AND HAVE THEIR SAY.
TIME: Thursday, Nov 1 at 10:00AM
PLACE: 200 North Spring Street – Room 1010, City Hall - Los Angeles, CA 90012
The National theatre is the final item on the meeting’s agenda.Â
I really don’t think any of the other theatres would have a huge turnout, either, unless there was a good deal of advance word, and just like with the National, the owner could avoid a public outcry by keeping the place open until its fate is sealed.
If you do a search at View link you may be able to see the satellite view of the National, which shows it’s not really on a very large lot.
Howard, There is no longterm legal protection, even for a landmark building in LA. The added multiplex is not what “saved” the Cinerama Dome. Regardless of the public outcry, Pacific fully intended to ruin the Dome and engulf it in the new multiplex. What saved the Dome was a proposed lawsuit against the city, which would have stopped the money Pacific wanted to build their new garage.
The Village, Bruin, Rialto and Crest haven’t any more chances of surviving a greedy developer than the National does. But MAYBE if the hearing on Thursday gets some attention, people might become a little more aware of what they’re losing… so that MAYBE the next endangered theatre might have a better chance.
Just got an e-mail saying that the National is scheduled for Demolition to buiild condos, and that there is a City Hall meeting to stop this on THURSDAY, Nov 1 at 10:00AM. Looking for more info on Monday. I’m toold that updates will be posted at View link
Anyone with media contacts, pass this on… This news should be in the trade papers, and on TV news ASAP.
i can tell you Michael Zoldessy is a very cool guy and it’s worth the trip to meet him…
Anyone up for Carpooling from Hollywood?