A method for manufacturing a liquid crystal display having both wide angle viewing and fast response is described. A key feature of the method is the addition to the liquid crystal of a small amount of a monomer, selected from among the diacrylates or the monoacrylates, as well as a chiral dopant. Once the display has been assembled, the usual turn-on voltage (about 5 volts) is applied. After allowing the orientations of the directors to stabilize, the liquid crystal is irradiated with ultraviolet light for a few seconds. This causes the dissolved monomer to polymerize in place. The UV irradiation and applied voltage are then terminated. Defects that slow down the director stabilization are now prevented from re-forming so that the next time voltage is applied, the system responds in a few milliseconds. Adding a photoinitiator, in addition to the monomer, is an option.