A magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus is provided which comprises a deck mounted with a drum motor and a capstan shaft, a main sliding member slidably installed on the deck and being driven by a driving force of the drum motor, a pivot lever rotatably installed on the deck and supporting a pinch roller for guiding a tape to be in contact with the capstan shaft, a review arm rotatably installed on the deck and being connected to the pivot lever by means of an elastic member, and a compressing lever for connecting the review arm and the sliding member. The compressing lever is driven by a driving force from the sliding member, and compresses the review arm in a direction such that the elastic member is stretched. The pivot lever is then rotated by the stretched elastic member and adheres the pinch roller closely to the capstan shaft.