The leader of convoluted motion picture film which is stored on a supply reel in a motion picture camera or projector is automatically intercepted and advanced in a direction toward a takeup reel by a composite intercepting device having a hook which can enter a perforation of the leader while the supply reel rotates in a direction to collect the film. The intercepting device can be moved from an inoperative position by way of a manually operated actuating device which causes a driving wheel to engage a convex surface of the intercepting device whereby the hook of the intercepting device automatically moves toward a catching position in which it bears against the outermost convolution of the film and enters the oncoming perforation. The rotating supply reel causes the intercepted leader to disengage the convex surface from the driving wheel and to move a concave surface of the intercepting device into engagement with the driving wheel whereby the intercepting device, with the leader attached to its hook, automatically returns to its inoperative position. The hook inserts the leader into the nip of two advancing rolls which disengage the leader from the hook and advance the leader toward a takeup reel. The motor for the driving wheel is started in response to movement of the intercepting device from inoperative position and is automatically arrested when the intercepting device reassumes its inoperative position or when the user returns the actuating device to an idle position.