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

Elegant Angel Drops Final Installment of 'Lilly Loves Girls'

Elegant Angel has released the final installment of 2025 XMAs Girl/Girl Performer of the Year Lilly Bell's showcase “Lilly Loves Girls,” titled “Lilly Loves Vanna.”

Adult Time Drops Latest Installment of Jim Powers' 'MILF Overload'

Adult Time has released the latest installment of director Jim Powers' series "MILF Overload."

XBIZ Expo Debuts New '3D' Hybrid Show Format, Set for Jan. 8-12

XBIZ Expo, the premier business-to-business event exclusively for product manufacturers, retail buyers and the broader pleasure community, will return this January with a new hybrid format designed to give qualifying participants more ways to conduct business.

Ivy Lebelle Stars in Latest From Ricky's Room

Ricky's Room contract star Ivy Lebelle stars in the studio's latest release, titled "Latex And Lust."

Tifa Quinn Makes Her Brazzers Debut

Tifa Quinn has made her Brazzers debut alongside multi-XMAs winner Mick Blue in the studio's latest release, titled "Boxed and Bound."

Doja Cat Gives Nod to Motorbunny

Doja Cat has given a nod to Motorbunny in a social media post.

Angie Faith Performs Her 1st Anal in 2nd Installment of Blacked Feature 'The Blueprint'

Vixen Media Group exclusive Angie Faith has performed her first anal scene alongside Jason Luv in the second installment of studio imprint Blacked's new feature, "The Blueprint."

Full Circle Debuts 'My Buddy' Anal Vibe Collection

Full Circle has introduced its new My Buddy collection of anal vibrators.

Andi Avalon Makes Her Bellesa House Debut

Andi Avalon has made her debut alongside Brad Newman in the latest scene from Bellesa House.

Lovense 'Gemini' Spotlighted on Wired.com

Lovense’s Gemini nipple clamps have been spotlighted on Wired.com.

Show More