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This German comedy-drama stars Heinz Bennent as an ageing, unemployed bookkeeper and Karrina Fallenstein as a very young, very pretty student. When the student finds herself without any place to stay, the bookkeeper offers her shelter. The next day, while he is out, she leaves his apartment. Over the next few months, he unexpectedly meets the girl again several times, and on each occasion offers her a room and moral support -- and, each time, she leaves abruptly and without warning. Nonetheless, the man finds himself attracted to her. Long afraid to make a romantic commitment he finally does so, only to discover that the poor girl is dying from Hodgkin's disease (this is the secret that has motivated her sudden disappearances). Still, the bookkeeper has allowed his heart to rule his head for the first time, and for this he is grateful. Originally titled Im Jahr der Schildkrote, Year of the Turtle was based on the novel Sterbetage by H. W. Kettenbach.