Netflix, Producer Ryan Murphy Snap Up 'Circus of Books' Doc

Netflix, Producer Ryan Murphy Snap Up 'Circus of Books' Doc

CYBERSPACE — Netflix has acquired worldwide rights to “Circus of Books,” the documentary by Rachel Mason that tells the story of Karen and Barry Mason and their legendary West Hollywood bookstore, with producer and filmmaker Ryan Murphy aboard as executive producer. 

Deadline reports the distro pact was signed ahead of the film’s premiere in the Feature Documentary section of the Tribeca Film Festival in New York. “Circus of Books” screens tonight, Saturday and Sunday.

The famed brick-and-mortar retail outlet holds a seminal position in the history of adult entertainment in Los Angeles. In 1960, the Masons opened Circus of Books, famously perched at the corner of Santa Monica Boulevard and La Jolla Avenue in West Hollywood, and doggedly kept the location open throughout four decades of rapid economic and social change, particularly as West Hollywood became a mecca for the LGBT community, as well as during the devastating HIV/AIDS epidemic, and into the 21st-Century as adult industry print media faded in favor of tube sites and hookup apps.

Circus of Books became an unlikely battleground for First Amendment rights under President George H.W. Bush when an employee shipped a box of straight and gay porn tapes to rural Pennsylvania. The sale was a sting. The Masons were eventually indicted on federal charges of transporting obscene materials across state lines.

Earlier this year, the Masons elected to close Circus of Books and retire. Rachel, their daughter, has revived its legacy with the doc as well as an art exhibition running through May 6 at the Fierman Gallery in New York.

Follow the Tribeca Film Festival online and on Twitter. Find the film on Twitter here.

Although Circus of Books is gone, its legacy as a community meeting place and brick-and-mortar retail outlet will continue. In February, Chi Chi LaRue’s, an XBIZ Awards nominee for Boutique Retailer of the Year, announced it will open a second West Hollywood outlet in the space, called Chi Chi LaRue’s Circus.

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Tiffani Time Makes Her WIFEY Debut

Newly crowned XMA Creator Awards Rising Clip Creator Tiffani Time stars with her husband Benfit and Jax Slayher in the latest release from Vixen Media Group studio imprint WIFEY.

Karmen Karma Stars in Latest From Ricky's Room

Karmen Karma stars in the latest release from Ricky's Room, titled "A Long Time Cumming."

Electric Novelties Debuts New 'Gemsations' Anal Plug Collection

Electric Novelties has introduced its Gemsations line of anal plugs in silicone and metal options.

Cubbi Thompson Makes Her Jules Jordan Debut

Cubbi Thompson has made her Jules Jordan debut alongside Lexington Steele in the studio's latest release.

Seth Gamble Drops Trailer for Upcoming Feature 'Once Upon a Time in the Valley'

Multi-XMAs winner Seth Gamble has released the trailer for his upcoming Wicked Pictures feature, "Once Upon a Time in the Valley."

Adam & Eve Reveals Results of 'Happy Ending Dream' Survey

Adam & Eve has released the results of a survey asking respondents if they have ever had a sex dream with a happy ending.

Ryan Reid Stars in Latest From Brazzers

Ryan Reid stars with Damon Dice in “A Day in the Life,” from Brazzers.

Andylynn Payne Toplines Joey Silvera's 'Trans-Active 30'

Andylynn Payne headlines director Joey Silvera’s “Trans-Active 30” from Evil Angel.

Violet Myers, Megan Faith Star in Latest From Slayed

Reigning XMAs Premium Social Creator of the Year Violet Myers stars with Megan Faith in the latest release from Vixen Media Group studio imprint Slayed.

Coco Bae Returns to Brazzers

Coco Bae stars with Danny D. in the latest release from Brazzers, titled “The Cock Collector.”

Show More