Abstract: The mode selection mechanism in a magnetic tape recording and reproducing apparatus is adapted to move a mode plate and a forward/reverse changeover plate to given positions in response to a mode selecting manual operation and to thereafter move a power plate by a predetermined stroke in a direction prependicular to the movements of the mode plate and of the changeover plate, thereby creating any desired tape feeding mode. The mode plate and the changeover plate are independently moved by rotations of a mode cam which is intermittently moved by a tape drive motor through a power transmission means. The power plate is moved by rotation of a power cam which is moved by the same motor and may be interrupted by a power transmission means after the power cam makes a predetermined angular rotation.