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

Stephen Colbert Takes Aim at Texas' Crackdown on Sex Toys

Stephen Colbert is cracking up over Texas lawmakers’ crackdown on sex toys in the state.

Jade Kimiko, Cecelia Taylor Headline 'Women Seeking Women 199'

Jade Kimiko and Cecelia Taylor topline “Women Seeking Women 199” from Girlfriends Films.

XR Brands 'Silicone Body Forms' Highlighted at Paris Fashion Week

XR Brands’ Ripped Silicone Male Chest and Perky Pair Silicone Breasts were highlighted at 2025 Paris Fashion Week.

Kaela Luna Makes Her TransAngels Debut

Kaela Luna has made her TransAngles debut alongside Parker Savage and Harrison Feels in “Jackhammering Kaela.”

Adult Time Marks April Fool's Day With 5 Satirical Releases

Adult Time is marking April Fool’s Day with the release of satirical scenes from five of its series.

Adult Time Wraps Production on Bree Mills' Feature 'Escape From Camp Conversion'

Adult Time has wrapped production on its latest feature, the Bree Mills-helmed "Escape From Camp Conversion," from its Girlcore studio brand.

Daisy Fox Makes Her TeamSkeet Debut

Daisy Fox makes her TeamSkeet debut in the latest episode of the studio series "She's New," titled "A Foxy Little Newcomer," with Nicky Rebel.

Elizabeth Skylar Performs Her 1st B/B/G in Latest From New Sensations

Elizabeth Skylar has performed her first B/B/G in the latest scene from New Sensations, with Codey Steele and Milan Ponjevic.

Eye of Love Introduces 'Matchmaker Collection' Display Planogram

Eye of Love has debuted a new display planogram for its Matchmaker Collection of pheromone-infused scents.

Lynna Nilsson Fronts Latest From Immoral Productions

Lynna Nilsson performs her first DVP in a new trilogy from Immoral Productions, alongside Matt Bird and Brad Knight.

Show More