<p>Disclosed is an electro-optical display device of a transmissive type which has a linear polarizer for providing substantially linearly polarized light. A twisted nematic electro-optical cell positioned in the path of the light from the linear polarizer is capable of changing the state of polarization of the light. The twisted nematic electro-optical cell is composed of a pair of spaced transparent plates with a nematic liquid crystal filling the space therebetween and the plates have transparent electrodes provided on the opposed surfaces thereof. A 1/4 - wave plate is positioned on the opposite side of the twisted nematic electro-optical cell from the linear polarizer for exhibiting one quarter wave-length retardation and producing circularly polarized light as its output. A cholesteric liquid crystal film on the opposite side of the 1/4 - wave plate from the cell selectively reflects light of a specific wave length and exhibits circular dichromism. A power source is coupled to the cell for supplying an electric field to the nematic liquid crystal and includes a switch for connecting and disconnecting the power from the nematic liquid crystal.</p>
