Product placement in the film industry has become so commonplace that most of us don't even notice when a Hermes Birkin bag or a Chanel dress is paraded across the screen.

But that hasn't always been the case. In the early days of Hollywood, many stars were required to provide their own costumes. A recent charity auction held by 20th Century Fox revealed a rather unusual contract agreement between the studio and comedy legends Laurel and Hardy. In addition to the standard grooming codes of the day, the actors were also required to furnish their own wardrobes.

I guess that explains why the Laurel and Hardy are better known for their routines than for their on-screen outfits.