A liquid crystal compound represented by the formula (I) below or a liquid crystal composition containing the compound is interposed between a pair of base plates. ##STR1## wherein R is an alkyl or alkoxy group having 1-18 carbon atoms; m is 0 or 1; R.sup.1 is an alkyl group having 1 to 18 carbon atoms when m is 0 and is an alkyl or alkoxy group having 1-18 carbon atoms when m is 1. The liquid crystal compound or composition is in a chiral smectic phase formed through a phase transition from a higher temperature phase. At least one of the base plates has a face to which an orientation controlling function is imparted for preferentially orienting the liquid crystal molecules in contact with the face in one direction.