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Circus of Books

Circus of Books
2019 United States
Documentary
6.3
541
Documentary In 1976, Karen and Barry Mason had fallen on hard times and were looking for a way to support their young family when they answered an ad in the Los Angeles Times. Larry Flynt was seeking distributors for Hustler Magazine. What was expected to be a brief sideline led to their becoming fully immersed in the LGBT community as they took over a local store, Circus of Books. A decade later, they had become the biggest distributors of gay porn in the US. [+]
Media Author Review
United States
The Hollywood Reporter
"[A] very funny, very moving documentary (...) In the early going, there are enough revelations that might justify a movie all their own" 
United States
Variety
"An affectionate look at one of the most unusual mom and pop businesses in America" 
United States
The New York Times
"[It] blossoms when it focuses on interviews with employees, longtime customers and the stars of the porn the store financed." 
United States
Los Angeles Times
"Rachel manages to confront her mother’s contradictions on this count, resulting in a powerful conclusion that reveals what may be her greatest legacy." 
United States
IndieWire
"A perfect portrait of mom and pop’s gay porn shop (...) The film is engaging from start to finish, with a rotating cast of bright and eloquent speakers." 
United States
rogerebert.com
"[A] wonderful debut documentary feature (...) I found Barry and Karen Mason to be far worthier of my attention than the obnoxious animal abusers of 'Tiger King' (…) Rating: ★★★½ (out of 4)" 
United States
Ready Steady Cut
"With a bit more polishing one feels as though that story could be told more strongly, nevertheless this is a charming doc with a valuable and important story to tell (…) Rating: ★★★ (out of 5)" 
Canada
TheCinemaholic
"Though the documentary is largely familial in nature, it definitely opens up different perspectives for its viewers (…) Rating: ★★★★ (out of 5)" 
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