Genuine friendship is indeed rare, but in Tom Laughton, Eric Fenby had the rich benefit of a fine friendship with the famous Scarborough hotelier. This video is one of a series of 'glimpses' into the private life of a very special music teacher and amanuensis to Frederick Delius. These events took place after Fenby's final return from France post 1935. Tom had just referbished the then luxurious Royal Hotel in Scarborough. His famous bother, the actor 'Charles Laughton' and a miscellany of friends including artists and designers attended the opening. Eric was at Tom's side and was always called upon for matters musical. In his autobiographical book 'Pavilions by the Sea', Tom tells us the story of how Eric mounted the platform in the splendid art-deco Neptune Ballroom and began to play his own piano version of what was probably the 'Serenade' from Delius' incidental music to 'Hassan'. Then, brother Charles Laughton began to recite verses from Flecker's play 'Hassan' as the ballroom lighting seemed to change with the mood of the music. Tom was spellbound, and knew from that point on that his fine hotel would be a great success! Music used on this video is - The 'Serenade' from 'Hassan', Played by the 'Scarborough Spa' resident organist :- 'Howard Beaumont'. C.D - 'Music Howard's Way'.

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