The invention relates to a loading mechanism in a tape deck of a magnetic-tape-cassette apparatus, for moving a magnetic-tape cassette from an eject position of the loading mechanism into a play position of the loading mechanism. The mechanism comprises a cassette holder for holding the magnetic-tape cassette and a first lift plate, by means of which the cassette holder is movable between an intermediate position of the loading mechanism and the play position of the loading mechanism substantially in a vertical loading direction. The first lift plate and the cassette holder are movable from the eject position into the intermediate position in a horizontal loading direction, and a lift element is arranged on a frame so as to be rotatable and so as to be movable in the horizontal loading direction. The cassette holder, the lift element and the first lift plate are movable from the intermediate position into the eject position and vice versa in the horizontal loading direction. When the first lift plate is moved in the horizontal loading direction it exerts a force on the cassette holder and the lift element in such a manner that the cassette holder is moved substantially in the vertical loading direction, during which movement the lift element performs a rotary movement.