Verified answer

There's a simple solution that we used to use at the camera shop where I worked in my college days. (35mm era).

We'd insert a piece of masking tape into slot of the canister. Then, we'd roll the hub in the direction that would move the film towards the opening. After some work, we'd get the tape to catch part of the film, then we'd just pull it out. Other times, we'd do the same with a cut piece of index card (a business card words as well). Then the card would guide the film back to the opening.

If you'd not successful, a REAL camera department should be able to help you.

Here's a couple of other suggestions.

http://photo.net/black-and-white-photo-film-proces...

I don't think there's a way of getting the film started without ripping the thing open even more.

No. Throw 'm away and get out the next roll.