Acclaimed Doc 'Circus of Books' Gets Netflix Premiere

Acclaimed Doc 'Circus of Books' Gets Netflix Premiere

LOS ANGELES — Netflix has set an April 22 premiere for the acclaimed documentary "Circus of Books." The film tells the story of Karen and Barry Mason and their legendary West Hollywood retail outlet, which holds a seminal position in the history of adult entertainment in Los Angeles.

Netflix acquired worldwide rights to "Circus of Books" last spring with Ryan Murphy boarding as executive producer. The Mason's daughter, Rachel Mason, directed the film, which was among the 2020 Dorian Awards nominees for Best LGBTQ Documentary of the Year.

A Netflix U.K. release is pending.

In 1960, the Masons opened their original brick-and-mortar retail outlet, famously perched at the corner of Santa Monica Boulevard and La Jolla Avenue in West Hollywood, and doggedly kept the location open throughout five 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.

The Masons elected to close Circus of Books and retire in early 2019. Rachel Mason revived its legacy with the doc, which has toured the festival circuit, and an art exhibition at the Fierman Gallery in New York.

The original West Hollywood location was purchased and transformed into Chi Chi LaRue's Circus; the name pays tribute to the site's former owners. The retail outlet celebrated its grand opening in January.

For the latest updates, follow "Circus of Books" on Twitter.

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

Full Circle Debuts New 'Cleo Feather' Vibe

Pleasure brand Full Circle has introduced its new Cleo Feather Tickler vibrator.

Pjur Launches 'Toy' Line in North America

Pjur has announced its Toy series of wellness products will be available for purchase in the U.S. starting in September.

Isabella De Laa, Cherry Candle Star in Latest From MixedX

Isabella De Laa and Cherry Candle star in the latest release from MixedX, titled “Between Us.”

Tony Sting, Adira Allure & Dominic Pacifico Headline Latest From BiPhoria

Tony Sting, Adira Allure, and Dominic Pacifico star in the latest release from BiPhoria.

Orion Expands Cottelli 'Costumes' Line

Orion Wholesale has introduced two new outfits from its Cottelli Costumes line.

Proxy Paige, Wolf King Release 'I Kissed a Trans and I Liked It'

Evil Angel has released its latest title, “I Kissed a Trans and I Liked It,” co-directed by Proxy Paige and Wolf King.

Harry Styles' Lifestyle Brand Enters Sexual Wellness Space With 'Pleasing Yourself' Vibe, Lube

Pleasing, the lifestyle brand founded by Harry Styles, has launched its first sexual wellness product line, Pleasing Yourself, featuring a double-sided vibrator and a silicone lubricant.

Tenga Names Kyrie Hara Sales Lead

Japanese pleasure brand Tenga has appointed Kyrie Hara as its new sales lead for Tenga USA.

Electric Novelties Expands 'Together' Collection

Electric Novelties has introduced four new items from its Together collection.

Elly Clutch Stars in Latest From Brazzers

2024 XMAs Female Clip Creator of the Year Elly Clutch stars with Ricky Johnson in the latest release from Brazzers, titled "Elly’s Evil Twin."

Show More