Circus of Books

Play trailer

Circus of Books

2019

1h 32m

Documentary

Biography

LGBTQ+

Play Trailer

Watchlist

Watchlist

Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

98%

Tomatometer

58 Reviews

79%

Popcornmeter

100+ Ratings

In 1976 a couple take over an adult book store, and the store becomes the biggest distributor of gay porn in the United States.

Watch on Netflix

Stream Now

Critics Consensus

Like the cheekily named store at this documentary's center, Circus of Books proves there are countless stories below the surface if we're only willing to look.

Read Critics Reviews

Taryn Allen

Chicago Reader

Circus of Books is a triumph of filmmaking in the way it covers such a range of topics so seamlessly: LGBTQ history, pornography, religion, obscenity law, media, AIDS, coming out, parenthood, and more.

May 29, 2020

Full Review

Jo Livingstone

The New Republic

Circus of Books is the story of an American family who wandered into the eye of history, and a virtuoso example of how to make a movie both very big and very small at once.

Apr 29, 2020

Full Review

Tre'vell Anderson

Out Magazine

A worthy homage to the Los Angeles-area landmark of LGBTQ+ culture.

Apr 29, 2020

Full Review

Ben Turner

The Pink Lens

Circus Of Books is a spellbinding portrait of two unlikely Queer allies, charting their personal journeys with a community that would become central to their lives.

Rated: 4/5

Sep 1, 2021

Full Review

Jason Adams

The Film Experience

Circus of Books cops a feel for the personal, the political, and the pornographic, all at once -- you'll need a cigarette after it's done with you.

Jul 6, 2021

Full Review

Richard Crouse

Richard Crouse

The store may be long gone but its ethos of embracing who you are is well represented in this charming documentary.

Rated: 3.5/5

Jan 30, 2021

Full Review

Read all reviews

Jens B

I'm fascinated with Karen. So many contradictions and conflicts, and she tackled them with pragmatism. I could watch a part two about her tbh.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

07/03/24

Full Review

PridePosterStudios

If you’re looking for a big top, you’re in the wrong place…or are you?

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

05/12/24

Full Review

Audience Member

This is the kind of work that you end up appreciating the genuinity of the story. The coincidence that led things to seemingly funny situation but how it was just a part of their lives regardless. We all can relate to at least a part of the story as a human being.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

02/05/23

Full Review

david f

This is a great documentary about an adult bookstore in Los Angeles. If those walls could talk.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

georgan g

Fun to watch especially if you are of an age to remember the gay community b4 being out was much harder than today.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Just wish it was longer and got deep in some stories, but great overall.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/03/23

Full Review

Read all reviews

Read More

Read Less

POST RATING

WRITE A REVIEW

EDIT REVIEW

Rachel Mason

Director

Karen Mason

Actor

Rachel Mason

Actor

Larry Flynt

Actor

Jeff Stryker

Actor

Phil Tarley

Actor

Studio 54: The Documentary

90%

74%

Studio 54: The Documentary

Watchlist

TRAILER

for Studio 54: The Documentary

Vito

100%

90%

Vito

Watchlist

Filthy Gorgeous: The Bob Guccione Story

63%

25%

Filthy Gorgeous: The Bob Guccione Story

Watchlist

Rock Hudson: All That Heaven Allowed

92%

77%

Rock Hudson: All That Heaven Allowed

Watchlist

TRAILER

for Rock Hudson: All That Heaven Allowed

Pray Away

92%

78%

Pray Away

Watchlist

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

View more photos

Synopsis

In 1976 a couple take over an adult book store, and the store becomes the biggest distributor of gay porn in the United States.

Director: Rachel Mason
Producer: Adam Baran, Cynthia Childs, Camilla Hall, Kathryn Robson
Screenwriter: Kathryn Robson, Rachel Mason
Genre: Documentary, Biography, LGBTQ+
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 22, 2020
Runtime: 1h 32m

Most Popular at Home Now