 In the years following its release , the novel was often adapted for the stage . Two theatrical productions in 1835 – several months after the book 's publication – sustained its popularity and increased the public 's regard for Balzac . In the 20th century , a number of film versions were produced , including adaptations directed by Travers Vale ( 1915 ) , Jacques de Baroncelli ( 1922 ) , and Paddy Russell ( 1968 ) . The name of Rastignac , meanwhile , has become an iconic sobriquet in the French language ; a " Rastignac " is synonymous with a person willing to climb the social ladder at any cost . 
