Benzo ADh BDcinnoline compounds represented by general formula (I) wherein X and Y each represents hydrogen, halogen, trifluoromethyl, hydroxy, C1-4 alkyl, C1-4 alkoxy, amino, C2-4 alkanoylamido, nitro, cyano, or C2-4 alkanoyl, Ar represents phenyl or pyridyl optionally having at least one of halogen, trifluoromethyl, hydroxy, C1-4 alkyl, C1-4 alkoxy, amino, C2-4 alkanoylamido, nitro, and cyano, and dotted line represents a single or double bond), a process for their preparation, and a medicinal composition containing them. These compounds possess a strong affinity for benzodiazepine receptor and an anti-anxiety effect and are therefore useful for neutralizing excess administration anti-anxiety agents or as an anti-anxiety agent itself.