Barry and Karen Mason run Circus of Books, a gay pornography shop in West Hollywood, California. Their daughter, Rachel Mason, directs this documentary about her parents and their business. The film covers the Masons' experiences during significant events in LGBTQ+ history, including the AIDS crisis. It features personal stories and archival footage that illustrate the challenges of operating a store that became a cultural landmark. Circus of Books premiered at the 2019 Tribeca Film Festival and was released on Netflix on April 22, 2020.

What Critics Say

An affectionate and absorbing documentary from film-maker Rachel Mason about her devout parents, who ran a famous adult bookstore in early-80s LA

Peter BradshawRead full article

April 17, 2020

Deep Dive

Why Watch

Meet Karen and Barry Mason, the store's owners.
Find out about the LGBTQ+ culture in West Hollywood.
See the impact of a local bookstore on a community.

Did You Know

Circus of Books premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2019.
The film won the Audience Award for Best Documentary Feature at the 2019 Sidewalk Film Festival.
As of October 2021, the film has a 98% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
The film was nominated for a 2021 GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Documentary.

Perfect For

LGBTQ+ historyIndependent bookstoresDocumentary enthusiasts

Read full Deep Dive →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Circus of Books?

Circus of Books is a documentary film directed by Rachel Mason that focuses on a bookstore and gay pornography shop in West Hollywood, California.

When was Circus of Books released on Netflix?

Circus of Books was released on Netflix in the United States on April 22, 2020.

What award did Circus of Books win at the 2019 Sidewalk Film Festival?

Circus of Books won the Audience Award for Best Documentary Feature at the 2019 Sidewalk Film Festival.

Awards & Festivals

View all →

Emmy Awards

2019 • Award

Tribeca Film Festival

2020 • Official selection

BFI London Film Festival

2019 • Official selection

Frameline Film Festival

2019 • Official selection

Awards & Festivals

Comments

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