To provide a motor control circuit capable of varying the starting torque of a motor depending on the rotational direction thereof and power consumption and generation of sound, vibration and heat from the motor can be suppressed in an apparatus comprising a capacitor induction motor as a drive source.

When a motor is started in the forward rotational direction, capacitance of a capacitor is set higher than a capacitance required for rated operation of the motor only for the count of a timer after starting the motor, and the motor is supplied with a current between the rated current and an allowable current so that it is operated with a starting torque higher than that in rated operation. Upon ending count, the motor is operated while setting the capacitance of the capacitor at a level required for rated operation of the motor and when the motor is started in reverse rotational direction, the motor is operated while setting the capacitance of the capacitor at a level required for rated operation of the motor from the start.