the invention relates to a magnetic - tape - cassette apparatus comprising a motor which drives the reel discs via a reel - drive mechanism and which also drives a longitudinally movable servo rod actuating a head support , a switching member and a loading mechanism comprising a lift slide and , coupled thereto , a cassette holder , which are movable , between an eject position and an upper play position , in which upper play position the cassette holder can be moved into a lower play position , a loading drive being provided by means of which the loading mechanism is engageable and disengageable and which can be driven by parts of the reel - drive mechanism , in which apparatus engagement and disengagement is effected by means of a control rod carried by the servo rod , the loading drive and the parts of the reel - drive mechanism driving the latter being in driving engagement with the lift slide at the same side of the deck plate on which the loading mechanism is arranged ., and the loading drive being arranged on a pivotal lever which is pivotable between a driving position and a disengaged position by the control rod .