If you missed "Waco: The Rules of Engagement" during its July Fourth weekend run at the Charles Theatre, you can still catch the Oscar-nominated documentary today, when it has its last screening in Baltimore.

"Waco" concerns the 1993 standoff between Branch Davidian leader David Koresh and the federal government. As laid out by filmmakers William Gazecki and Dan and Amy Gifford, "Waco" shows that the event - which ended with 86 people dead - was conceived as a way for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms to get publicity and increased funding, then escalated out of control.

In addition to news reports, C-SPAN coverage of the subsequent hearings and testimony from theologians, psychologists and Texas law enforcement officials, "Waco" presents previously unreleased, infrared videotape of the fires that engulfed the compound. The filmmakers contend that the FBI started those fires, which may or may not be true. It doesn't matter: "Waco" presents enough evidence of the government's duplicity and cynicism to make it must-watching for anyone willing to consider an alternate to the official story.

"Waco: The Rules of Engagement" will be shown today at noon at the Charles Theatre. For more information, call 410-727-3456.

Pub Date: 7/19/98