An automatic splicer (10) is provided which is coupled to a continuous running processor (14). Short strips of roll film (12) are inserted into the splicer (10) and are automatically spliced together as they are advanced through the splicer (10). When no film is ready to be processed a leader (56) is automatically spliced to the last roll of film (12') to be processed. When the last roll (12') of film is passed through the processor (14), the system may be placed on standby or stopped. Electronic control circuitry (100) senses by sensing switches (LS-1) in dancing-roll take-up station 13 when no more film is available for processing and energises leader paper drive rolls (57, 58)) to drive leader paper 56 to the trailing edge of the last film (12') between splicer blocks (26, 27). The control circuitry (100) controls a film drive motor (61), a splicer tape drive motor (70), a leader knife relay (71), and a splicer motor (69). Film (12) is sensed by the control circuitry (100) by means of a set (83) of photocells (S-1, S-2, S-3, S-4, S-5) between input feed rolls (17,18) and pinch rolls (21).