Polanski to play cop in Rush Hour 3

Movie-maker Roman Polanski is set to step out from behind the camera to play a French cop in the latest Rush Hour film.

The part marks The Pianist director's first Hollywood acting appearance since he played "man with knife" in 1974's Chinatown.

Rush Hour 3 director Brett Ratner persuaded Polanski to take the role after raving about his performance in French indie film Le Locataire during a chance encounter with the Oscar winner.

Polanski, who lives in exile in Europe following his decision to flee America in 1978 after pleading guilty to having sex with a minor, will join a cast that includes Jackie Chan, Chris Tucker and Max Von Sydow.