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 © 2024 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

BasisDx Adds Expedited Results Option for 'Pro13' Home Testing Kit

PASS-certified home testing kit provider BasisDx has added a new option for expedited test results for its Pro13 kit.

Kalani Luana Stars in Latest From Hookup Hotshot

Kalani Luana stars with Nade Nasty in the latest release from Hookup Hotshot (HUHS).

Lilyadick Makes Her TransAngels Debut

Canadian star Lilyadick has made her debut for TransAngels alongside Parker Savage in the video game-themed scene “Playing With The NPC Babe.”

Kazumi Stars in Latest From Tushy

Kazumi stars with Milan Ponjevic, Jax Slayher and Dan Damage in a new airtight scene from Vixen Media Group (VMG) studio imprint Tushy.

Kiiroo, Pineapple Support Launch 'Empower Hour' Series on FeelHubX YouTube Channel

Kiiroo and Pineapple Support have teamed up to launch the “Empower Hour” series on the FeelHubX YouTube channel.

Cherry Kiss Toplines Pat Myne's 'Anal Fetish Babes'

Cherry Kiss headlines director Pat Myne’s “Anal Fetish Babes,” from Evil Angel.

Nicole Aria Stars in Latest From Jules Jordan

Nicole Aria stars with John Strong and Zac Wild in the latest release from Jules Jordan.

Ellie Nova Is Hustler's 'Cover Honey' for December

Ellie Nova is the Cover Honey for the December issue of Hustler Magazine, appearing in a 14-page centerfold spread shot by ThisYearsModel.com.

Leah Gotti, Hazel Paige Topline 'Lesbian Neighbor Affairs 2'

Leah Gotti and Hazel Paige headline “Lesbian Neighbor Affairs 2,” from Girlfriends Films.

Mandy Muse Stars in Latest From New Sensations

Mandy Muse stars with Danny Mountain in the latest release from New Sensations, titled “Anal Time is Of the Essence For Mandy Muse.”

Show More