Abstract: An automatic tape loading type reproducing apparatus uses a guide drum having at least one rotating head. A cassette contains a supply reel and a take-up reel with a tape extending therebetween. The tape is drawn from the cassette and loading along a specific path in wrapping contact with the guide drum, when the tape is advanced in a forward direction and returned to the cassette when the tape is driven in the reverse direction. A driving motor rotates in a forward direction to drive the loading means and in the reverse direction to drive the loading means. A tape driving means causes tape travel during normal reproduction and terminates the tape travel driving during still picture reproduction. A switch is actuated during still picture reproduction to cause the driving motor to rotate in the reverse direction for a specific time and thereafter to cause the driving motor to rotate in the forward direction for at least the same specific time.