Before auditioning for the film adaptation of The Girl from Petrovka, Anthony Hopkins sought to purchase the book, only to discover it had not yet been published in the UK. While waiting for a subway train, he sat on a bench and noticed some discarded sheets of paper nearby. To his surprise, these papers were the manuscript of the very novel he wanted, complete with editorial notes.
Intrigued, Hopkins read through the manuscript and used it to prepare for his audition. His efforts paid off, and he secured the role in the film. The following year, while filming in Vienna, he had the chance to meet the novel's author, George Feiffer. During their conversation, Feiffer revealed that he had accidentally left the manuscript in a friend's car in London, which was subsequently stolen. The thief had discarded unnecessary papers just before Hopkins found them on that fateful day.
This remarkable twist of fate not only led to Hopkins landing a significant role but also highlighted how chance encounters can shape careers in unexpected ways.
